Research Associate, SEPP

Role Overview

• Project Management and Coordination – coordinate, schedule, and manage field research activities such as interviews, focus groups, and survey administration; cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with internal and external teams; assist with participant recruitment and incentive management.
• Data Collection – establish and maintain data collection and implementation fidelity systems to monitor program quality; participate in or lead various data collection efforts (e.g., focus group, surveys, interviews, etc.); conduct user needs assessments and use data-driven frameworks to guide continuous product iteration.
• Quantitative Data Management/Analysis – build, maintain, clean, and manage large datasets (e.g., Common Core of Data school directory files, client implementation databases, etc.) using Excel or another statistical software package; effectively summarize descriptive data for client products, dissemination, and annual reports.
• Report and Proposal Production – contribute to and/or lead the conceptualization and writing of small-to-large project reports and proposals; prepare descriptive reports, analytic sections, and evaluation reports; assist in the preparation and submission of large and small proposals.
• Facilitation/Presentation – facilitate meetings and present research findings; interface with clients and lay persons related to data collection, analyses and reports; communicate effectively with a range of internal and external audiences including colleagues, clients, researchers, practitioners, and lay persons.
• Understand the Functioning of Educational Settings such as Schools and Classrooms – deep knowledge of early literacy interventions, autism spectrum disorders, and MTSS; direct experience in classroom teaching (General or Special Education); ability to work in such settings by showing respect for and understanding of the structure of how teachers and administrator’s function.

Requirements

• A minimum of three years direct work experience in educational research, quantitative social science research, or related field and a Master’s degree with a specialty in educational research or a related discipline such as special education, psychology, sociology, economics, or public policy is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of research and evaluation methodology, measurement, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Data management experience in Excel or a major statistical package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata).
• Experience preparing research and literature reviews, coordinating and designing research and evaluation projects, and writing reports of project findings for multiple audiences.
• Experience working with clients on program improvement efforts (to develop and modify program designs) and providing feedback based on evaluation findings and evidence from prior research and practice.
• Ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Capability to be adaptive to pressing requests and work with Project Directors to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Ability to translate research findings to practitioner-oriented materials, including brief reports, presentations, and professional development materials.
• Excellent organizational skills & Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies such as survey platforms and web management systems.
• Expertise in one or more substantive areas relevant to special educational research, evaluation, and policy analysis, such as UDL, MTSS, PBIS, STEM, literacy, special education, or educational technology.
• Ability to collaborate with others and work in a team setting.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks on various projects.
• Ability to develop charts, tables, and other graphics for reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage occasional overnight travel as part of project work.

Benefits

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option
• All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date
• PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives
• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program