Associate Director, Impact and Innovation Research

Great Minds is a high-growth, mission-driven organization focused on providing meaningful educational content and tools for teachers. The Associate Director, Impact and Innovation Research will lead high-impact research initiatives to drive evidence-based improvements and innovations across the company's products and services.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead a research strategy that integrates implementation evaluation and product innovation in alignment with organizational priorities
• Collaborate with leaders across Product Development, Implementation Services, and Design to ensure research informs both strategic decisions and the development of new solutions
• Design and oversee mixed-methods studies that evaluate curriculum effectiveness, implementation fidelity, user needs, and opportunities for product refinement or innovation
• Monitor trends in K–12 education, implementation science, and learning science to guide future-focused research and strategic planning
• Lead and mentor a team of researchers, providing strategic direction, professional development, and coaching to support team growth and impact
• Act as a thought partner to senior leadership, translating research into actionable insights that guide high-stakes decisions
• Foster a culture of inquiry, innovation, and continuous improvement across teams by building research literacy and systems for evidence-based decision-making
• Oversee the design and implementation of complex, mixed-methods studies to evaluate the impact of curricula, professional learning, and implementation models
• Conduct user research and needs assessments to support early-stage product ideation, development, and testing
• Ensure timely, accurate analysis and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data to support product refinement and strategic planning
• Produce compelling reports, briefs, and presentations that clearly communicate findings to internal and external audiences, including executives, educators, and partners
• Collaborate with school districts, educators, and external stakeholders to conduct field studies and gather implementation data
• Represent Great Minds at national conferences, industry events, and in publications to share research findings and highlight the organization’s leadership in education research
• Develop partnerships with academic institutions, policy organizations, and research networks to expand the reach and impact of Great Minds’ research efforts

Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in implementation, evaluation, or education product research in K–12 or a related field
• 3+ years of experience managing research teams and leading strategic, cross-functional research projects
• Deep expertise in mixed-methods research design, analysis, and synthesis
• Proven success using research to inform product strategy and improve implementation outcomes
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, instructional design, and educator support systems
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly and persuasively present complex findings to diverse audiences
• Skills in managing competing priorities, timelines, and resources in fast-paced environments
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and influence senior stakeholders
• Commitment to educational equity and a passion for improving outcomes for all students
• Bachelor's degree in education, research methodology, behavioral science, or a related field
• Experience conducting research to inform product development or user experience in an education context
• Familiarity with design thinking, lean product development, or similar innovation methodologies
• Understanding of the K–12 education policy and funding landscape
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in education, evaluation, research methodology, or a related discipline