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Research Program Manager

Role Overview

The Research Program Manager will manage the “how” and “when” of the Filene research agenda, collaborating across departments to ensure research results are published and disseminated effectively. The Research Program Manager will identify, implement and improve processes to support research team operations, while managing the execution of assigned research projects. In addition, the Research Program Manager will be responsible for new business development and sponsor relationship management, including shared ownership of our flagship research communities (Inner Circle and Think Tank).

Role Responsibilities

Program & Project Management

  • Oversee the day-to-day management of Filene’s research portfolio, managing the execution of research through our Centers of Excellence (COEs).
  • Develop comprehensive processes and frameworks to enable the efficient delivery of future research efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and sponsor needs.
  • Create and manage project timelines and deliverables, rigorously tracking progress to ensure timely and thorough completion of research outputs consistent with Filene standards.
  • Manage risks, initiate follow-ups, actively problem-solve, and revise timeline when necessary to meet project goals and ensure overall output success.
  • Oversee budgets for assigned research projects, ensuring effective allocation of resources and prudent financial oversight.
  • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external vendors and partners, ensuring favorable terms, compliance and expectations.
  • Lead and manage relationships with external research partners, identifying and recruiting the talent and capabilities necessary to support new research centers and drive research excellence.
  • Onboard research fellows to ensure they are integrated effectively into the research environment and set-up for success.
  • Oversee the sunsetting of research centers, ensuring a smooth transition and effective communication with stakeholders.

Relationship Management & Business Development

  • Lead sponsor relationship management and new business development for assigned portfolio of target market credit unions and partners.
  • With Head of Research, share ownership of over 70 Inner Circle sponsors and 40 Think Tank sponsors.
  • Onboard new sponsors, ensuring smooth integration and meaningful engagement with the Filene research community.
  • Manage sponsor data, including points of contact, distribution lists, contract terms, key events and critical milestones.

General & Administrative

  • Lead, manage and develop research team members, as assigned.
  • Model Filene Credo and play an active role in creating and sustaining strong organizational culture.
  • Actively support the achievement of Filene's strategic objectives, plan, budget, and metrics in a manner consistent with Filene’s mission, values, and brand.
  • Provide extraordinary service to Filene’s staff, members, and stakeholders.
  • Understand and engage in Filene’s complete body of work including research and advisory programs to connect member needs with Filene solutions that can best meet those needs.
  • Prioritize and manage workload across several projects simultaneously, demonstrating the ability to shift gears when necessary to meet key deadlines.

The statements above are not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties will be assigned as needed.

Role Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 5+ years of research project management experience required; or 4+ years of relevant professional experience with an advanced graduate degree (i.e., MBA, PhD, MS, etc.) in related field required.
  • Credit union system experience desired, with a deep understanding of challenges and opportunities within the sector. For those without direct credit union experience, interest and excitement to learn a unique and growing industry is a must.
  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with research tools, project management software (e.g. Monday, Basecamp), and CRM platforms (e.g. Salesforce) preferred.
  • Strategic Planning and Project Management: Expertise in planning and leading initiatives, including definition of resource requirements. Strong project management skills with a proven ability to work independently.
  • Business Development Acumen: Experience in business development and fostering relationships with sponsors, clients, or partners.
  • Contract Negotiation & Budget Management: Strong negotiation skills and experience managing contracts and budgets.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences. Ability to develop comprehensive written reports and documents.
  • Interpersonal and Facilitation Skills: Confidence to collaborate with CEOs and senior credit union employees to achieve positive outcomes for Filene initiatives. Strong facilitation and relationship management skills.
  • Curiosity: Intellectually curious about credit unions and their members. Enjoy working in a “think tank” environment where ideation, continually embracing change, being restless with the status quo and seeking reinvention is part of the culture. A passion for purpose and precision – including the details.
  • Travel expected up to 25% to fulfill the requirements of the role.

EEO Policy Statement

The Filene Research Institute (Filene) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Filene complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Filene expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Filene employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.