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Posted Job Title
Research Director, Wharton Risk Center

Job Profile Title
Research Investigator, Senior

Job Description Summary

The Wharton Risk Center seeks a Research Director that is deeply committed and enthusiastic about policy-relevant research on risk management, resilience, risk financing, decision-making, and climate risk and adaptation topics.  The Research Director will report to the Executive Director and play a key role in overseeing, managing, and developing Center research projects and activities. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished researcher, with experience managing research projects, supervising junior research staff, and fundraising for risk and resilience related research.  The Center is expanding and we seek a Research Director that can think creatively and strategically about building up the Center’s portfolio of work.

The Research Director will be a PI on a subset of Center projects, will help set research directions for the Center, and help secure grant funding for Center work. This person will also work to engage faculty affiliates in Center projects. This person will oversee Center postdocs and research associates and work with the Executive Director on postdoctoral and other research staff hiring. They will also assist in the recruiting and managing of visitors.  This person will be expected to maintain relationships with sponsors and research partners.

The Research Director will also be responsible for ensuring the website and other Center communications reflect the latest research activities.  They will work with other Center staff on outreach and engagement strategies around our work.  This person should be an effective communicator to wide and diverse audiences.  Occasional travel for meetings, briefings, and conferences will be required.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated thought leadership on topics related to the Center, be intellectually curious, and committed to linking knowledge and action.  They will foster a collegial work atmosphere, support colleagues, and mentor junior staff. They will be exceptionally well-organized and have the ability to deliver high-quality work on a deadline.

Job Description

• Principal investigator on research projects: produce high quality research; publish in academic journals; manage research projects; oversee junior research staff.
• Assist with outreach and communication of Center research, including content for monthly newsletters and the annual report; updates to the website; production of briefs and blogs.
• Research project fundraising (grant; sponsors).
• Maintain relationships with sponsors, research partners; involve and engage faculty; oversee postdocs and research assistants.
• Assist Executive Director and Faculty directors in Center strategy, growth, and development.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field
• At least 5 years work experience
• Project management experience
• Demonstrated expert in topics related to Risk Center work
• Excellent communicator with experience writing for and presenting to diverse audiences
• Very well organized and excellent time management
• Proven success in fundraising for research
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Exceptional writing skills

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Wharton School

Pay Range
$32,000.00 - $204,000.00

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.