Current Positions Available:
Updated June 3, 2010
LPFI currently has the following positions open for submission of application materials:
- Director of Research
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POSITION: Director of Research
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
STATUS: Full time with benefits
Organization Summary: Level Playing Field Institute (www.lpfi.org) is a Bay Area-based non-profit organization that works to increase fairness in education and the workplace by administering education programs and conducting workplace research aimed to identify and remove barriers to full participation. LPFI is funded by private donors, foundations and corporate giving. LPFI runs two education programs, the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) Academy for high-achieving low-income high school students of color in the Bay Area and the Initiative for Diversity in Education and Leadership (IDEAL) Scholars program for low-income underrepresented students at the University of California at Berkeley. Our vision is that all students, regardless of socio-economic status, have the opportunity to apply to and graduate from top colleges and universities. LPFI’s workplace fairness program develops tools and research to mitigate bias in the workplace for women, people of color, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender professionals and to reframe the discussion about workplace diversity to focus on fairness.
POSITION SUMMARY: LPFI seeks a highly qualified applicant for the position of Director of Research. The candidate will conduct and manage empirical research relating to hidden bias and barriers of individuals or groups in the workplace, K-12, and higher education. Research will be both quantitative and qualitative, but focused on exploring practical problems and demonstrating practical solutions for individuals and organizations. A current project is already underway which the Director of Research will manage through publication. This project utilizes groundbreaking animated videos (“machinima”) as a platform to examine hidden biases and barriers in tech environments. The Director of Research will also develop relationships with partner organizations and coordinate these efforts. The candidate must have substantial empirical research experience in the social sciences or a related field.
To view one of LPFI’s past studies about unfairness in corporate workplaces, go to: http://www.lpfi.org/workplace/corporateleavers.html
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Conduct original empirical research relating to hidden biases and barriers
- Conduct ‘exploratory’ research on potential LPFI projects
- Contribute research to current LPFI projects
- Collaborate with LPFI staff on research projects
- Help grow the field of hidden bias research, helping to convene researchers across disciplines (e.g. psychology, economics, business, education)
- Write and publish memos, papers, and detailed final reports summarizing research
- Coordinate with fundraising staff to secure sponsorship and grants to support the research
- Present findings at conferences, workshops, and corporate engagements as the representative of LPFI
- Serve on the senior management team as one of four members
- Manage a small staff of 1-2 people
- Undertake additional research and other duties as necessary
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of Masters degree, preferably PhD, in Economics, Education, Business or a Social Science
- General work experience in a corporate and/or educational setting
- At least seven years of professional experience, preferably working with underserved populations
- Experience managing research teams and working collaboratively with various entities
- Experience conducting original research from both secondary and primary sources
- Ability to write succinctly and well for both academic and non-academic audiences
- Ability to take initiative, analyze and prioritize assignments, and work independently and on a team
- Experience handling numerous tasks simultaneously
- Flexibility about the projects being researched
- Good sense of humor
- Will exemplify LPFI’s Organizational Values:
- Teamwork
- Personal integrity and accountability
- Transformation and growth
- Openness and transparency
- Individual initiative
- Sustainability and impact
APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply for this position, please email your resume and cover letter as PDF or Word attachments to Robert Schwartz at research@lpfi.org (with “Director of Research” in the subject title). Position open until filled.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
LPFI provides competitive compensation commensurate with experience, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life/disability insurance, paid time off, 401K, and flexible spending accounts (i.e. parking, transit, medical and dependent care). Our dog-friendly, eco-retrofitted office is located in the SOMA district of San Francisco. LPFI shares space with other like-minded organizations (start-ups, foundations, non-profits) and has excellent access to public transportation. Some unique benefits: lunch is provided for staff twice weekly; we match charitable donations up to $1000 a year; and staff may take a paid volunteer day each quarter.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/ harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/ domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination/ harassment based on "protected categories," Level Playing Field Institute also strives to prevent other, subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (e.g., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at Level Playing Field Institute.
We value a diverse workforce: PEOPLE OF COLOR STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
