Applied Research Dissemination Director

Position Summary/Description:

Carolina Demography is the applied demographic research unit of the Carolina Population Center (CPC). The unit translates demographic and population health data and analyses into specific, usable information to support decision-making, planning, and program evaluation throughout North Carolina. Carolina Demography's clients include UNC faculty, external researchers, state and local governmental agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the media.

The Applied Research Dissemination Director's primary responsibilities include (1) working with the Carolina Demography applied research team to structure large datasets with sociodemographic, economic, and population health indicators at multiple levels of geography (e.g. Prosperity Zone, County, Census Tracts) to ensure efficient and accurate data queries for the production of high-level data dissemination products (e.g. county and regional profiles). (2) Working with Carolina Demography's applied research team and internal and external partners to lead efforts at designing and producing applied research products that disseminate data driven ideas for diverse audiences of stakeholders, providing technical expertise to ensure adherence to data visualization best practices. Products may include stagnant data visualizations, interactive dashboards, sociodemographic/economic profiles for custom geographies, print materials, and presentations. (3) Work directly with the Director and Programs Manager of Carolina Demography, to continuously update the unit's applied research dissemination policies and protocols and ensure research staff are trained and policies are implemented consistently.

The role will require face-to-face consulting with Carolina Demography's internal and external clients for data visualization, design, and technical needs, and the ability to translate the final design into automated systems using various statistical and visual coding languages and libraries.

Education and Experience:

At least 3-5 years of full-time experience working on a professional research team, designing and producing high-level research dissemination products including data visualizations, dashboards, and reports for a variety of academic and non-academic stakeholders.

5+ years of expereince with HTML, CSS, R, Rmarkdown, Adobe Creative Suite, Tableau, ArcGIS, and the ability to integrate across platforms when necessary.

North Carolina Expertise: Deep knowledge and experience working in or with North Carolina organizations, including an understanding of the state's geography and various regional definitions, demographic trends, population health patterns and trends, socio-economic landscape, and key policy issues.

Public Sector Experience: Familiarity with the workings of public sector organizations and an understanding of how demographic data can inform public policy and program development.

Community Engagement: Experience in engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders, ensuring that demographic analyses and recommendations are inclusive and consider the needs and perspectives of all population groups.

Essential Skills:

Education & Experience:

• Educational background in a field that provides a strong foundation in data analysis, information design, or research dissemination. (e.g. Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Science, Geography/GIS, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Sociology, Public Health, Graphic Design or closely related fields)
• Experience working on a professional research team, designing and producing high-level research dissemination products including data visualizations, dashboards, and reports for a variety of academic and non-academic stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple applied research and data dissemination products simultaneously, with a commitment to accuracy, version control, and timely completion.

Technical Competencies

• Experience with HTML, CSS, R, Rmarkdown, Adobe Creative Suite, Tableau, ArcGIS, and the ability to integrate across platforms when necessary.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and stay current with new technology, systems, and software
• Demonstrated knowledge/understanding of data visualization best practices.

Additional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a proactive approach to managing change and addressing challenges.
• Commitment to Mission: Successful candidates will demonstrate a passion for the mission of Carolina Demography and a commitment to promoting data-driven decision-making and planning across North Carolina.