ITHAKA is seeking a Principal to join our research and consulting group, Ithaka S+R. In this role, you will grow the Justice Initiatives program, which is a substantial component of Ithaka S+R’s business portfolio. You will also help to maintain the significant strategic connections to ITHAKA’s mission to make JSTOR and other content available to incarcerated learners, and build the organization’s reputation and relationships in the justice world, as well as other communities we serve as relevant.

You will pursue a program of mission-aligned work with significant autonomy and will be responsible for securing revenue to achieve sustainability and measurable growth over time. You will manage and grow a team, work cross-functionally across ITHAKA and Ithaka S+R, represent Ithaka S+R and your work externally, and develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders in relevant communities.

The Principal is an integral member of Ithaka S+R, significantly contributing to its strategic direction. This position will collaborate closely with members of the senior leadership group such as the directors, vice presidents, and managing director of Ithaka S+R.

‍

Salary

$96,000–$120,000

‍

Responsibilities

Principals at Ithaka S+R develop and pursue a program of mission-aligned work, with accountability for meeting revenue and performance expectations in your area.

• Effectively manage, strategically grow, and increase the impact of a large portfolio of research, advisory, and/or implementation projects or a well-established program, as determined by size and complexity
• Establish program goals and objectives using ITHAKA frameworks and ensure progress on these strategic priorities on a quarterly cycle
• Secure new business by preparing proposals and budgets, pitching funders, responding to RFPs, and collaborating with colleagues across the organization
• Take responsibility for securing the revenue necessary to support the work of the program
• Serve as a key relationship holder, and actively cultivate new relationships with potential partners and funders to lay the groundwork for new projects
• Grow the public profile of Ithaka S+R’s work and serve as the external expert on topics relevant to your research agenda and expertise

‍

Principals at Ithaka S+R steward the people and resources in Ithaka S+R and in their individual programs

• Manage a growing roster of direct reports, including managers, and hold them accountable to meet ambitious deadlines and produce high-quality work
• Manage systems and procedures to optimize organizational assets, including overseeing direct reports’ and other collaborators’ use of relevant systems and procedures
• Collaborate with finance partner(s) and other stakeholders to regularly track and report the portfolio/program’s business growth to ensure financial targets are met
• Serve as a thought partner and mentor to all staff, including direct reports, and create a culture of teamwork among direct reports and other colleagues
• Contribute to the development of the skills and expertise of Ithaka S+R staff

• Formally and informally assess the performance of your direct reports, contributing to a culture focused on development, support, and performance

Principals in this role pursue rigorous, innovative research and consulting projects with high potential for impact and execute on those projects with quality and timeliness

• Analyze the effects of education, research enterprise, or other related policies and programs that have the potential to increase higher education access and success for historically marginalized students
• Stay abreast of new advances in policies, methodologies, and technologies and integrate those advances in project work and staff development
• Provide key insights and advice to clients, policymakers, and other decision-makers in your areas of expertise
• Deepen Ithaka S+R’s relationship to the policymaking and academic research community by disseminating your findings to a variety of audiences, including by presenting at conferences and submitting manuscripts to academic journals

‍

Experience and Skills

Any combination of professional experience, volunteer work, coursework, and other transferable skills may be applied toward these qualifications. Candidates need not demonstrate all criteria to be considered for the role.

• Master’s or doctoral degree in a field that requires strong writing and analysis skills
• Demonstrated understanding of major topics in education research, policy, and/or practice and established track record of thought leadership
• Progressive leadership in developing and overseeing a portfolio of complex projects, including tracking portfolio finances, managing people, and collaborating cross-functionally
• Ability to translate complex concepts and research data into compelling, accessible, and well-written reports and engaging presentations
• Ability to lead in complex working environments, including navigating relationships and stakeholder interests and making sense of ambiguity
• Ability to prioritize and manage your own work, perform well under pressure, and meet deadlines, while ensuring acute attention to detail and accuracy
• Extensive experience conducting mixed-methods research, including in an oversight capacity with other researcher contributors in different areas of specialization
• Commitment to ITHAKA’s values of belonging, evidence, speed, teamwork, and trust