About the Job

The Director of Research will oversee the public policy research arm of Centennial Institute (CI) by building it into a nationally recognized team; developing new public policy research products for CI; continuing to strengthen the CI and College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) relationship; and developing grant proposals to fund CI programs and the public policy research team.

About

Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914 on two principles — grace and truth. CCU’s scriptural foundation comes from John 1:17: For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (ESV)

CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.

A leader in higher education, the University has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had nine consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.

Scripture states all Christians are called to serve Christ and to minister to others. Because Christians are individuals with different gifts and callings, we serve Christ in a variety of ministry vocations. CCU invites you to explore how you may use your calling and gifts at the University.

What is most appealing about working at CCU?

• Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
• Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
• Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.

We’re looking for candidates who have:

• Strong background in academics and practical public policy research
• Ability to manage academic researchers and fellows.
• Strong background in grant writing with two or more years of experience.
• Demonstrated management and team building skills.

Key Job Duties

Mission Contribution

CCU’s mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. In this role, the Centennial Institute Director of Research contributes to the mission by advancing public policy research aligned with the university’s strategic priorities. In doing so, he/she will bring greater insight and understanding to CCU faculty, staff, students, and the general culture of our mission, values, and the Bible’s teachings on today’s most pressing public policy issues.

Public Policy Research

• Develop an annual public policy research agenda in cooperation with the Vice President of Public Policy (VPPP) and stakeholders, on national, regional, and local topics. In the first two years it is expected four to six research projects will be completed, published and presented.
• Work with College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) and College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS) Vice President of Academic Affairs to develop faculty research options.
• Expand the network of CI Fellows by recruiting and vetting; assign research tasks to Fellows; manage the research schedule; co-write and edit research reports.
• Write articles and op-eds for both academic and non-academic outlets.
• Track trends in public policy research to be shared in writing / in person with VPPP and other CCU audiences on a quarterly basis.

Professional Networking

• Develop relationships with like-minded state or regional institutions, including but not limited to the State Policy Network, American Legislative Exchange Council, Independence Institute, Steamboat Institute, Heartland Institute; cooperate on research where possible, participate in their conferences and events per the guidance of the CI director.
• Cultivate existing relationships with national institutions, like Hoover, Heritage, and AEI for cooperative research, visiting fellows, etc.

CI Research Promotion

• Promote CI public policy research products in conjunction with CI staff, CCU Communication, and CI’s media relations firm, including presentations at conferences, press conferences, and hearings per the guidance of the CI director.
• Pursue the goal of monthly CI research product releases utilizing CI’s standard promotional strategy.
• Represent CI/CCU at national academic and political conferences such as APSA, CPS, CPAC, ALEC per the guidance of the CI director.
• Assist CI with developing seminars for the Western Conservative Summit; lead seminars as needed.

Grant Writing and Administration

• Identify foundations, develop leads, write and track grant proposals, in cooperation with CI director and CCU Advancement.
• Seek to submit at least one public policy grant proposal per month to various foundations
• Administer grants as outlined in each award; coordinate with CCU finance office to ensure compliance, reporting, etc.

Strengthening CI/CCU Connections

• Promote CI to CUS general education, political science, preview, and FYI students
• Organize and manage Western Conservative Summit Youth Conference
• Aid in recruiting new students into CCU politics program.
• Manage student introducers at Western Conservative Summit
• Recruit and manage faculty presentations at Western Conservative Summit workshops

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. You may be required to work occasional irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. Colorado Christian University expects all faculty and staff to become a part of the University community by participating in activities and events that occur on the campus throughout the year, which may occur during evenings and weekends.

What we offer our employees:

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process. The pay range for this job is: $75,000 - $90,000. Pay is assigned by reviewing a combination of job-related factors that may include: internal/external pay equity, the salary structure/pay grade, or a candidate’s qualifications/experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage and CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status.