*RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Pay Range GC27

INTRODUCTION

This classification provides advanced-level management and leadership in resource development, in research and evaluation, and in the development of new funding streams and programs.  Incumbent identifies, prepares, and procures health and social service, juvenile justice, and public safety grant opportunities to support the organizational needs of the Health and Social Services Department and the Juvenile Department.  Incumbent guides departmental research/evaluation strategic planning, budget inputs, customer services, and quality assurance. This is a working manager classification with responsibility for performing complex, multifaceted, major policy analysis, program evaluation, project management, and quality improvement efforts; for updating and formulating departmental performance measures; and for supervising and leading research/evaluation functions.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Research and identify grant opportunities to support the organizational needs of the Health and Social Services Department and the Juvenile Department.

2. Prepare and implement grant procurement timelines leading to successful grant applications.

3. Conduct all aspects of grant submission process to include research, identification and coordination of internal and external collaborative partners, identification and collection of support letters leading to successful grant applications.

4. Design policies and procedures, guidelines for reporting, and grant evaluation processes necessary to track the execution of all successful grant contracts.

5. Manage all grant contract report obligations to ensure timely and accurate submission of required reports. Maintain master list of grants submitted, timeframes, accountabilities and funding decisions.

6. Act as principal writer in the preparation of grant applications.

7. Work with members of Department management team to ensure grant requirements are met.

8. Manages special studies and projects, which includes setting up contracts; establishing and monitoring timelines, preparing requests for proposals, selecting consultants; ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, specifications, and/or requirements; monitoring project budgets; tracking projects; preparing related reports; and performing other related duties.

9. Perform research and evaluation duties including developing innovative data collection systems, formulating and testing performance measures, and collaborating with colleagues to review and refine project findings; evaluate existing research for its applicability to existing programs.

10. Manage research and evaluation of strategic planning including the design and development of long-range plans, standards, goals, and objectives.

11. Develop, test, and provide recommendations and implementation plans regarding the results of research and evaluation studies.

12. Design and draft reports, memoranda, and correspondence relative to research and/or evaluation studies conducted; prepare appropriate brochures or other supplementary materials; and present oral and written reports to administration, management, and program participants.

13. Assist departmental staff with the formulation, systems update, and methods to measure level of service success or progress, customer service, and quality improvement efforts in County programs.

14. Assist departmental staff with research, evaluation, and project management functions, which facilitates the improvement of County policies, standards, service, contract compliance, and other objectives.

15. Apply knowledge of current national research findings to the development and delivery of public services.

16. Consult with departmental staff regarding the adequacy of evaluation and research designs for departmental programs; collaborate with and provide leadership to departmental staff and/or community work groups, to contribute to the overall development of the County's research/evaluation capacity.

17. Serve as liaison with employees and external organizations; represents the department and/or County at a variety of meetings, public events, training sessions, on committees, and/or other related events.  May provide meeting facilitation.

18. Serve as technical expert and resource consultant for the Health and Social Services Department and for the Juvenile Department.

19. May serve as a lead or supervise staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.

20. Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Public administration concepts and theories; advanced principles and practices in assigned area of responsibility; research and statistical methods; statistical analysis and theory; program/project management methods; report writing techniques; public relations principles; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations; budgeting principles.  Skill in: Prioritizing and coordinating work; using computers and applicable software applications; developing and implementing programs; writing grants; administering budgets; speaking in public; interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations; conducting research; analyzing a variety of data and/or information and making recommendations based on findings; writing reports; presenting information; interpreting and applying project requirements; managing projects; working effectively with clients, co-workers, employees and supervisors from diverse backgrounds; gathering, interpreting and behaviorally adapting to cultural contexts; communication, both verbal and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.  Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; work independently;  manage competing deadlines while producing the highest quality work; apply laws, rules and regulations relating to social services and public safety services; support, counsel, lead and motivate staff  of social service professionals; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; define and gather statistical information through a computerized management information system and compile into necessary reports; maintain effective working relationships with other employees, county officials, federal and state agencies, community advisory boards, contractors, committees, citizen's groups and the public; partnership-building skills, ability to coordinate and motivate teams, ability to work under pressure and an ability to think strategically.

Education, experience and training:  Bachelor's Degree and six years of professional experience in public or business administration, public affairs, or a field directly related to functional area(s) assigned; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Postgraduate coursework or a Master's Degree is preferred.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the guidance of the health and social services administrator and the juvenile department director. The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with supervisor for professional advice. Discretion is required in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, policies and procedures and in resolving program problems. Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibility in area of service. Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines and ordinances; established professional practices in social services and public safety contexts, and with respect to personnel rules, management and budget administration references. Employee uses seasoned judgment in interpreting guidelines and contributes to modification of existing guidelines by recommending changes or adapting guidelines to problems encountered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required. Work is performed in an office environment; may involve bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 34 pounds, reaching, sitting, standing and walking. A reasonable amount of driving is required.