Applied Research Dissemination Director

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefitting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration. https://www.cpc.unc.edu/about/

Carolina Demography is the applied demographic research unit of the Carolina Population Center ( CPC). The unit translates demographic and population health data and analyses into specific, usable information to support decision-making, planning, and program evaluation throughout North Carolina. Carolina Demography's clients include UNC faculty, external researchers, state and local governmental agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the media.

The Applied Research Dissemination Director's primary responsibilities include (1) working with the Carolina Demography applied research team to structure large datasets with sociodemographic, economic, and population health indicators at multiple levels of geography (e.g. Prosperity Zone, County, Census Tracts) to ensure efficient and accurate data queries for the production of high-level data dissemination products (e.g. county and regional profiles). (2) Working with Carolina Demography's applied research team and internal and external partners to lead efforts at designing and producing applied research products that disseminate data driven ideas for diverse audiences of stakeholders, providing technical expertise to ensure adherence to data visualization best practices. Products may include stagnant data visualizations, interactive dashboards, sociodemographic/economic profiles for custom geographies, print materials, and presentations. (3) Work directly with the Director and Programs Manager of Carolina Demography, to continuously update the unit's applied research dissemination policies and protocols and ensure research staff are trained and policies are implemented consistently.

The role will require face-to-face consulting with Carolina Demography's internal and external clients for data visualization, design, and technical needs, and the ability to translate the final design into automated systems using various statistical and visual coding languages and libraries.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Education & Experience:
* Educational background in a field that provides a strong foundation in data analysis, information design, or research dissemination. (e.g. Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Science, Geography/ GIS, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Sociology, Public Health, Graphic Design or closely related fields)
* Experience working on a professional research team, designing and producing high-level research dissemination products including data visualizations, dashboards, and reports for a variety of academic and non-academic stakeholders.
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple applied research and data dissemination products simultaneously, with a commitment to accuracy, version control, and timely completion.

Technical Competencies
* Experience with HTML, CSS, R, Rmarkdown, Adobe Creative Suite, Tableau, ArcGIS, and the ability to integrate across platforms when necessary.
* Ability to learn, adapt, and stay current with new technology, systems, and software
* Demonstrated knowledge/understanding of data visualization best practices.

Additional Competencies:
* Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a proactive approach to managing change and addressing challenges.
* Commitment to Mission: Successful candidates will demonstrate a passion for the mission of Carolina Demography and a commitment to promoting data-driven decision-making and planning across North Carolina.

At least 3-5 years of full-time experience working on a professional research team, designing and producing high-level research dissemination products including data visualizations, dashboards, and reports for a variety of academic and non-academic stakeholders.

5+ years of expereince with HTML, CSS, R, Rmarkdown, Adobe Creative Suite, Tableau, ArcGIS, and the ability to integrate across platforms when necessary.

North Carolina Expertise: Deep knowledge and experience working in or with North Carolina organizations, including an understanding of the state's geography and various regional definitions, demographic trends, population health patterns and trends, socio-economic landscape, and key policy issues.

Public Sector Experience: Familiarity with the workings of public sector organizations and an understanding of how demographic data can inform public policy and program development.

Community Engagement: Experience in engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders, ensuring that demographic analyses and recommendations are inclusive and consider the needs and perspectives of all population groups.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.