Lab Director

The Action Lab is the way in which The Contingent explores new ways to empower leaders and mobilize the community to solve difficult challenges rising to the forefront. It is the mechanism by which we innovate while keeping our commitment to the community; centering community voice, recognizing the value in every person to fulfill our mission and partner with the communities we serve.

Opportunity Summary :

The Action Lab Director will lead the Action Lab’s efforts across multiple jurisdictions, driving community-based co-design initiatives and aligning innovation opportunities with The Contingent‘s vision. This role requires a dynamic leader with at least 5 years of experience in community engagement and co-design, who can foster innovation, launch demonstration projects, and work in a highly dynamic environment—all while centering community voices and values.

This position will focus on mobilizing community utilizing system-wide data, a commitment to technology solutions, and empowering collective impact across The Contingent’s jurisdictional partners. Immediate focus will be on : (1) prevention efforts in Oregon and Arkansas; (2) Foster family retention efforts in Oregon and Tennessee; (3) Improving licensing rates for foster families in Arkansas.

The Action Lab Director will be successful when state and nonprofit partners are aligned to demonstration projects that are being tested for scalability. The Director will work with program stakeholders internal to The Contingent, state child welfare agencies, local backbone organizations, and people with lived experience.

Duties & Responsibilities :

• Lead and manage the Action Lab, ensuring alignment with The Contingent‘s mission and vision, across multiple jurisdictions.
• Conduct community-based co-design processes, ensuring active participation and input from diverse community members to develop insights, and design in complex service environments to mobilize community and empower leaders.
• Design innovative solutions that demonstrate a deep understanding of people’s needs with an eye towards how data and technology can be used to solve community problems.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and leaders.
• Work within prescribed timelines and position The Contingent’s innovation efforts to meet funder deadlines and expectations.
• Oversee project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation of initiatives.
• Ensure that all projects reflect the community‘s needs and values, and promote sustainable, impactful solutions.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress and outcomes.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the Action Lab and The Contingent.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education and Experience :

Bachelors in related field (Sociology, Social Work, Early Childhood Education and Training) or Associates (in related field) with 5 years‘ experience.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in leading community-based co-design initiatives with an equity-centered approach to design and research. You have the tools and desire to engage in conversations about race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, equity, and justice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Comprehensive Benefits :

Including premium medical, vision, and dental insurance. Covered 100% for employee and partially (80%) for spouse and / or dependents. 19 paid holidays, with additional vacation, sick, bereavement and parental leave. 401(k) with a 4% (annual salary) match.

Employment Terms, Accountability, and Compensation :

Full Time (40hrs) exempt annual salary offered at a range of $110,000 - $120,000 (estimated total compensation $120,000 - $130,000) DOE. Starting placement will not exceed this starting pay range and is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. This is a remote position with preference to applicants that live in locations where The Contingent currently has an organizational footprint.

The role will require travel up to once a month. The Contingent has a flexible work model that supports a blend of in-office, remote, virtual, and on-the-go workers. This position will be expected to work within The Contingent’s hybrid work policy (2-3 days in the office, 2-3 days from home). We have team members located in multiple time zones. To facilitate collaboration across teams, core hours for this position are 9-2 pm PST (7-12 pm HST, 11-4pm CST, 12-5pm EST). Daily schedule and in-office days will result from collaboration between the employee and their supervisor.

Legally eligible to work in the United States.

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Salary : $120,000 - $130,000