Director of Academic Research

ABOUT US

Headquartered in Lexington, KY, Associations International (AI) is an award-winning, client-focused association management company (AMC) serving both domestic and international associations. We partner with volunteer leaders to build extraordinary communities and bring our clients’ missions to life.
 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Associations International is seeking a Director of Academic Research to join the International Coaching Federation (ICF) team. This position leads all academic research activities of ICF and is responsible for establishing ICF's academic research agenda, ensuring the quality and rigor of research initiatives, and translating findings into actionable insights that advance the coaching profession.

The Director of Academic Research supports the design, execution, and reporting of rigorous qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods academic research studies. ICF Academic Research supports all areas of ICF with tasks ranging from one-off consultations to extensive, high-stakes projects from conception to execution and comprehensive reporting. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage in collaborative discussions with ICF Senior Leadership Team members and ICF family organization departments to explore research needs, review past research endeavors (both within ICF and externally), and propose potential synergies or opportunities for combining and leveraging existing research areas. Negotiate project priorities when necessary.
• Maintain understanding of important past and current coaching and coaching-related industry and academic research.
• Leverage internal data, external research, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence tools to identify trends, anticipate research needs, and inform the development of innovative research studies and assessments.
• Capability to develop and communicate a compelling project vision and attract, retain, and motivate team members to collaboratively work toward that vision.
• Guide and assist the Assistant Director of Academic Research and Research Specialist
• Take guidance from and advise the Vice President of Research and Data Science.

• PhD or masters degree in Industrial and Organizational (IO) Psychology or equivalent.
• Multiple peer-reviewed publications or book chapters in academic journals or books.
• Minimum of two years of quantitative and qualitative research experience.
• Experience designing and executing rigorous qualitative research, including multiple paradigms of data coding
• Experience designing and executing rigorous quantitative research, including analysis using classical test theory (CTT), IRT or Rasch modeling, factor analysis, and assessment development.
• Experience leading and managing other research professionals.
• Understanding and experience in coaching.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare research reports, presentations and other deliverables.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptive to changes in work environment.
• Committed to continuous learning and development.
• Demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior.
• Strong ability to work individually on a project and collaboratively in a team environment in order to manage broad and diverse cross-constituent working groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and related software
• Proficiency in statistical software such as R, SPSS, or similar programs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Work Flexibility: This role can be performed from our office or from home and offers flexibility based on business needs. 
• Work Environment: Associations International has been recognized as a Best Place to Work in Kentucky since 2012. 
• Impact: This role supports an organization focused on advancing the coaching profession globally. 

Associations International is an equal opportunity employer. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact HR at 859-226-4221.