Associate Director of Research

Position Title: Associate Director of Research

Req ID: 67844BR

School or Unit: Harvard Graduate School of Education

Description: Job Summary

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Associate Director of Research at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University oversees and develops the analytical work for a portfolio of research projects, contributes to the broader strategic vision of projects, and assures the quality of analytic products. CEPR partners with school districts, charter school networks, and state education agencies to bring high quality research methods and data analysis to bear on strategic management and policy decisions. We believe that (1) policy and management decisions directly influence the ability of schools and teachers to improve student achievement; and (2) valid and reliable data analysis significantly improves the quality of decision-making. We design our work around the theory of action that if we bring together the right people, the right data, and the right analysis, significantly better decision-making will occur, and student outcomes will be improved.

The Associate Director reports to CEPR's Director of Research and oversees a team of Research Analysts.

Position Description

Key responsibilities of the Associate Director include:

• Oversee and develop a portfolio of analytic research projects across the research life cycle including the establishment of research questions, design of the study, grant writing, collection of data, analysis, and writing of reports and academic papers.
• Lead a team of faculty and researchers in developing education research projects to study causal effects using randomized control trials or quasi-experimental designs, to create data diagnostics or dashboards, or to develop analytic tools and processes. Analyses will target salient and actionable questions.
• Hire and supervise research managers and research analysts for projects, coach fellows, and lead workshops.
• Provide technical training to analysts and fellows on research methods and selection of appropriate statistical methods.
• Work with project PI's and directors to help manage analytic portion of budget, write grant reports, and set the project's vision.
• Working closely with principal investigators, help develop ideas and strategies for new projects, including identifying funding sources, designing the research, and writing grant proposals.
• Manage the successful execution of research projects by developing work plans, meeting key project deadlines, and coordinating work for current and future CEPR projects.
• Build trusting, professional relationships with internal collaborators, including data administration staff, program staff, and principal investigators.
• Ensure the quality and reproducibility of the research by designing rigorous studies, using appropriate statistical models and tests, reviewing output, and developing protocols for documenting and checking analytic work.
• Perform complex statistical programming as needed.
• Contribute to and create research reports and academic publications. Disseminate findings through meetings and conferences.

Basic Qualifications

Advanced degree (master's or higher) in economics, education, public policy, statistics, or a related field. 3+ years management responsibility and demonstrated ability to lead a team. 6+ years experience in quantitative research (including graduate coursework and research) with responsibility for data management and cleaning, analysis, and report writing.

Experience with statistical programming and analysis in Stata and/or R and willingness to learn another software package.

This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.

Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and either include a list of publications on their resume or upload a sample academic paper as part of their application.

All candidates invited for an interview will need to complete a case.The finalist will be asked to do a short presentation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

PhD in a related social science field using quantitative methods strongly preferred.

Experience developing project ideas and partnerships, grant writing, and/or project budgeting.

Experience in working with K-12 and postsecondary data sets.

Practical experience with a variety of research methods such as randomized control trials, value-added models, instrumental variables, synthetic controls, Bayesian estimation, and/or machine learning is a plus.

Ability to teach, support, and/or train others in analysis, the use of data tools, and programming through individual coaching or group learning experiences.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in particular an ability to communicate technical topics to non-technical audiences.

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state's required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

This is a Hybrid position with three days in the Cambridge office and two days remote.

Additional Information

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: RS0058 Senior Researcher I

Job Function: Research

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 058

Department: CEPR


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity


Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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