The Search for Our Scholarship and Development Research Manager

Do you believe in the transformational power of higher education and have a passion for helping Maine’s young people reach their full potential during their college years and beyond? Are you committed to increasing the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education?

The Mitchell Institute welcomes applications from research and data professionals seeking to become the Scholarship and Development Research Manager at Maine’s premier higher education scholarship organization. Learn more below about the opportunity to improve the lives of young people from every corner of Maine who face uphill battles on their way to college.

The Scholarship and Development Research Manager enables a data-driven culture with assessment, analysis, and reporting that supports program excellence and Scholar success. As a member of the Scholarship and Revenue Teams, this position is critical to leveraging data sources, curating relevant research, producing periodic program assessments, stewarding longitudinal survey reports, and sustaining annual demographic and outcome dashboards.

This role provides the organization with research that informs and improves the mission’s service to Scholars and informs external stakeholders with data- and research-informed practices that will enhance the likelihood that young people from all communities in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education. The position supports the Scholar and Scholarship Program needs and prepares reports.

  • Derive quantitative and qualitative research and analysis from the Scholar and Alumni database
  • Update and execute an annual longitudinal survey of Scholars, Alumni, and peer comparisons
  • Conduct post-event and program evaluations
  • Prepare data- and research-informed reports/briefs to inform program and policy decisions
  • Assist the Development Director in shaping proposals to major funding sources
  • Co-facilitate annual reporting requirements for major grants and foundations
  • Provide presentations to the Board, Senator’s Circle, and at conferences with secondary and post-secondary leaders
  • Assist colleagues with data-driven assessments that improve annual performance and outcomes
  • Participate in the scholarship review and selection process
  • Offer individualized mentorship and coaching Scholars
  • As needed, assist the Scholarship Team with staffing events
  • Perform other duties as needed or assigned
  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Strong writing, interpersonal, and oral communication skills
  • Advanced knowledge and high proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, CRMs, Databases, and WordPress is a plus.
  • Experience with survey design, data analysis, and qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Experience managing grants
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize projects; high level of organizational skills
  • Flexibility and self-sufficiency, with strong accuracy and attention to detail
  • A passion for higher education; experience, and affinity for working with young adults
  • Must support the organization’s policies and procedures, including a high degree of confidentiality

Additional Duties
• Participates in signature events with donors, Board, partners, Scholars, and Alumni
• Participates in the scholarship selection process
• Participates in events that may require occasional evening/weekend hours or travel
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned

The Research Manager enables a data-driven culture that supports the success of Scholars, Alumni, and programs through several key research and reporting activities, including a longstanding longitudinal study. The 2025 Mitchell Institute Longitudinal Report is currently being finalized – here is our most recent published findings from this study: 2024 Longitudinal Study Findings.

  • Manual dexterity, visual acuity, hearing acuity, and flexibility
  • Able to sit for moderate periods of time, using a keyboard. Moderate walking; off-site events may require prolonged periods of standing or walking
  • Ability to travel throughout the state using personal vehicle or rental vehicle; valid driver’s license and verifiable auto insurance required
  • Staff members are encouraged to participate in outdoor retreats, which may involve more rigorous physical activity
  • Salary range: $60K–$70K
  • 5% employer contribution to retirement
  • Health insurance with a 100% employer-paid option
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • 12 paid holidays + 4 weeks of paid vacation time
  • Professional development opportunities  

Applicants are invited to apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, and three references* to Jared Cash, President and CEO, at president@mitchellinstitute.org.

We aim to welcome the Scholarship and Development Research Manager to the Mitchell Institute community before the new year. Applications received by November 12, 2025, will be reviewed, and applications will be accepted until finalists have been invited for interviews.

*References will be contacted at the finalist stage of the search and with prior notice to candidates.

About the Mitchell Institute

Through nearly three decades of experience and evidence-based research, we know that student success in college depends on more than money. Additional support and guidance during college increase Mitchell Scholars’ chances of attaining a degree, finding meaningful employment in Maine, and strengthening their communities long after college. The Mitchell Institute offers Scholars a broad range of wraparound supports and resources during and after college to help them hone leadership skills, find and pursue career exploration opportunities, and develop networks that are vital to finding satisfying and purposeful work.

Learn more about our signature programs and supports.

Learn about our founder, Senator George J. Mitchell.

Since 2000, we have conducted longitudinal scholarship research to learn about the experiences of Mitchell Scholars and Alumni. Our research on Mitchell Scholars demonstrates that our methods work: While 44% of recent Mitchell Scholars were the first in their families to attend college and 75% came from households earning less than Maine’s median family income, they graduate at a rate 27 percentage points higher than the national average. Over 50% achieved earnings early in their careers that were higher than their entire family household income at the time they applied for the Mitchell Scholarship.

Learn more about the measures of our impact.

Headquartered at 75 Washington Avenue in Portland, the Mitchell Institute’s nine full-time professionals are committed to the organization’s mission—to increase the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education. We work with young people from every corner of Maine who face uphill battles on their way to college, and we level the playing field for them by providing financial resources and a broad range of supports. Through our work, we help Mitchell Scholars graduate from college at a rate that far exceeds the national average.

Learn more about the Mitchell Institute staff.