Project Manager - Education Research - ON-CALL REMOTE

ICF seeks an on-call Project Manager – Education Research to work within our Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) Line of Business. This role manages education research and evaluation projects. Clients include state education agencies, colleges and universities, private companies.

As a Project Manager – Education Research, you will apply your technical knowledge and work experience and gain exposure to major projects related to research, evaluation, and technical assistance in K-20 and adult education, with particular emphasis on evidence-based early literacy and college and career access and success programs. You will be heavily involved in managing projects, literature reviews, survey development, interviews and focus groups, data synthesis and analysis, writing reports, delivering presentations, as well as business development and other tasks as required. 

Key Responsibilities 

As a Project Manager – Education Research, you will be responsible for developing and implementing research and evaluation plans for multiple projects. Key project tasks may include: 

• Managing research and evaluation projects and teams, including planning, budgeting, invoicing, and coordinating internal and client meetings.  

• Developing and implementing work plans and research/evaluation designs using a range of quantitative, qualitative, mixed-method, and case study approaches.  

• Leading data collection activities such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, and site visits (virtual and in-person), including recruitment, logistics, notetaking, and reporting.  

• Analyzing and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, creating data visualizations, and supporting staff in effective data use.  

• Preparing high-quality written products—including reports, literature reviews, briefs—and delivering presentations tailored to a variety of audiences. 

• Candidates must be able to manage projects; be versed in research/evaluation strategies, methodologies, and analytic approaches; and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.  

Basic Qualifications 

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate) in Education, Measurement and Evaluation, Public Policy, Social Science, or a related discipline   

• 5+ years of education research and evaluation experience, including:  

• Designing research studies/program evaluations 

• Conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis 

• Experience using analytical packages such as R, Python, SPSS, SAS, Dedoose, or NVivo 

• 5+ years managing projects 

• 5+ years prior work experience in a consulting environment 

Preferred Skills/Experience 

• Knowledge of evidence-based early literacy and/or college access and success programming.  

• Knowledge of experimental, quasi-experimental, mixed-method, and case study research approaches.  

• Strong analytic skills, including merging, cleaning, and manipulating datasets in applied settings.  

• Experience organizing and leading interviews and focus groups with diverse audiences in virtual and in-person formats.  

• Proficiency in MS Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.  

• Strong communication skills, including writing, interpersonal communication, and developing and delivering presentations.  

• Experience designing one-pagers, infographics, and other innovative reporting deliverables.  

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, sound decision-making, and strong problem-solving skills.  

• Interest in, and experience with, business development activities, including capture efforts and proposal writing. 

Professional Skills 

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills demonstrated through high-quality written products and team guidance. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities supporting complex research and evaluation activities. 

• Effective team builder and collaborative partner able to manage competing priorities and stakeholder needs. 

• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment while taking ownership of tasks and deliverables. 

• Superior attention to detail with the ability to meet stringent deadlines across concurrent activities. 

• Sound business ethics and commitment to protecting proprietary and confidential information. 

• Skilled at prioritizing and managing multiple activities in fast-paced, changing environments. 

• Experienced in planning