Manager, Research and Insights

About The James Beard Foundation:  

The James Beard Foundation(“JBF”) is a vital cultural institution with deep roots honoring and advancing the culinary arts industry. JBF’s mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. As a 501(c) (3) national non-profit organization, JBF brings its mission to life through the annual James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country.  

 The James Beard Foundation’s Impact Department helps the independent restaurant industry reach new standards around equity, sustainability, and workplace practices to ensure that all involved in its supply chain can thrive. We look to turn independent restaurant jobs into long and healthy independent restaurant careers; to expand who has access to leadership, visibility, financial stability, and capital; and to use the power of chefs for climate change mitigation. Our mission comes to life through research, training programs, policy advocacy, and harnessing the agency of chefs for change. 

 The Manager, Research and Insights, is a new, key position as the Foundation moves to ground the design of all its programs in research and provide much needed data around the independent restaurant industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. This position is an integral part of the JBF Impact Department, along with the JBF Institute and Network teams, and will also work with the Senior Director of Database Systems, Marketing/Communications, Development, and Sponsorship departments, as well as external stakeholders and partners.  

 Reporting to the Vice President of Impact, the Research and Insights Manager will work on data reporting and outcome tracking for the department, prepare material for board and other presentations and reports, administer all program surveys, work with research partners to execute JBF’s research agenda, manage the development of white papers and reports, manage the department’s newsletter, and collaborate with the Development and Sponsorship departments to generate financial support for JBF’s research.  

Responsibilities: 

 Track and report on performance metrics for the Impact department, including management of surveys and data analysis

• Creates all data reporting for outcomes and other needs, such as board updates
• Develops all data visuals for department PPTs
• Manages research process around the JBF research agenda
• Manages research partnerships
• Ensures that each program has proper surveys designed and deployed in timely fashion
• Leads departmental newsletter
• Monitor the release of industry reports and update departmental research tracker
• Monitor existing industry training programs and update departmental pedagogical tracker
• Liaise with Development and Sponsorship teams around their needs for data and other supporting material
• Liaise with the Marketing and Communication team on website updates, collateral requests, scheduled emails, digital communication, and other related materials
• Ensure implementation of agreed upon team procedures.
• Provide other administrative support as needed.

 Requirements: 

To be effective in this role, key core competencies and personal characteristics include: 

 Minimum 5 years’ experience working on hospitality-related research project

• Proven track record with data and outcome tracking, data visualization
• Strong interest in research and data visualization
• A keen attention to detail and conscientious work ethic
• Exceptional ability to multi-task, prioritize projects, and work efficiently and independently in a dynamic work-place
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects and events
• Flexible and adaptable style
• Strong sense of initiative, self-starter with a drive to success.
• Proficiency in MS Office including PowerPoint, Salesforce, Monday, and Tableau
• Ability to deal effectively with the diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm

 Benefits: 

JBF offers its employees a dynamic work environment with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents; life insurance; flexible spending account; commuter benefits; retirement savings; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement/ professional development; and generous paid time off. We also offer fertility planning support and up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Additional perks include staff events, tickets to events at Platform by JBF (Pier 57), and much more.    

The Foundation currently works a hybrid schedule that requires employees to be in our NYC office 2 days per week. This position is not eligible for relocation.   

JBF requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 unless a medical or religious accommodation is needed in accordance with applicable law.