Jobloria
Labor Center Research Director
University Of California - Irvine
Location : Irvine,CA
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : $116,200
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Recruit
Labor Center Research Director
Urban Planning and Public Policy / School of Social Ecology / UC IrvinePosition overview
Application Window
Open date:August 22, 2025
Most recent review date:Monday, Sep 22, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date:Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The UCI Labor Center builds the power of working people in Orange County and beyond by promoting, defending, and expanding workers’ rights through research, education, leadership development, and outreach. As part of the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine, the Center supports unions, worker organizations, and community groups in building a fair and racially just worker-centered economy. The Center engages in applied research, policy analysis, and labor education to support economic justice and systemic change.
We are accepting applications for a Research Director that will lead the Labor Center’s research and policy work. Reporting to the Labor Center’s Director and Faculty Director this position is responsible for designing and overseeing research projects, managing research-related grant activities, conducting both quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, and building collaborative relationships. The ideal candidate will have strong research skills, a deep commitment to worker and community justice, and experience in collaborative and applied research.
This position is based in Irvine, CA and is fully onsite or hybrid (remote/on-site). Initial appointment is for 1 year with renewal based on performance and funding availability.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee and develop the Labor Center’s quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis program.
Conduct original research on issues relevant to labor and community-based organizations in Orange County.
Conduct in-depth policy analysis that advances the centers mission and priorities of its partners.
Collect, code, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
Manage research activities related to grand development and implementation.
Collaborate with Labor Center staff, affiliated faculty, and labor and community partners.
Develop strategies to generate resources for the research program, including fundraising, donor relations, and the preparation of grant and contract proposals.
Oversee research-related communication, including publications, briefs, and data visualization.
Organize events related to design, implementation, and/or dissemination of research or policy analysis.
Assist in the management and reporting of research related to contracts and grants.
Supervise and mentor Labor Center staff engaged in research, policy analysis, and research-related fundraising.
To apply, please click this link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09842 .
Qualifications
-A minimum of a doctoral degree from an accredited university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
-Demonstrated success and commitment to diversity and equity, and keen sensitivity to the interest of all underrepresented groups.
-Experience developing and managing research projects.
-Experience developing and managing public-private partnerships.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research (Optional)
About UC Irvine
The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy .
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
Job location
Freqently Asked Questions
Proficiency in both quantitative techniques like statistical data analysis and qualitative approaches such as policy impact assessments is crucial. Mastery of these research methods enables a Labor Center Research Director in Irvine to produce insightful labor market studies that drive community-centered economic justice.
By designing research that highlights systemic labor disparities and collaborating with unions and community groups, the director steers policy recommendations that promote fair employment practices. This leadership is vital in advancing workforce equity tailored to the unique demographics of Orange County.
Individuals often move into senior policy advisory roles, academic appointments, or leadership positions in labor advocacy organizations. Building expertise in applied research and community engagement opens pathways to impactful roles influencing labor legislation and workforce development.
Irvine’s dynamic economy and diverse workforce create a high need for research directors who understand local labor issues. Challenges include addressing wage disparities and immigrant worker rights, making expertise in these areas particularly valued among employers.
Given UC Irvine’s reputation and the role's community impact focus, competition is significant with candidates often holding advanced degrees and demonstrated commitment to social equity. Knowledge of local labor ecosystems and successful grant management experience enhances candidacy.
In addition to leading research initiatives, this role demands fostering partnerships between faculty, community stakeholders, and labor groups. Navigating academic frameworks while driving practical labor solutions is key to aligning university resources with Orange County’s workforce needs.
Salaries typically range from $95,000 to $140,000 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialized expertise required. Compensation varies based on qualifications, funding availability, and experience managing complex labor research projects within academic or nonprofit settings.
Deep understanding of California’s labor regulations, including workers’ rights legislation and union frameworks, is indispensable. This knowledge ensures research outputs are legally relevant and empower local labor organizations to advocate effectively within state-specific contexts.
UC Irvine’s integration with the School of Social Ecology fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing applied research geared towards racial and economic justice. This environment offers unique opportunities to influence both academic discourse and community-based labor reforms.
Expertise in securing and managing research grants is critical, as it sustains the center’s projects and outreach efforts. The director must navigate proposal development and donor relations adeptly to continue funding impactful labor studies and policy initiatives.
Find The Related Jobs
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
El Cerrito, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
Oakland, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
Canyon, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
Moraga, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
San Lorenzo, CA
American Economic Association
Senior Research Associate
Richmond, CA