Project Director, Early Head Start Family and Child Experiences Study (Baby FACES)

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

RTI's Center for Education serves as a hub for advancing evidence-based solutions that improve teaching, learning, and educational systems across the United States. The Center brings together experts in education research, data integration, program evaluation, technical assistance, analytics, and implementation science to help schools, districts, state agencies, and federal partners use data and research to inform decision-making and improve outcomes for learners. Through rigorous research, evaluation, technical assistance, and the development of innovative tools and services, the Center supports efforts to strengthen educational quality, equity, and effectiveness across the education continuum-from early childhood through postsecondary and workforce pathways.

Project Description

RTI is seeking a Project Director for the Early Head Start Family and Child Experiences Study (Baby FACES): Assessing the Ongoing Quality and Effectiveness of Early Head Start Programs. This program is funded by the Administration of Children and Families (ACF), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The mission of ACF is to foster health and well-being through federal leadership and resources for human services. Early Head Start (EHS) programs provide comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and their families, aiming to promote child development and family self-sufficiency. The primary objective of Baby FACES 2029 is to design a nationally representative study of EHS programs to describe program variation, quality, and identify effective approaches to promote child and family outcomes. The anticipated study will operate for a base period of 5 years, with several optional extension periods that may be added at ACF's discretion.

Responsibilities

The Project Director will serve as primary liaison and representative with ACF and will be responsible for overall management, strategic direction, and leadership of Baby FACES activities. The Project Director will be responsible for assuring that all work provided under the contract is technically sound and appropriate for the needs to be addressed. The Project Director will be responsible for ensuring effective day-to-day operations for the work performed under this contract. This role requires subject matter expertise in research and evaluation related to Early Head Start programs. The Project Director will track and monitor projects and deliverables; and develop, gain approval of, and manage detailed project scopes, workplans, and timelines. The Project Director will work closely with the study's Principal Investigator.

This position is contingent upon study contract award.

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Serve as the primary liaison and representative to ACF, managing the overall client relationship and ensuring that project activities align with federal requirements and expectations

• Provide overall management, strategic direction, and leadership for all Baby FACES activities, personnel, and project operations

• Ensure that all work conducted under the contract is technically sound, high quality, and responsive to program needs

• Oversee day-to-day project operations, including coordination of staff, activities, and project resources

• Develop, obtain approval for, and manage detailed project scopes, workplans, timelines, and deliverables, while tracking progress and performance

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator and project leadership team to ensure effective execution of the study and achievement of project objectives

• Supervise senior technical and operational staff, including performance management, staff development, recruitment, and retention efforts

• Monitor project budgets, expenditures, and performance metrics, ensuring contractual compliance, timely deliverables, and achievement of study targets and outcomes

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 12 years of experience or a PhD and 8 years of experience in similar professional services

• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex, national-scale studies in the U.S.

• Early Head Start expertise, including experience with EHS program evaluations, is required

• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including ACF officials, partners, EHS staff, teachers, families, and civil society organizations, including tribal entities

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and an ability to manage projects with remote offices and team members

• Demonstrated experience utilizing innovative approaches to deliver program results cost-effectively

• First-class writing and communication skills in English

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.