Senior Researcher, Education and Employment Division

Company: Mathematica
Location: Oakland
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

* Position Description*:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, health, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company's growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here.

Mathematica seeks a senior researcher who is passionate about improving educational outcomes for children to lead research and evaluation, program improvement, and technical assistance projects. We seek a senior researcher to lead projects in a variety of education topic areas for government agencies at the federal, state, and local level as well as private philanthropic and nonprofit clients. Our current work includes projects to identify promising practices for remote learning; measuring and improving school climate and adopting culturally sensitive teaching practices; and examining the effectiveness of educator training and professional development, magnet schools, and adult education strategies. Mathematica provides technical assistance, data analytics, and measurement, evaluation and learning services to the U. S. Department of Education, state departments of education, school districts, foundations, and other intermediaries to support schools in improving teaching and learning for all students and to promote equity in schools.

The senior researcher will join our growing interdisciplinary staff of researchers in education measurement and policy, child development, sociology, economics, and data science in the Education and Employment (EED) division within the Human Services unit. Senior researchers will contribute to continuing growth in the EED division by directing projects, identifying and obtaining new opportunities, and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

* Engage with clients to understand the challenges they face and work collaboratively with them to develop innovative solutions * Lead interdisciplinary teams to conduct research, program support and improvement, and technical assistance projects in the EED division * Contribute to business development and proposals for new projects for the US Department of Education, other government agencies, and foundations * Work collaboratively with states, districts, and non-profits to measure and test strategies for improving teaching and learning in schools.
* Oversee project budgets, schedules, and staffing to ensure high-quality project delivery * Communicate with project officers on the financial status of projects, design and technical issues, and project reports and presentations * Provide thought leadership in the area of education through communications, testimony, publications, and conferences in professional, practitioner, and research settings * Contribute to the professional development of other research staff working in the EED division

* Position Requirements*:

* Ph.D. or equivalent in education (measurement or policy analysis), sociology, economics, public policy, or a related field or a combination of equivalent education and work experience * Extensive knowledge of federal education programs and approaches for improving educational outcomes for children, such as educator preparation and professional development, high quality instructional materials, school improvement strategies, special education services, and college and career readiness programs.
* Ten or more years of experience working with or evaluating programs/interventions designed to improve educational outcomes for children.
* Experience interacting with state and local education agencies or other program practitioners through such as activities as training and technical assistance, program or curriculum development, or continuous quality improvement. Candidates with direct experience working with state and local education agencies across the country are particularly encouraged to apply. * Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience communicating research questions, designs, and findings in non-technical language to educators, school district leaders, states, federal agencies, foundations, and non-profits.
* Strong interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with clients and other external stakeholders * Evidence of successful business development activities with the federal government or state or local education agencies

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work. As a winner of the "Excellence in Diversity Award," we know that building an inclusive culture based on the diverse strengths of employees from different backgrounds is key to our success.

Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $120,000 - $180,000. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance.

Available locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Oakland, CA; Cambridge, MA; Seattle, WA; Ann Arbor, MI. Staff located in other parts of the country with established relationships with state and local education agencies will also be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Keywords: Mathematica, Oakland , Senior Researcher, Education and Employment Division, Other , Oakland, California