Director of Strategic Research, Board of Directors

Role Title: Board Member, Director of Strategic Research Reports to: President of the Board of Directors MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to cultivate emotional, physical, and economic stability by connecting mothers and caregivers to comprehensive, accessible resources. Our goals are to close the critical resource awareness gap and build a supportive community, ensuring that no one has to face the overwhelming challenges of motherhood alone. Important Note: This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. If you are seeking paid employment at this time, we kindly request that you refrain from applying. Please note that this position is remote, allowing you to work from home. About the Role: The Director of Strategic Research plays a critical role in advancing Connecting Mothers Initiative's mission by leading CMI's research strategy and ensuring that organizational decisions, programs, and initiatives are informed by meaningful research and the lived experiences of military mothers and caregivers. The Director will provide strategic leadership for CMI's upcoming research initiatives, including a planned study focused on understanding the experiences, needs, and resource-navigation challenges of military mothers and caregivers throughout various stages of military life. The Director will work closely with Executive Leadership, Board of Directors, and CMI's Research Team to guide research from planning and development through analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings. This role will help CMI better understand the challenges military mothers and caregivers face when seeking and accessing health, community, and essential support resources, particularly during periods of transition and change. The Director will translate research findings into actionable insights that can inform CMI's programs, resource development, partnerships, community initiatives, and long-term strategic direction. Important Note: Specific research objectives, methodologies, and study details will be developed internally and shared with selected research team members and leadership as appropriate. Responsibilities: Research Strategy & Leadership: Lead CMI's strategic research priorities, including the development and direction of upcoming research initiatives. Collaborate with the Research Study Leads, Research Study Advisors, Board of Directors, and Executive Leadership to establish research goals, methodologies, timelines, and measures of success. Ensure research remains aligned with CMI's mission and the needs of military mothers and caregivers. Research, Data, & Insights: Guide research collection, analysis, and interpretation to identify meaningful trends, needs, barriers, and opportunities. Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights for CMI leadership and program development. Support responsible research practices, including appropriate consideration of participant privacy, confidentiality, and data integrity. Strategic Planning & Program Evaluation: Use research findings to inform CMI's strategic planning, programs, resources, and future initiatives. Develop or support evaluation methods to assess program effectiveness and organizational impact. Provide recommendations for improving CMI's programs and services based on research and community needs. Partnerships & Research Engagement: Build relationships with researchers, universities, military-family organizations, healthcare professionals, and other subject-matter experts. Identify opportunities for research partnerships, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. Help recruit qualified professionals and experts to support CMI's research and educational initiatives. Board Leadership & Community Engagement: Present research findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors and executive leadership. Represent CMI in appropriate professional, community, and research settings. Contribute to Board discussions, organizational strategy, and initiatives that advance CMI's mission. Attend quarterly Board meetings and participate in additional meetings or activities as needed. Qualifications: Strong passion for and commitment to supporting military mothers and caregivers. A master's degree or higher in Research, Data Analytics, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Social Sciences, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Policy, Health Services Research, or a related field. Experience in research, data analysis, strategic planning, program evaluation, organizational development, or a related area. Experience conducting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research. Experience developing research reports, presentations, or other public-facing research materials. Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to translate research and information into actionable insights. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfort with remote communication tools such as Google Meet and Slack. Proficient with data analysis tools and software, as well as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Willingness to fulfill the responsibilities of a Board member, including quarterly meetings and additional activities as needed. Authorized to work in the United States.