Regional Educational Laboratory Deputy Director

REL Deputy Director


Position Summary


FHI 360 is searching for a Deputy Director based near our headquarters in North Carolina, or in a nearby state in the southeastern United States, to support the Project Director of a regional education research initiative. The Deputy Director will be responsible for day-to-day oversight of technical and operational management of a multi-state research center and will coordinate staff, partnerships, projects, quality assurance and technical workstreams, ensuring research activities are responsive, well-integrated, timely, and aligned with goals and expectations. ** Must be based in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, or Alabama.


Key Responsibilities


Project & Partnership Coordination

• Support oversight and coordination of research partnerships and projects across the southern region.

• Ensure strong communication and coordination among technical teams, partners, and subcontractors.

• Support development and refinement of partnership logic models, measurement plans, and project proposals.

• Coordinate cross-project learning and alignment across applied research, TCTS, and dissemination activities.

Operational Management

• Support management of day-to-day center operations and implementation.

• Track deliverables, milestones, staffing, and reporting requirements.

• Support preparation of annual work plans, monthly reports, meeting materials, and other contract deliverables.

• Coordinate internal quality assurance and compliance processes.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance on project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and evidence use.

• Support review of research, TCTS, and dissemination products for quality and usability.

• Help ensure work products are accessible, actionable, and aligned to stakeholder needs.

Federal Coordination & Communications

• Participate in regular meetings with the COR and federal partners.

• Support coordination with other federal TA providers.

• Represent FHI 360 in stakeholder meetings, conferences, and collaborative activities as appropriate.

Staff Supervision & Team Leadership

• Supervise project staff and consultants as assigned.

• Support onboarding, mentoring, and coordination of technical staff.

• Foster collaboration and communication across distributed teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree required; (PhD preferred) in education, public policy, social sciences, or related field.

• Must be based in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, or Alabama.

• Minimum 8 years of experience supporting education research, technical assistance, or education systems strengthening initiatives.

• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and workstreams.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating education-focused technical assistance or research activities.

• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.

• Experience working with SEAs, LEAs, or other education stakeholders.

• Demonstrated record of research dissemination and publication, including authored or co-authored technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, policy briefs, conference presentations, or practitioner-oriented publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federally funded education contracts or cooperative agreements.

• Familiarity with IES, RELs, Comprehensive Centers, or ED technical assistance programs.

• Experience supporting applied research dissemination and evidence use initiatives.

• Experience coordinating geographically distributed teams and partnerships.

• Existing professional relationships with education stakeholders in the Southeast region.

The expected US Based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidates FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget.


Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.


US Based Hiring Salary Range: USD 120,000 - 150,000 annually

International hiring ranges will differ based on location"


This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding:FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants' previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant's tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others - and yourself.


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