Director, Education Knowledge Broker Network

Pay Grade : 33E Context of job :

The Center for Research Use in Education (CRUE), within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), is funded through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop the Education Knowledge Broker Network, a professional organization for knowledge brokers who work in education who are committed and experienced with supporting evidence-use in policy and practice. Education knowledge brokers are professionals who cultivate and sustain relationships between research and practice, make knowledge accessible and usable, support research-informed change to improve educational opportunities for all children. In spite of their widely recognized role in this work, there are few opportunities for professional learning or knowledge sharing among brokers and there is little infrastructure leveraging or strengthening their work across the education system. The Network was created to address these issues.

Under the general direction of the Steering Committee of the Education Knowledge Broker Network and the co-director of the Center for Research Use in Education, the Director of the Network will work with limited supervision to implement key aspects of the Network as envisioned in its strategic framework of 2024. The Director serves as the primary point of contact and spokesperson for the Network, is responsible for facilitating the Steering Committee of the Education Knowledge Broker Network in implementing its strategic plan, program planning, and membership development; grant writing and development to financially sustain the Network; budget oversight; staff management; and program evaluation. The overall goal is to build a sustainable community of knowledge brokers that supports the growth and development of the profession.

The Education Knowledge Broker Network aims to cultivate an inclusive professional community of knowledge brokers in education committed to democratizing the production and use of evidence in the service of an education system that is just and equitable. To this end, the Network provides collaborative learning opportunities to knowledge brokers, curates resources and opportunities for knowledge brokers, and supports engagement and collaboration among knowledge brokers that work in different parts of the educational ecosystem.

To lead this impactful initiative, the Network is searching for a Director. This individual will oversee all aspects of the Network's operations. The Director will be responsible for implementing and refining the Network's strategic plan, with a focus on expanding programs, growing membership, developing relationships with intermediary organizations doing brokering activities, and securing long-term financial stability for the Network through grant writing and other strategies.

This is a one-year position with the potential for renewal beyond one year, conditional on funding. This is a remote position. Major responsibilities :

• Support and coordinate the goals of the Steering Committee and Advisory Council.
• Guide the development of Network policies and procedures in cooperation with the Steering Committee.
• Develop, manage, and oversee the annual budget.
• Identify, coordinate, and pursue external funding opportunities to create a financially self-sufficient organization. .
• Build and maintain relationships, collaborations, and sponsorships with education stakeholders.
• Oversee communications from the Network (e.g. newsletter, social media, website content and updates, blogs) in coordination with College and University of Delaware units —including the College of Education and Human Development Communications team, Office of Educational Technology, and the University of Delaware Office of Communications and Marketing to support and elevate the visibility of Network programs and offerings.
• Plan staff meetings and coordinate Steering Committee meetings.
• Expand and diversify Network membership.
• Regularly assess the needs and interests of knowledge brokers and the communities they serve and test and adjust to continuously improve Network activities.
• Oversee the development and delivery of learning opportunities and information exchange for brokers.
• Support the development and sharing of tools for effective knowledge-brokering, engaging, and identifying effective outreach and delivery strategies.
• Support the Network in advocating for policies at all levels that advance the profession of knowledge brokering.
• Promote ways to expand the knowledge base by encouraging impact and implementation research on effective brokering strategies and structures with particular attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
• Oversee and coordinate work of Network staff.
• Recruit, hire, and evaluate staff employed by the Network.
• Continuously update the co-director of the Center for Research Use in Education on the activities of the Education Knowledge Broker Network. Qualifications :
• Master’s Degree required; Doctoral degree preferred, and five years of related experience Involved in evidence-informed policy and practice initiatives in education or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Practical understanding of knowledge mobilization and brokering, stakeholder engagement, and various forms of evidence production and application.
• Knowledge and experience in organizational leadership, association management, and / or non-profit operations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Skilled in relationship building, networking, and collaboration.
• Strong leadership and organizational capabilities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the democratization of knowledge in educational improvement.
• Management of or leadership in membership or professional associations, preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Those interested should upload a resume or CV and a cover letter which clearly explains the skills, knowledge, and experiences you bring to this position relevant to building and growing a professional community.