Job Overview
The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Join Howard University and thrive with us!
Job Purpose
The Research Manager is responsible for executing the research program envisioned by the Founding Director, in consultation with the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research. This individual acts as a project manager for all HIAS research activity, ensuring high quality and fulfilment of deadlines. They conduct primary and secondary research, conduct fact-checks, supervise a team of Research Assistants, and handle all research-related communication with internal and external partners. The ideal candidate will share a commitment to HIAS’s mission and possess a passion for translating academic research for public audiences across a variety of media (books, articles, television, social media, film, podcasts). They will have a pulse on research developments that promise to engage public-facing audiences. The Research Manager reports directly to the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research.
Supervisory Authority
This role supervises a team of two to three full-time research assistants, and two to three part-time student research assistants.
Nature And Scope
This position interacts with faculty, staff, students, and internal and external contacts.
Research – Principal Accountabilities
* Conduct research (history and other social science fields, as needed) in primary and secondary sources
* Fact-check and copy-edit research products prior to publication
* Synthesize academic research findings for public audiences
* Stay abreast of current events and research trends, and communicate analyses that might serve public-facing audiences to the Director, Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research, The Emancipator editors, staff and journalists, and others
* Identify experts and archives of interest for research projects
* Develop research standards and protocols in collaboration with the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research
* Oversee team-wide compliance with proper research protocols and citations according to the Chicago Manual of Style
Management
* Ensure project and team alignment with the Director’s vision
* Provide daily supervision to Research Assistants, including assigning research tasks, fielding and answering research-related questions, identifying and addressing inefficiencies, problem-solving, and ensuring deadlines are met
* Guide the professional development of Research Assistants, identifying strengths, areas for growth, and working with the Director and the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research to identify opportunities to assist in that growth
* Build a team of self-starters who also excel in collaborative work
Collaboration And Communication
* Work closely with the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research to manage the workflow of Research Assistants
* Correspond and coordinate with internal (HIAS staff and fellows, Emancipator editors and journalists, Howard University staff and administrators) and external (scholars, publishers, producers, production companies) partners to ensure quality and timely delivery of research products
Core Competencies
Technical Proficiency:
* Highly skilled in historical research, writing, and project management
* Experience navigating archives and online academic databases
* Experience creating academic citations in Chicago style
* Competency in reading and synthesizing research outside field of expertise
Attention To Detail:
* Meticulous in reviewing content for factual and copy-editing errors
* Proven and constant commitment to ensuring accuracy
* Expertise in identifying reputable and reliable sourcing
Organizational Skills:
* Effectively manage own and direct reports’ time to meet project deadlines
* Handle multiple tasks and adjust priorities based on project needs
* Co-create research standards and protocols with Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research to train existing and new hires in practices that will facilitate high-quality and timely research products
* Organize research-related documents (research documents, research reports, digital archives) in a neat, logical, and easily accessible way for internal use and sharing with relevant partners
Analytical Thinking:
* Identify inefficiencies in the overall research process and discuss them with relevant stakeholders
* Stay attuned to the historical throughlines in current events
* Conceive of and communicate compelling research topics and approaches with internal and external partners
Communication Skills:
* Clear and effective written and verbal communication
* Model and cultivate a compassion-informed communication style when providing feedback that both prioritizes project execution and values individual strengths and needs
Collaborative Skills:
* Work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision as a researcher and project manager, and collaboratively as a team player with all internal and external partners
Adaptability:
* Flexibility to shift individual and team priorities on short notice
* Remain committed to personal and professional growth
Project Management:
* Develop research plans and oversee projects in each phase, from inception to completion
* Keep team on task and on schedule
Minimum Requirements
* Based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
* Education: Ph.D. in History, African American Studies, or a related field
* Historical research background in racist policies and/or practices
* Knowledge of proper research methods and proper citation practices (Chicago Manual of Style)
* Experience locating historical documents, secondary research, and navigating relevant archives and databases
* Demonstrated proficiency in project management and leadership
* Excellent attention to detail
* Strong verbal and written communications skills
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Compensation Rate: $75,000 to $85,000
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