Head of Data and Research

Responsibilities

Strategic Thought Leadership & Vision (25%)

• Develop and execute TAAF’s future Data and Research strategy, ensuring that research insights inform every aspect of our innovative work.
• Position TAAF as a national thought leader on AANHPI data, trends, and solutions.
• Frame complex social, economic, and civic issues in ways that connect data to real problems and actionable solutions.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with research institutions, think tanks, and philanthropic funders to expand the scale and impact of TAAF’s research.
• Develop strategies for funding studies balancing self-funded research with co-funded or commissioned work.
• Represent TAAF in research collaborations, public forums, and convenings.

Research, Data, and Insight Development (30%)

• Oversee the development of white papers, reports, and thought pieces on key issues in the areas of safety, belonging, prosperity and overall representation.
• Commission large-scale qualitative and quantitative studies to capture community needs at a granular level—not based on opinions, but grounded in data.
• Design and implement studies that answer critical questions for the community. Oversee and expand on existing research to identify gaps, patterns, and opportunities across cities, states, and issue areas.
• Establish consistent methodologies and data standards across TAAF programs.

Impact Evaluation and Strategic Learning (30%)

• Establish a streamlined approach and core metrics to support continuous learning and improvement at TAAF, in partnership with the Chief Programs Officer and Head of Programs.
• Refine qualitative and quantitative metrics to measure impact over time of TAAF and partner organizations.
• Oversee the development of data dashboards and reporting policies to assess progress towards strategic impact goals.
• Oversee the development of TAAF’s Annual Impact Report, digital impact stories, and other public facing materials.

Team/Operational Management and Organizational Collaboration (15%)

• Build and manage a high-performing team of researchers and analysts to execute data projects and maintain TAAF’s organizational database of AAPI-serving organizations.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and vendor relationships for research and evaluation projects.
  Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard of rigor and ethics.
• Serve as a senior thought partner to ensure data informs TAAF’s initiatives and storytelling.
• Collaborate with other teams to package and disseminate findings for maximum visibility and impact, evaluate programs, identify learning goals, and align outcomes with TAAF’s mission and impact model.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skillset

• Master’s degree required; Ph.D. in a related field (social sciences, data science, demography, public policy, or education) strongly preferred.
• Ten or more years of relevant experience in research, data strategy, program evaluation, or impact measurement, including at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and leading complex research initiatives, from framing questions to communicating results.
• Proven success and experience leading high-performing teams that consistently deliver results while fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Deep understanding of research design, data analysis, and impact measurement.
• Exceptional ability to synthesize and communicate data-driven insights to diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to balance visionary leadership and operational execution.
• Strong understanding of AANHPI communities and issues, with experience engaging them as key constituencies.
• Proven success securing or managing research partnerships and funding.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and mission-driven approach to achieving organizational goals.
• Excellent organizational skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.