About Trevor

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. We are a non-profit that provides 24/7 life-saving support via phone, text, and chat. We also operate the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth and run innovative research, education, and advocacy programs. We’ve been saving lives every day for over 20 years.

Overview of the role

The first-ever Director of Research Science will guide the scientific direction of the research team to produce high-impact outputs in the form of peer-reviewed manuscripts, research briefs, research reports, and conference presentations. They will mentor and supervise our team of Research Scientists who, along with our Research Associates, will be responsible for conducting data analyses and creating research outputs. The Director of Research Science will work with our Director of Research Projects to ensure that all research protocols and data being collected are high quality and likely to result in increased public knowledge about suicide risk among LGBTQ youth. They will serve as an internal expert in LGBTQ youth suicide research by providing feedback on organizational content (e.g. training content, amicus briefs, messaging to funders, marketing materials) related to scientific accuracy and an external expert by effectively communicating our research to other stakeholders. They will ensure that the research science team is properly staffed, follows all ethical guidelines for research, and provides impactful output within target timeframes.

What you’ll do

• Manage, develop, and inspire a team of Research Scientists who will produce high-impact research outputs including peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, research reports, and research briefs  
• Oversee quantitative analyses to ensure they are appropriate for the data and research questions being pursued by our research science team
• Lead the development and execution of The Trevor Project’s Research Science strategy  in conjunction with the leadership team 
• Prioritize key research findings and determine how to best disseminate them in order to maximize impact
• Contribute to science by leading peer-reviewed manuscripts related to LGBTQ youth suicide
• Represent The Trevor Project in speaking engagements, conferences, and in other national and international research convenings related to LGBTQ youth and mental health
• Lead collaborations that help to maximize the impact of our data in policy and practice
• Serve as an internal expert on LGBTQ youth mental health and suicide by providing evidence-based input and feedback across teams including training, crisis services, advocacy, communications, and development

Who you are

• Experienced. You have an extensive track record of publishing peer-reviewed research in the fields of suicidology and mental health or related to LGBTQ youth (and preferably both). 
• Credentialed. You have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field. 
• Strong Manager. You have a track record overseeing high-performing early and mid-career researchers. You can be a thought-partner while also ensuring results.
• Role model and leader.  You are a compassionate leader for your staff and colleagues alike. You have experience mentoring and managing others to be innovative in their approach and thinking and can inspire others to do their best work.
• Analytical. You can conceptualize , conduct, and interpret complex analyses and have experience mentoring others in quantitative methods.
• Results-focused. You set clear timelines and drive projects to completion. You know that completing shareable outputs is the key to having a significant impact. 
• Collaborative.  You understand that the best way to meet and exceed goals is through outstanding teamwork.
• Compelling Communicator. You communicate clearly and concisely and are comfortable presenting research findings to not only academic audiences but also to journalists and the broader public.
• Passionate. You care about LGBTQ youth. You care about saving lives. You want to come to work and feel inspired every day. You want to change the world.  
• Fun. The work we do is very serious, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have fun. We know how to have a good time and you should too.

Benefits

• Generous vacation and holidays (like a full day off to celebrate Harvey Milk Day!), including three half-day Fridays during the summer
• Comprehensive health insurance (we pay 100% of your premiums for medical, dental, and life), including gender affirmation surgery
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the U.S. (we provide the technology, a monthly amount for internet and office supplies, and a reimbursement to outfit your work-from-home space!)
• Fun virtual office environment and passionate team 
• Online Subscription to Headspace, a digital meditation platform
• Meaningful work at an organization that is saving the lives of LGBTQ young people across America every day
• The Trevor Project is an equal opportunity employer

Your application

We’re excited to hear from you! To join Team Trevor, please upload a resume and cover letter. Applications without cover letters will not be considered. Use this as an opportunity to convey why you want to be the Director of Research Science at The Trevor Project!