Associate Director, Academic Research, Bloomberg Cities Insights Unit

Primary Responsibilities

The Associate Director for Academic Research will support the GI team in overseeing the growing Government Innovation portfolio of research grants to universities and research institutions, both within specific initiatives and across core program areas. This role will help shape the strategic direction of GI’s research work, contribute to the development of research agendas, project manage high-impact academic partnerships, and ensure that all funded research aligns with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ commitment to excellence, field building, and producing practical insights that advance public sector innovation in cities.

The Associate Director for Academic Research will have an eye toward elevating the visibility and influence of GI-supported academic research and will work closely with internal program teams, external grantees, and senior leadership to ensure the research portfolio is timely, relevant, and useful to cities.

Primary responsibilities for this Associate Director for Academic Research include:

• Supporting the Bloomberg Philanthropies GI team in managing and shaping a portfolio of academic research grants focused on local government innovation, ensuring the work is relevant, rigorous, and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Helping define research agendas that reflect the most pressing challenges cities face and where funded projects contribute to a stronger base of evidence for public sector innovation.
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with research institutions, scholars, and networks advancing innovation in cities.
• Reviewing and providing feedback on proposals and deliverables from research partners.
• Supporting the integration of research insights into strategy development, program design, and real-time decision-making.
• Helping synthesize research findings into clear, accessible materials—memos, briefings, and presentations—that support internal learning and external influence.
• Systematically tracking developments in the research and policy landscape that are relevant to local government innovation, assisting with related research projects, and translating findings for partners and for the team's strategic foresight.
• Supporting dissemination efforts and field-building activities, including events, convenings, and knowledge-sharing efforts across the network.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• 10-15 years of experience in research, strategy, or public policy—ideally with work in an academic or research-based setting focused on urban policy, local government, or public sector innovation.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills, with demonstrated experience translating research into insights that inform policy or program decisions.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing city governments, particularly in areas such as service delivery, systems reform, or resident engagement.
• Experience working with academic or applied researchers, including proposal review, research design, or knowledge translation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing research summaries, strategic briefs, or stakeholder-facing materials.
• Ability to manage complex projects and timelines while contributing thoughtfully to team-wide strategic thinking.
• A collaborative working style and a strong interest in helping cities work better through evidence and learning.
• A graduate degree in public policy, urban planning, sociology, political science, or a related field is preferred.

Full salary range for this position is $130,000-$155,000. In addition to base annual compensation, Freedman Consulting offers a comprehensive benefits package and discretionary annual bonus based on individual and firm performance. The firm's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, a 401k retirement plan, paid vacation, personal and sick leave, and other valuable benefits. The starting salary is determined based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, internal equity considerations, and budget availability. To apply, please submit your resume, and a cover letter detailing your interests and qualifications as it relates to this role. 

Freedman Consulting, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Freedman Consulting does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Freedman Consulting, LLC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations during the application process, contact the Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Kline@tfreedmanconsulting.com.

*We are prioritizing NYC-based candidates for this role. All Freedman Consulting employees based in Washington, DC and New York City follow a hybrid work (remote and in-office) policy. This position requires in-person collaboration at least twice a week with members of the New York-based team and there will be occasional travel. The firm’s hybrid policy values flexibility and seeks in-person collaboration when it will be most beneficial in serving client, project team, and firm needs.