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SENIOR POLICY ASSOCIATE
Job Title: SENIOR POLICY ASSOCIATE
Job Code: 2439
FLSA: E
Job Level: 81
Revised Date: 04/01/2021
Job Family: JF 05
Occupational Summary
This position collaborates with the Area Director in design and management of research and policy solutions. This position may also have an assignment to manage a group of programs in a specific area, field, or subsector of the field providing principal leadership and expertise in planning and conducting complex research and program activities.
The Senior Policy Associate also has an active and pivotal role in developing and implementing a plan for strategic growth of the assigned program and/or subprogram area and leads the effort to identify, propose, and manage fundraising activities.
Work Performed
Plan and conduct independent and collaborative research and publish results internally and in peer reviewed academic journals, as appropriate.
Provide active leadership in engaging with university faculty, external stakeholders, and policymakers by actively leading in the development and operation of faculty working groups and attending relevant on campus and off campus meetings, gatherings and events.
Assume principal leadership role in raising funds for research projects in the subprogram area by presenting and negotiating plans for cooperative or sponsored research projects.
Serve as a point of contact for the subprogram area with foundation program officers and other external stakeholders, including representatives of nonprofits, corporations, and corporate philanthropies.
Develop, secure, and manage research funding independently, serving as the principal investigator on projects.
Independently manage grant funds and projects, including spending. Report to Duke offices charged with project monitoring, as well as to funders regarding project progress, performance, completion, and impacts.
Provide leadership and expertise for the Institute in developing plans for research projects, interpreting results of projects and preparing publications.
Provide and deliver oral and written presentations to relay project information to target audiences.
Plan for and actively pursue opportunities for communication to external stakeholders.
Take initiative in collaborating with other Institute programs on strategic program initiatives, with special attention given to finding ways to integrate work across various program areas.
Serve as the principal representative for the subprogram field through travel to meetings, conferences, and donor solicitations, and deliver formal presentations as appropriate.
Respond directly and independently to requests for information, including legislative drafting, from government officials and other key audiences.
Recruit, manage, and supervise research staff, including the conduction of their periodic performance reviews and evaluations.
Recruit, supervise, train and mentor multiple graduate student research assistants and interns.
Identify and create opportunities for publicizing the Institutes work, including informing external stakeholders about research projects and output.
Identify and put into place new opportunities for involving Duke students in Institute research and follow through with implementing means to ensure student involvement.
Depending on expertise and specific duties, procure, design, and operate economic or technical models or tools in assigned program areas.
Take the lead in planning and conducting meetings, workshops, conferences, and events related to the subprogram field, working to directly engage faculty and stakeholders in the planning and execution of the events.
Communicate understanding of scientific and policy based approaches to the Institutes target audiences through written and oral presentations.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Master's degree in science, engineering, law, policy, or a field directly related to the position. PhD or JD preferred.
Experience
Five years of progressive experience in policy research and analysis at the international, federal, regional and/or state level.
Or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
Skills
Knowledge and expertise in the policy, economic, legal and/or scientific aspects of the subprogram area. Management, organizational and interpersonal skills Excellent oral and written communication skills Demonstrated track record and skill in raising funds for projects and subprogram area Designation, or expected designation, as a principal investigator for the University Ability and willingness to travel
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
