Senior Director, Scientific Data Operations and Dissemination

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026 Department: KNA-Knowledge & Advising Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: New York City, New York Reporting To: VP, Research & Evaluation Compensation: $135,000 - $190,000 / year The Senior Director, Scientific Data Operations and Dissemination will oversee all aspects of data collection, management, and analysis for research and evaluation-related data at The Jed Foundation (JED). This role is responsible for the collection, accuracy, consistency, and reliability of JED’s research and evaluation-related data, which includes data collected to support program delivery, decision-making, and fidelity, program evaluation and continuous program quality improvement initiatives, and research (using data collected by JED or in partnership with external research or academic organizations. Of note, JED collects original research data from schools across the country representing more than 20,000 students every year.). The Senior Director will lead efforts to: conduct data collection in alignment with IRB-approved tools and procedures; develop and implement initiatives that monitor and continuously improve data quality; develop documentation and resources to ensure consistency in data use (for example, survey cross-walks, codebooks, and standard research-aligned coding procedures); and shape processes to ensure data are available to internal and external partners to improve programmatic implementation, fidelity, quality, and impact. This role will also oversee data analysis for program evaluation and research efforts, leveraging a strong statistical background to ensure high-quality, robust analyses and publication of findings. The Senior Director will lead a team dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality and will work closely with leadership to provide research and evaluation data expertise to ensure robust decisions and standards for data collection, management, and analysis. This role will collaborate across departments to support JED’s mission, with a specific focus on ensuring that JED’s data can be used to reliably and consistently support program delivery, decision-making, and fidelity, strengthen data and research dissemination, be used to communicate about JED’s impact, and inform the broader field about trends in youth mental health and suicide prevention. Key Responsibilities Data Collection: Oversee JED’s research and evaluation-related data collection infrastructure, including programmatic and survey data, to ensure accurate data collection tools are consistently and reliably deployed to school, community, and other partners. Develop data collection procedures and recommendations in alignment with data security and privacy standards, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliance. Ensure JED’s data collection, management, and analysis efforts are compliant with JED’s approved IRB protocols and security standards. Advise efforts to build scalable research and evaluation data collection tools that meet JED’s evaluation aims while maximizing research data collection over time. Support and advise efforts that ensure that deployment of JED’s research and evaluation-related data collection tools meet the highest quality and accuracy standards. Recommend routine updates to JED’s data collection instruments in order to improve data quality and use. Data Management and Oversight: Collaborate with the Digital Products and Technology teams to leverage JED’s integrated data warehouse infrastructure to support research and evaluation-related data processes. Develop and implement comprehensive data management practices, including data documentation, survey and item cross-walks, codebooks, and analytic guidance. Ensure the accuracy and consistency of all programmatic and research data collected, including by conducting regular data quality coding checks and recommending data quality improvement processes. Oversee and implement standard analytic coding decisions to ensure data can be used reliably, consistently, and expediently in alignment with available research. Engage with colleagues across JED to identify opportunities to reduce program data redundancy across systems, with a focus on streamlining these data to improve quality. Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement quality assurance protocols to ensure and support high standards of program delivery and impact, including identifying opportunities to use data to improve program fidelity and implementation. Data Analysis and Reporting: Oversee the analysis of diverse sources of research and evaluation-related data (including JED’s survey and programmatic data, data collected with external partners, and data that is publicly available) that advance JED’s scientific, data translation, and impact priorities. Recommend appropriate statistical methods in alignment with research or evaluation questions to support scientific advancement and data dissemination. Produce and present detailed reports or presentations on data findings to internal and external stakeholders. Ensure data is effectively utilized for publications or reports, data briefs, presentations, grant applications, and donor reports. Lead and collaborate on research and evaluation studies, including publications or data briefs, in alignment with JED-aligned scientific questions and priorities. Inform the design and execution of research and evaluation-related data dashboards and reports to support implementation and improvement of JED’s programs, as well as to monitor trends in the field of youth mental health and suicide prevention. Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor a team of scientists and analysts. Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. Provide training and support to staff on data collection, management, analysis, and dissemination best practices and tools, including how to use data to improve practice. Compliance and Ethical Standards: Ensure compliance with all relevant data protection regulations and ethical standards. Develop and enforce policies to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. Stay updated on data collection best practices, relevant analytic methods, and emerging trends in data management. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Doctoral or Master’s Degree in the quantitative behavioral sciences, statistics, public health, or a related field with substantial training in quantitative research methods and management. 7+ years of experience leading research studies, including data collection, management, and analysis components, in the field of youth suicide prevention or JED-aligned interests, such as mental health, substance use, injury and violence prevention, or behavioral health promotion. Proven experience in a leadership role, including staff mentorship and supervision or in leading a team of diverse, multi-disciplinary data specialists and scientists. Strong background in overseeing research data collection and management, as well as a history of using and understanding a range of research or evaluation methodologies. Strong understanding of data protection regulations and ethical standards, including experience with ensuring data collection is Institutional Review Board compliant. Excellent quantitative research and data management skills, including experience developing data documentation, data quality processes, and proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS, Python) for a range of analytic methodologies. Experience with data collection and management tools, preferably Qualtrics. Familiarity with data visualization best practices, including how to translate data to various audiences through data dashboards or reports. Basic experience with using data visualization software, such as PowerBI or Looker, is preferred but not required. Experience or interest in learning about how to leverage enterprise data warehouse infrastructure, such as Snowflake, for research and evaluation data management. Experience publishing research or evaluation findings in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and concise manner. Ability to work collaboratively with program staff, funders, partners, and other stakeholders. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Jed Foundation (JED)