Director of Economic and Public Policy Research: UMass

UMass Donahue Institute

As a leading provider of economic and public policy research for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond, the UMass Donahue Institute produces the economic journal MassBenchmarks (www.massbenchmarks.org), is home to the Massachusetts State Data Center, is he Federal-State Cooperative for Population Estimates (FSCPE) representative for Massachusetts, and conducts a significant number of client-sponsored economic research studies annually. Our applied economic research studies help clients make informed decisions about strategic economic and public policy issues in a wide range of subject areas.

We are seeking a Director for our Economic and Public Policy Research unit (EPPR) that consists of an outstanding team of twelve research and professional staff (plus graduate students and several affiliated faculty). Along with a commitment to public service, the ideal candidate will be a knowledge leader, outstanding communicator, program developer, collaborator and experienced manager and researcher. Familiarity with relevant research areas and potential clients in Massachusetts and New England, including industry, government, professional associations, and non-profit organizations is preferred. Because the unit is primarily engaged in funded research, our ideal candidate must also be entrepreneurial with demonstrated grant and contract development experience. A working knowledge of relevant software programs such as MS Office Suite including Excel and knowledge of statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, and/or SAS, and Arc GIS is preferred.The EPPR Director oversees the four core program areas in the unit. These include: 1) Grants and Contracts: high level, detailed industry studies and applied economic and public policy research that help build credibility, gain visibility, educate constituents, and plan economic development initiatives; 2) MassBenchmarks (www.massbenchmarks.org), the journal of the Massachusetts economy published in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; 3) the Massachusetts State Data Center, which manages the Commonwealth's relationship with the U.S. Census; and, 4) the Population Estimates Program, which conducts in-depth demographic research related to population estimates that inform census counts.

Minimum qualifications include a PhD in economics, public policy, sociology, or related discipline; experience in applied economic research; and demonstrated management experience. Travel is required, mainly within Massachusetts. This position reports to the Executive Director and Deputy Director of the UMass Donahue Institute. This position is not a faculty appointment. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Send a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references to: UMass Donahue Institute (c/o Ms. Katera Como), 100 Venture Way, Suite 9, Hadley, MA 01035. Credentials may be submitted electronically to kcomo@donahue.umassp.edu. The review process will begin August 31. Position will remain open until filled.

The University of Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer.