January 30, 2008 Press Release

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UNH Institute on Disability Seeks Research Director

Durham, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (IOD) is experiencing growth within its research capacity and is currently seeking a Director of Research and Evaluation with the goal of enhancing overall institutional effectiveness.

The Director of Research and Evaluation will have the opportunity to lead and supervise a multi-disciplinary team of researchers in order to apply its collective expertise to a broad range of disability topics. For the past 20 years, research at the IOD has had a tremendous impact on both state and federal policy. As a member of the IOD’s Strategic Team, the Director of Research & Evaluation will partner with organizational leadership to guide the future of the organization and the manner in which it carries out its mission.

As part of the university community, the IOD is committed to maximizing opportunities to engage students in our research activities. Along with the development of the IOD’s research capacity, the Director of Research and Evaluation will assist in the development of research and evaluation opportunities for university students. Efforts to partner with other researchers within the university system to help shape the design and interpretation of research and evaluation studies will be encouraged.

The IOD is fortunate to have several experienced research staff with diverse backgrounds that include education, autism, early childhood, employment, sustainable transportation, public policy, aging and long term care, positive behavioral supports, professional development, self determination, communication sciences and disorders, community development, literacy, developmental disabilities, and mental health. The IOD is looking for an individual who can synthesize numerous research assets within an increasingly competitive and complex public funding environment and incorporate them into grant proposals, annual research operations plans, as well as a long-term research agenda for the organization. This is a tremendous opportunity for a seasoned researcher and leader to shape the future of research and evaluation at the IOD and have a direct impact on state and federal policies.

In conjunction with staff supervision, the conceptualization, design, and execution of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies will be central to the position of Director of Research and Evaluation. This hands-on role will control the quality of IOD research by incorporating best practices in data collection, analysis, and reporting while ensuring that opportunities to publish are pursued whenever possible.

The IOD possesses a unique culture made up of forward thinkers who are passionate about their work and see their role as significant in creating systemic changes that allows for greater independence for individuals with disabiltities. Along with mutual respect for one another, staff at the IOD see great value in the community-oriented mission of the organization and the significant impact it continues to have in New Hampshire, across the country, and around the world. The ideal candidate for the Director of Research and Evaluation will have a similar commitment to the IOD vision - a future where all persons, including those living with disabilities, are fully engaged members of communities.

To learn more about the IOD, its staff, projects, and research, visit www.iod.unh.edu.  Interested applicants may view more details regarding this full-time benefited position and apply online at www.unhjobs.com.

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The IOD advances policies and systems changes, promising practices, education and research that strengthen communities and ensure full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons.