Principal Researcher, Youth Development

For our client, we are seeking a Principal Researcher, Youth Development to join the team of a leader in the Education, Government & Non-Profit space. This role will provide strategic thought leadership across youth development initiatives, helping shape research and evaluation efforts that support meaningful outcomes for young people. The position will also drive interdisciplinary work spanning mental health, trauma-informed care, juvenile justice, and youth economic mobility. In addition, this leader will partner closely with funders, clients, and internal teams to expand the organization’s research portfolio and strengthen its market position. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in youth development research, a strong track record in proposal development and project leadership, and the ability to mentor teams on complex, high-impact engagements. Location: Remote - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available Compensation: $150,000 – $180,000 annually Responsibilities Provide thought leadership to enhance youth development initiatives. Develop marketing and business plans for expanding youth development work. Adopt an interdisciplinary approach supporting mental health, trauma-informed care, and juvenile justice. Lead proposal writing and business development for federal, state, and local agencies and foundations. Manage large research projects, ensuring quality, budget adherence, and client satisfaction. Mentor junior staff on research methods and project management techniques. Cultivate relationships with funders and clients to grow the organization’s portfolio. Qualifications Ph.D. in a relevant field, or a Master’s degree with 11+ years of experience in youth development research and evaluation. 10+ years of project leadership experience, including proposal writing and project management. Established national reputation and network in youth development. Expertise in youth development, adolescent health, and youth economic mobility research. Track record of winning competitive grants and contracts at the federal and state levels. Familiarity with federal and state procurement processes. Proven experience mentoring teams on large, complex projects. Benefits Flexible remote work options available within the U.S. Comprehensive benefits package. Opportunities for professional growth and mentoring. Access to a well-connected network in the youth development field. Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.