Research and Insights Manager

About The Organization

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze the food system to take evidence-based action to stop wasting food. We do this by cultivating and convening the food community, delivering actionable evidence and insights, and seeding and accelerating food waste solutions. Starting with the 2016 Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste, ReFED has produced first-of-their-kind tools and resources, providing a full-supply-chain picture of U.S. food waste, cost-effective solutions to reduce it, and methods to track progress. In 2021, ReFED launched the Insights Engine, an online data center serving as the next generation of data, insights, and guidance on U.S. food waste reduction. Reducing food waste will have a significant impact on mitigating climate change, optimizing the use of water, land, and other resources, and providing meals for the over 47 million people in the United States who currently face food insecurity. We are continuing to grow our team to further build our capacity to achieve our vision of a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow.

We are a team of doers, and we get a lot accomplished. We create outsized impact, and everyone on the team contributes to accomplishing our shared goals. Learning and professional development are heavily embedded in ReFED’s culture. We promote cross-functional work to embrace diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills to ensure we are an inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.   

Learn more at www.refed.org. 

The Manager, Research & Insights will drive the execution of ReFED's research strategy, managing projects from concept to completion to advance understanding of food waste and its solutions. This role spearheads end-to-end research project management—including scoping, planning, budget oversight, contracting, vendor management, and documentation—and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with programmatic and organizational objectives. As a key technical expert on ReFED’s food waste and solution research methodologies, datasets, and key indicators, the Manager will develop and deliver training and resources to empower partners to effectively utilize ReFED's research. The Manager will apply advanced analytical and synthesis skills to quantitative and qualitative data, producing insightful content such as briefs, articles, and compelling data visualizations (in collaboration with ReFED’s Communications team) that enhance ReFED's suite of insight products and inform decision-making across the food waste sector.

Asch Harwood is the hiring manager for this position. Applications must be received by July 25, 2025, to be fully considered.

• This position is expected to fulfill the following responsibilities and duties, as well as responsibilities and duties that may be assigned during the course of employment, such that they are aligned with the job purpose. 

• Execute ReFED’s research strategy (50%)
• Spearhead end-to-end management and successful execution of research projects related to food waste and its solutions. This includes project scoping, planning, budget oversight, timeline management, contracting, and documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to align the data and insights team’s work with programmatic and organizational objectives.
• Establish research partnerships and oversee vendor management, ensuring that deliverables align with ReFED's research needs.

• Enhance ReFED's suite of Insights Engine products (20%)
• Support the ongoing maintenance and improvements of ReFED’s tools from concept to visual design, including data validation and quality assurance, managing user research, producing content, and managing relationships with the product and engineering team.

• Research, analyze, and communicate insights  (15%)
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data and insights, and communicate those findings via thought leadership in the form of briefs, articles, and compelling data visualizations.
• Facilitate the exchange of valuable information between academia, industry groups, and stakeholders from across the broader food waste sector by leading workshops at annual summits, participating in lectures, and engaging in panel discussions.

• Serve as ReFED’s measurement technical expert (15%)
• Provide technical assistance on ReFED’s food waste and solution research methodologies, datasets, and key indicators. Tasks include educating/training internal and external partners to effectively utilize ReFED’s research to inform decision-making, and developing and distributing documentation and training materials.

• 5+ years of progressive experience in program/project management with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent research projects and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Expertise in food systems, circular economy, sustainability, environment, or related domains 
• Proven expertise in wrangling, analyzing, and synthesizing complex quantitative and qualitative information from diverse sources
• Highly proficient in analytics software. Experience with Python or R is desirable.
• Strong writing, data visualization, and presentation skills

• Execute multiple research projects to improve how we measure how much food waste occurs across the food system and the potential impact range of solutions.
• Help convert research into actionable insights via written content and digital products.

• Have a proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across diverse teams and with internal and external stakeholders.
• Have exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data and insights into compelling narratives for non-technical audiences.
• Are flexible, have a solutions-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills and great attention to detail.
• Are comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Have a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy, with a people-first approach to teamwork and decision-making.

• Are a creative problem-solver.
• Have a proven commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Are experienced working with remote teams.

ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed. Our organization recognizes that everyone brings unique perspectives and strengths to the team, and we are committed to considering all applicants fairly and thoroughly. If you are passionate about our mission and excited about the role, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process includes the following steps:

* Initial screening interview over video call.

* 2-3 interviews over video call with different members of the team.

* Skills assessment over video call which may or may not include an assignment to complete beforehand and present during the skills assessment meeting. All necessary information and guidance will be provided in advance.

* References, usually three, will be requested, and reference checks will be conducted.

We strive to maintain clear and frequent communication throughout the recruitment process, however, due to capacity limitations we may not be able to respond to every initial application. Our process always includes input from multiple team members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the organization.

Our Operating Environment

ReFED is a distributed organization, with a team of 35+ working remotely from various locations across the United States. We use a range of digital collaboration and connectivity tools to facilitate our work, including Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Airtable, Salesforce, Miro, MS Office, Adobe, and Insperity. 

Our remote culture is built through a variety of means, including 3-4 annual in-person gatherings. These events include our annual team retreat, department retreats and the Food Waste Solutions Summit, a national convening of the food waste movement that we host annually. We also foster team connections through informal virtual get-togethers, ask-me-anything sessions with our Board and Advisory Council members, and peer recognition on our shoutouts channel in Slack. We have a “Big Dill” spot bonus program and engage in conversation through our watercooler channel in Slack. Our in-person events are essential for team building, learning, and fun.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

ReFED is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute and grow. We recognize that our success is rooted in the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of our team members, and we strive to foster a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, training, and promoting individuals regardless of their gender identity, sex, race, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We acknowledge that systemic barriers limit opportunities for certain groups, and we are dedicated to actively working to remove those barriers and promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all aspects of our organization. Our commitment to JEDI is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuously learning, listening, and improving our practices to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.