Senior Director of Research & Training

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Director of Research & Training

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Department: Hanna Institute

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Updated: June 2026

Job Summary

The Senior Director of the Institute and Training provides executive leadership for the Hanna Institute, research and evaluation and serves as a key member of the Hanna Center’s Senior Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is responsible for setting and executing the strategic vision for Hanna Center’s training, consulting, research, and community impact initiatives. The Senior Director leads the development and expansion of innovative training programs, consulting services, and partnerships, that advance trauma-informed, healing-centered, and resilience-focused practices across organizations and communities.

The role drives organizational growth, innovation, and sustainability through strategic planning, business development, operational excellence, and thought leadership. The Senior Director collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to position the Hanna Institute as a recognized leader and trusted resource in trauma-informed care, workforce development, organizational transformation, and community well-being.

Essential Functions

Executive Leadership and Strategy

- Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organization-wide strategic planning and decision-making.

- Partner with the CEO to establish and execute a long-term vision and growth strategy for the Hanna Institute.

- Identify opportunities to expand the Institute’s impact, influence, and financial sustainability through training, consulting, research, and strategic partnerships.

- Advise executive leadership on emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges related to trauma-informed systems, workforce development, organizational change, and community wellness.

- Lead cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and mission impact.

- Represent Hanna Center and the CEO at community, industry, governmental, and philanthropic meetings, events, and conferences.

Institute Leadership and Program Excellence

- Provide strategic oversight for all Institute training programs, consulting services, learning experiences, research initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

- Ensure all Institute products and services are evidence-informed, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and aligned with organizational values.

- Lead the development of innovative training curricula, learning products, consulting frameworks, and service offerings.

- Establish quality standards, evaluation processes, and performance metrics to assess effectiveness and outcomes.

- Promote continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making and stakeholder feedback.

Business Development and Revenue Growth

- Develop and implement strategies to increase earned revenue through training contracts, consulting services, licensing opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

- Collaborate with Development and Executive Leadership to identify and secure grant funding, sponsorships, and philanthropic investments.

- Cultivate and maintain relationships with public agencies, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and community partners.

- Develop new markets and opportunities that increase the reach and sustainability of the Institute’s services.

- Establish and monitor annual growth, revenue, and impact goals.

Operational and Financial Leadership

- Direct day-to-day operations of the Institute and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

- Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, contracts, and financial performance.

- Establish systems, policies, and procedures that support operational excellence, accountability, and scalability.

- Monitor key performance indicators and organizational outcomes to ensure achievement of strategic objectives.

- Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Development, Marketing, and Operations departments to support organizational success.

Talent Leadership and Organizational Development

- Recruit, supervise, develop, and retain high-performing staff, consultants, and facilitators.

- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.

- Establish clear performance expectations and support staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.

- Develop leadership capacity within the Institute and support succession planning efforts.

- Promote equity, cultural humility, and trauma-informed practices throughout all aspects of leadership and operations.

Research, Innovation, and Community Impact

- Guide research, evaluation, and thought leadership initiatives that position the Institute as a center of excellence.

- Support publication, presentation, and dissemination of promising practices and organizational learning.

- Serve as a subject matter expert and spokesperson on trauma-informed care, resilience, healing-centered engagement, and organizational transformation.

- Advance community awareness and understanding of trauma, adversity, resilience, and systems change.

- Develop strategic partnerships that strengthen community impact and collective outcomes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

- Provides direct supervision to the Institute, trainers, research, coordinators, consultants, and other assigned staff.

- Leads workforce development efforts and promotes mentoring, coaching, and leadership development opportunities.

- Ensures accountability for departmental goals, outcomes, and organizational values.

Core Competencies

- Executive Leadership

- Strategic Vision and Planning

- Business Development and Revenue Generation

- Organizational Development

- Financial Stewardship

- Change Leadership

- Program and Product Development

- Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

- Trauma-Informed Systems Leadership

- Innovation and Continuous Improvement

- Communication and Executive Presence

- Talent Development and Team Leadership

- Cultural Humility and Inclusion

- Results Orientation

Work Environment

- Frequent interaction with community partners, clients, funders, educational institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

- Local, regional, and occasional national travel required for meetings, conferences, trainings, and partnership development.

- May require occasional evening and weekend work based on organizational needs and event schedules.

Physical Demands

- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and move throughout office and community environments.

- Ability to travel independently to meetings, conferences, and training locations.

- Ability to safely lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

- Must be able to operate computers, audiovisual equipment, telephones, and other standard office technology.

Education and Experience

- Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Education, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.

- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in training, consulting, organizational development, behavioral health, education, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.

- Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading managers and multidisciplinary teams.

- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational growth, business development, and financial management.

- Experience developing and delivering professional learning, workforce development, consulting, or organizational capacity-building services.

- Proven ability to cultivate partnerships, secure funding, and generate revenue.

- Exceptional written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills.

- Strong project management, systems thinking, and organizational leadership capabilities.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

- Must successfully pass all required background checks and clearances applicable to Hanna Center programs.

- Must complete all required organizational trainings, including Mandated Child Abuse Reporting, Ethical Standards, and Crossing Boundaries of Employee Conduct.

- Valid California Driver’s License and ability to be insured under Hanna Center’s insurance policy.

- Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, healing-centered, culturally responsive, and equity-focused practices.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships in a dynamic environment.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Hanna is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Other Duties

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change at any time. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals.