Boston University
DIRECTOR, POLICY-ALIGNED RESEARCH AGENDA, Wheelock College of Education and Huma
Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
DIRECTOR, POLICY-ALIGNED RESEARCH AGENDA
The Wheelock Educational Policy Center at Boston University seeks an entrepreneurial, research-minded, experienced policymaker to serve as the founding director of the Policy-Aligned Research Agenda Building Lab (PARABL).
Working closely with WEPC’s Executive Director, the director will launch this initiative and build systems, protocols and structures to ensure success, scale and sustainability. The role will shape WEPC's strategic direction and institutional reputation as PARABL becomes a signature initiative.
PARABL Initiative PARABL works directly with education system leaders (e.g., state chiefs, governors’ offices, CEOs of non‑profits) to build a roadmap of research questions strategically aligned with large‑scale system change.
Make the case for change
Know when and how to pivot
Solve the right problem
Through the model at PARABL, the WEPC team works closely with organization leaders to:
Set a clear purpose for a policy‑aligned research agenda
Facilitate strategic conversations with and between research scholars and policy experts
Assess feasibility, data viability and costs associated with various approaches
Facilitate matches between the client organization and individuals/entities best positioned to carry out the envisioned research
A research agenda produced through PARABL is a roadmap designed to support policymakers in key decision‑making over the long term of a change effort. It does not guarantee specific results and will require leaders to look hard at data and wrestle with findings.
Founding Director Role Through existing partnerships and projects, we have developed protocols, tools, and examples that serve as proof points of PARABL’s potential.
The director will build on this foundation and:
Create routines, processes and systems to operationalize the PARABL model efficiently, effectively and sustainably
Oversee and serve as lead facilitator of PARABL with client organizations
Lead efforts nationally to generate interest and demand for PARABL
Ideal candidate:
Has experience in a policy‑making role with responsibility for consequential systems‑level decisions
Is an expert facilitator, integrator and entrepreneurial innovator, capable of customizing research agendas to resonate with stakeholders
Has a strong research orientation and can point to examples of using data or research in decision‑making; values research expertise even if they lack formal research training
Is a strategic thinker who can manage project plans and deliver on dates and details, particularly in the early build‑out of PARABL
Core Responsibilities
Design, document, and continuously refine standardized processes, tools, protocols, and templates for policy‑aligned research agenda development; adapt model components to serve diverse client contexts and create scalable resources for future growth
Develop quality assurance mechanisms and metrics to evaluate PARABL’s effectiveness and impact; build internal knowledge management systems to capture learnings and best practices
Establish systems for matching client needs with appropriate researchers and research entities
Develop and manage revenue systems, fee‑for‑service structures, and PARABL operational budget with authority to allocate resources, approve expenditures, forecast revenue, and ensure financial sustainability
Serve as lead facilitator and strategic advisor to education leaders developing policy‑aligned research agendas; develop a vetting process for client fit and conduct needs assessments
Design and facilitate convenings that bridge policy and research communities; assess feasibility, data availability, and resource requirements for proposed research approaches
Lead cross‑functional collaboration with BU faculty, WEPC research staff, and external research partners; manage project timelines, deliverables, and client relationships to ensure high‑quality outcomes
Exercise independent judgment in complex, ambiguous situations including determining client fit and engagement scope, navigating competing stakeholder priorities, adapting methodology when standard approaches don’t apply, and making strategic pivots based on incomplete information
Build capacity to scale PARABL by recruiting, training, and supervising additional facilitators and project staff; manage performance and professional development of direct reports
Cultivate relationships with education systems leaders, state chiefs, governors’ offices, funders, and nonprofit leaders; develop and execute a strategic engagement plan to build a pipeline of prospective clients
Build and maintain partnerships with research institutions, individual scholars, and evaluation firms; identify opportunities to innovate and expand PARABL’s approach in an evolving research ecosystem
Collaborate with WEPC Executive Director to identify and develop funding opportunities; take lead responsibility for articulating PARABL’s value proposition through communications materials, case examples, and thought leadership content
Required Skills Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in a policy‑making role in education or a related public sector domain with demonstrated responsibility for systems‑level decisions and strategy
Proven facilitation and project management skills, including ability to convene diverse stakeholders, navigate complex conversations, build consensus, and manage timelines, budgets, and multiple workstreams simultaneously
Strong track record of using data and research to inform decision‑making, translating research findings into actionable policy insights
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences
Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity, including experience building new programs, processes, or initiatives
Preferred Qualifications
Senior leadership experience in a state education agency, governor’s office, or large education‑focused nonprofit (e.g., deputy commissioner, chief of staff, policy director)
Direct experience commissioning, overseeing, or partnering with researchers to conduct evaluation or policy research; familiarity with research methodologies (especially quasi‑experimental methods) and ability to assess research design quality
Experience in multiple policy contexts or states; knowledge of current education policy landscape, including major reform efforts, funding mechanisms, and key national organizations
National networks and relationships with education leaders, researchers, or intermediary organizations; experience presenting at national conferences or writing for publication
Background in change management or strategic planning in complex organizational environments; grant writing or fundraising experience
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Working closely with WEPC’s Executive Director, the director will launch this initiative and build systems, protocols and structures to ensure success, scale and sustainability. The role will shape WEPC's strategic direction and institutional reputation as PARABL becomes a signature initiative.
PARABL Initiative PARABL works directly with education system leaders (e.g., state chiefs, governors’ offices, CEOs of non‑profits) to build a roadmap of research questions strategically aligned with large‑scale system change.
Make the case for change
Know when and how to pivot
Solve the right problem
Through the model at PARABL, the WEPC team works closely with organization leaders to:
Set a clear purpose for a policy‑aligned research agenda
Facilitate strategic conversations with and between research scholars and policy experts
Assess feasibility, data viability and costs associated with various approaches
Facilitate matches between the client organization and individuals/entities best positioned to carry out the envisioned research
A research agenda produced through PARABL is a roadmap designed to support policymakers in key decision‑making over the long term of a change effort. It does not guarantee specific results and will require leaders to look hard at data and wrestle with findings.
Founding Director Role Through existing partnerships and projects, we have developed protocols, tools, and examples that serve as proof points of PARABL’s potential.
The director will build on this foundation and:
Create routines, processes and systems to operationalize the PARABL model efficiently, effectively and sustainably
Oversee and serve as lead facilitator of PARABL with client organizations
Lead efforts nationally to generate interest and demand for PARABL
Ideal candidate:
Has experience in a policy‑making role with responsibility for consequential systems‑level decisions
Is an expert facilitator, integrator and entrepreneurial innovator, capable of customizing research agendas to resonate with stakeholders
Has a strong research orientation and can point to examples of using data or research in decision‑making; values research expertise even if they lack formal research training
Is a strategic thinker who can manage project plans and deliver on dates and details, particularly in the early build‑out of PARABL
Core Responsibilities
Design, document, and continuously refine standardized processes, tools, protocols, and templates for policy‑aligned research agenda development; adapt model components to serve diverse client contexts and create scalable resources for future growth
Develop quality assurance mechanisms and metrics to evaluate PARABL’s effectiveness and impact; build internal knowledge management systems to capture learnings and best practices
Establish systems for matching client needs with appropriate researchers and research entities
Develop and manage revenue systems, fee‑for‑service structures, and PARABL operational budget with authority to allocate resources, approve expenditures, forecast revenue, and ensure financial sustainability
Serve as lead facilitator and strategic advisor to education leaders developing policy‑aligned research agendas; develop a vetting process for client fit and conduct needs assessments
Design and facilitate convenings that bridge policy and research communities; assess feasibility, data availability, and resource requirements for proposed research approaches
Lead cross‑functional collaboration with BU faculty, WEPC research staff, and external research partners; manage project timelines, deliverables, and client relationships to ensure high‑quality outcomes
Exercise independent judgment in complex, ambiguous situations including determining client fit and engagement scope, navigating competing stakeholder priorities, adapting methodology when standard approaches don’t apply, and making strategic pivots based on incomplete information
Build capacity to scale PARABL by recruiting, training, and supervising additional facilitators and project staff; manage performance and professional development of direct reports
Cultivate relationships with education systems leaders, state chiefs, governors’ offices, funders, and nonprofit leaders; develop and execute a strategic engagement plan to build a pipeline of prospective clients
Build and maintain partnerships with research institutions, individual scholars, and evaluation firms; identify opportunities to innovate and expand PARABL’s approach in an evolving research ecosystem
Collaborate with WEPC Executive Director to identify and develop funding opportunities; take lead responsibility for articulating PARABL’s value proposition through communications materials, case examples, and thought leadership content
Required Skills Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in a policy‑making role in education or a related public sector domain with demonstrated responsibility for systems‑level decisions and strategy
Proven facilitation and project management skills, including ability to convene diverse stakeholders, navigate complex conversations, build consensus, and manage timelines, budgets, and multiple workstreams simultaneously
Strong track record of using data and research to inform decision‑making, translating research findings into actionable policy insights
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences
Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity, including experience building new programs, processes, or initiatives
Preferred Qualifications
Senior leadership experience in a state education agency, governor’s office, or large education‑focused nonprofit (e.g., deputy commissioner, chief of staff, policy director)
Direct experience commissioning, overseeing, or partnering with researchers to conduct evaluation or policy research; familiarity with research methodologies (especially quasi‑experimental methods) and ability to assess research design quality
Experience in multiple policy contexts or states; knowledge of current education policy landscape, including major reform efforts, funding mechanisms, and key national organizations
National networks and relationships with education leaders, researchers, or intermediary organizations; experience presenting at national conferences or writing for publication
Background in change management or strategic planning in complex organizational environments; grant writing or fundraising experience
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