Director of Research and Resources

Summary

The Director of Research and Resources is responsible for driving PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education’s (CORE) evidence-based approach to ‘turning research into practice’ by facilitating and translating third party research into a variety of actionable resources. The role is responsible for cultivating and nurturing a comprehensive body of research initiatives and leveraging our growing Scholar Network to inform our work and promote our thought leadership in the marketplace. Research informs our design methodologies and comprehensive outreach services including best practice publications, professional development services, and advocacy programs that help measure and make the case for the value of high-quality play, recreation, and outdoor spaces. The position also serves as a champion across a variety of internal and external stakeholders to translate research and insights into practice through actionable programs and resources that help advocate for our industries, position our customer’s work as essential services, and positively impact the business.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Advise on trends and strategies to align PlayCore as a thought leader, community health and well-being expert, and industry resource across our current platforms (play, recreation, and outdoor spaces) as well as our strategic initiatives and our Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE).
• Lead the Research Institute through a variety of third-party research projects to expand our evidence-based design practices and generate dynamic content for comprehensive programs and resources to help communities ‘turn research into practice’.
• Cultivate and nurture the CORE scholar network by leveraging current and new scholar/university partnerships to inform initiatives to support the business, expand areas of expertise across community vitality, and translate and disseminate content and deliverables that positively impact the field.
• Develop and deliver best-in-class content that translates into high quality, differentiated resources through our Resource Library and Professional Development Hub through a variety of content delivery and dissemination initiatives including research briefs, best practice publications, professional development events, posts, etc.
• Oversee a robust research repository database to inform our work and support our expertise across a variety of disciplines including the health benefits of the built environment, intergenerational play and recreation, inclusion, nature integration, health and well-being, and community vitality.
• Deliver a variety of professional development events, and leverage our scholar partners, to enhance our professional development services.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to lead research, advise on data services, and promote a data-driven culture.
• Nurture a variety of industry partnerships with trade associations, non-profit organizations, consultants, and advocacy groups.
• Travel to Company events, CORE professional development events, and various outreach initiatives and serve as content expert, ambassador, and presenter.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• PHD from an accredited University in design related field, public health, recreation, or related field.
• 7+ years experience in applied research required.
• Experience with research translation, publishing, and professional development delivery required.
• Proven ability to write and present concise reports, publications, briefs that are directed to specific audiences.
• Strong network within the academic and research communities.
• Ability to think strategically and align research with organizational goals.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with research design, methodologies, and data analysis.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in research software and tools.
• Proven track record of successful project management.
• Management experience and contract management experience.

PlayCore and its family of brands considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.