Interise builds an inclusive economy through the growth of established small businesses that are owned by people of color or located in low-wealth communities.  Interise's award-winning curriculum uses a peer-learning method to provide business owners with the knowledge, know-how, and networks necessary to grow and scale. As Interise companies grow, they contribute to local job creation and build community wealth. Interise companies historically create new jobs at 5x the rate of the private sector and are responsible for the creation of over 30,000 new jobs.


Position Summary

The Director of Research & Evaluation implements and oversees the Interise’s research agenda; oversees the strategies and tactics of program and impact evaluation for Interise’s curricula, initiatives, projects, and events; manages research and evaluation staff and advises cross functionally.


Position Responsibilities

·         Establish and implement a national research agenda in the small business and economic development spheres that advances Interise’s mission.

·         Stay current on research in the economic development field and trends related to small business overall; and within low and moderate income communities and among racial and ethnic minorities.

·         Design, conduct, and oversee rigorous quantitative and qualitative research projects.

·         Manage research projects to scope, budget, and schedule.

·         Collaborate with Marketing & Communications Team to share research findings internally and externally to a variety of audiences.

·         Select and manage consultants for research projects as needed.

·         Represent Interise at research and economic development conferences, and in other external facing capacities.

·         Develop external research collaborations and relationships that advance Interise as a thought leader in small business and economic development.

·         Communicate, present to, engage, and interact with the Board of Directors.

·         Collaborate with the Development, and Partnerships Teams to raise funds to help support Research functions.

·         Develop and approve scopes of work for Research for grant applications, letters of intent, etc.

·         Develop and oversee an annual evaluation and research budget(s), in collaboration with project teams and Finance and Administration Team.

·         Oversee program and impact evaluation, ensuring rigorous processes and data integrity.

·         Manage evaluation process improvement as needed; manage survey instrument design and redesign as needed.

·         Advise on need for evaluation process and instruments by Interise departments and partners.

·         Develop evaluation processes and instruments for new curricula, programs, initiatives, events, etc.

·         Oversee the analysis for and production of Interise’s Annual Impact Report.

·         Build and manage the Research and Evaluation Team.


Position Qualifications

·         Masters Degree in Economics, Business, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or related social sciences; PhD preferred and may substitute for 2 years of professional experience.

·         Seven to ten years of senior level experience as a research program manager at a nonprofit, government agency, institution of higher education, or public policy institute.

·         Experience conducting applied research in economic development and public policy.

·         Experience translating technical research findings to actionable policy recommendations and messaging for a variety of audiences.

·         Proficient in econometric modeling, economic development, and impact evaluation.

·         Experience in project management.

·         Demonstrated leadership and ability to motivate teams.

·         Possess executive presence and demeanor to participate in Board meetings and represent Interise externally.


For any additional questions, please reach out to

Sr. Director of Strategy & External Relations,

Deirdre Coyle at dcoyle@interise.org


 Interise is an equal opportunity employer.           

Ours is a multi-cultural team and we thrive on diversity.

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