Research Associate (II)

Company Description

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity, with a focus on vulnerable and under-served populations.  Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.   

Job Description

Strong candidate identified for this position.

The School Improvement Portfolio in EDC’s US division has an opening for a Research Associate (II).

The School Improvement portfolio is one of five portfolios of work in the US division, and is focused on understanding, improving and transforming education systems and educational practice through the use of evidence and continuous learning. We do so by conducting research and evaluation and providing technical assistance in K-12 education, higher education, and adult education in both formal and informal settings in partnership with federal and state agencies, schools and school districts, community-based organizations, foundations and other research and non-profit organizations.  We anticipate that the Research Associate (II) will support both privately and federally funded projects at EDC.

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

The Research Associate (II) independently provides support to complex or multiple qualitative &/or quantitative investigation efforts, including:

• Research & analysis, with increasing methodology expertise and independent judgment; disseminating information and preparing recommendations
• Troubleshoots complex problems, proposing initiatives and recommending or negotiating solutions
• Documenting & cataloguing; maintaining records; drafting, revising plans
• Independently drafting proposals; coordinating proposal development or execution
• May assist Principal Investigator with key deliverables and may be responsible for parts of diverse, small to mid-size projects or coordinate sections of larger projects
• Performing or supervising fieldwork
• Coordinates administrative and logistical tasks
• Coordinates quality assurance
• Facilitates project teamwork and feedback exchanges; trains, supervises, and provides guidance or administrative direction to junior staff; often coordinates work of less experienced staff
• May travel

Qualifications

This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree or PhD in a related field preferred
• With Bachelor’s degree, 7–10 years related research, education, public health or administrative coordination, requiring solid experience with computer applications (including databases), psychometric or statistical measurement techniques, and Internet research
• With Master’s degree, 5–8 years related experience (as above)
• With PhD, 0–3 years related experience (as above)
• 1–3 years prior project leadership or supervisory experience preferred

Additional Information

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Total Rewards: 
EDC offers the following comprehensive benefits package for all eligible employees:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous vacation benefits for full- and part-time employees
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition and transportation reimbursement
• Robust retirement plan with TIAA/CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/College Retirement Equities Fund