Researcher (Quantitative)
Since 2005, our vibrant and virtual organization has used research and evaluation to promote equitable postsecondary and workforce attainment by tackling complex problems through candid, honest, and trusting relationships with clients and partners. Guided by equity-focused principles, we leverage our collective expertise around research methodologies and organizational change to design and execute learning and evaluation activities using participatory and inclusive practices.
Position Overview
The Researcher will be part of a small, dynamic team of professionals who collaborate to conduct evaluations for clients that include private foundations, non-profit intermediaries, state agencies, colleges, and universities. This position requires quantitative expertise in statistical research methods and experience with large-scale administrative databases or other national datasets; proficiency with Stata is required. Our team is committed to equity in postsecondary education, which we define as the fair allocation of resources and support to facilitate access to opportunity and the realization of successful college and workforce outcomes. As such, we are especially interested in candidates who identify as, have effectively and respectively worked with, and/or have used research to amplify the experiences of racialized minorities, adults, and students from low-income and/or rural backgrounds.
This position is remote, and the successful candidate will work from home. Some travel is required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare quantitative, longitudinal databases for analysis by cleaning, reshaping, merging, and organizing data from diverse sources
- Conduct basic statistical analyses of data, such as descriptive statistics and regression analyses
- Organize, analyze, and translate data output from administrative and survey sources for storytelling and sensemaking with non-technical stakeholders
- Conduct literature reviews and desk research to provide internal context for projects, and summarize results by drawing conclusions, hypotheses, or inferences that emerge from research and reports reviewed.
- Work with Senior Researchers on tools and processes for clients to submit quantitative data, such as developing data dictionaries and templates to facilitate primary data collection
- Collaborate with Senior Researchers on survey development, administration, and analyses
- Support project teams by drafting reports, preparing tables, figures, and visuals, and synthesizing feedback from staff, contractors, and clients
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $66,000-$80,000, plus Benefits, including bonus compensation, health insurance, education & training benefits, 401k plan with 3% Safe Harbor employer contribution plus profit sharing contributions; 15 days personal paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays, and up to 6 company-wide paid days off.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter that demonstrates your commitment to equity, most relevant technical skills and experience, and availability to start along with a resume or curriculum vitae.
We will review applications on an ongoing basis and conduct initial interviews through February 28, 2023. Anticipated start date of April 1, 2023.
Position Requirements:
- Education: PhD (completed or ABD) or master's degree in the social sciences (sociology, higher education, economics); preference for candidates with 2-3 years of experience conducting analyses in an applied educational setting (which could be as part of masters or doctoral research).
- Ability to operate a computer is an essential function, along with excellent command of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with MAC OS and Tableau (or other data visualization tools) desirable
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for 90 percent of the time while working on a laptop and participating in virtual meetings during a standard 8-hour workday between 8am-6pm.
- Comfortable working with diverse colleagues and stakeholders with different backgrounds and experiences, and who work in different time zones and locations
- Excellent time management to coordinate multiple projects, tasks, and timelines simultaneously
- Ability to leverage and provide constructive feedback to improve work quality and efficiency, including capability to review their own work for errors and adjust