Job Description:

Description

WestEd is a nonpartisan, nonprofit agency that conducts and applies research, develops evidence-based solutions, and provides services and resources in the realms of education, human development, and related fields, with the end goal of improving outcomes and ensuring equity for individuals from infancy through adulthood.WestEd has more than a dozen offices nationwide, from Massachusetts, Georgia, and Washington, DC, to Arizona and California, with headquarters in San Francisco.

Throughout WestEd's over 50-year history we have maintained a strong commitment to staff diversity. Individuals of different ethnicities, races, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations, as well as from different cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, work at all levels of the organization. We value the range of perspectives provided by this diverse workforce and the ways in which those perspectives enrich and inform our agency and the work we do. Read more aboutWestEd's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Position Overview:

Division 1 is seeking to fill the position of Research Associate II. The person in this position will work on a variety of research and evaluation projects, some of which may include, but not be limited to, school funding, accountability systems, and additional district, state, and federal policies.

The ideal candidate has a strong background and interest in quantitative analysis and research methodology, especially as it relates to causal inference, and demonstrates knowledge about federal and state education policy and systems. This candidate exhibits strong communication (written and verbal) skills in presenting to diverse audiences and can attend to multiple priorities.

Responsibilities:

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  Quantitative Data Management/Analysis - Build, maintain, merge and manage large datasets (e.g., Common Core of Data school directory files, client implementation databases, etc.) using Stata or another statistical software package; effectively summarize descriptive data, and lead or contribute to conducting statistical analyses using advanced statistical methods (e.g., regression discontinuity designs, instrumental variables regressions, multi-level modeling).


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  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 and proposals; assist in the preparation and submission of large and small proposals.


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  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.

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION - Currently, all staff at WestEd are working from home until further notice. Once we return to offices, this position will be based in one of WestEd's offices. Candidates can submit a request to work from home.

Qualifications:

• A master's degree in economics, public policy, statistics, or a related discipline such as psychology or sociology, with a special focus on education research is strongly preferred. Direct work experience in educational research, quantitative social science research, or related field is also preferred.


• Strong knowledge of research and evaluation methodology.


• Programming experience in at least one major statistical package (Stata preferred).


• Experience preparing research and literature reviews, coordinating and designing research and evaluation projects, and writing reports of project findings including graphic representations.


• Experience working with clients on program improvement efforts and providing feedback based on evaluation findings and evidence.


• Expertise in one or more substantive areas relevant to educational research, evaluation, and policy analysis.


• Ability to manage occasional overnight travel as part of project work.

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:Salary for this role is competitive, set at a WestEd level G, and commensurate with experience. WestEd offers a very generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as Life, AD&D and Disability insurance. We also offer various retirement plan options and Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. WestEd offers generous paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), among other benefits.