Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.

The School Improvement Portfolio in the US Division has an opening for a Research Assistant (I), reporting to the Senior Research Scientist, in Waltham, MA.

Staff in the School Improvement portfolio provide expertise in formal and informal education through designing and conducting research, evaluation, research syntheses, and secondary data analysis. School Improvement staff also provide technical support related to data and evidence use, and apply evidence to inform policies on a wide range of issues including school-based, community-based, and out-of-school time educational programs. We are looking for like-minded people who share EDC’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, who understand the importance of cultural responsiveness in today’s educational context, and who have a deep understanding of the communities we serve.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Research Assistant will primarily provide quantitative analytic, data management, and administrative support to projects in the School Improvement Portfolio which are focused on researching and implementing policies and practices that deliver rich, engaging educational experiences that are rigorous and linguistically and culturally sustaining, leading to higher English learner (EL) and multilingual learner (MLL) student achievement and social emotional learning. The Research Assistant may provide support on a range of other research, evaluation, and technical support and training projects focused on the implementation of evidence-informed, school-based programs to improve student outcomes and the design and implementation of evaluations for both school- and community-based educational initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

Under management oversight, the Research Assistant (I) provides support to qualitative &/or quantitative investigation efforts, including:

• preparing and cleaning data, conducting simple quantitative analyses using software such as STATA, SAS or R
• preparing literature reviews for inclusion in proposals and reports
• creating charts, tables, and figures
• compiling reference lists and citations in proper citation and format styles
• research & analysis, using independent judgment in consultation
• recruiting participants
• collecting, entering, and cleaning data
• conducting preliminary analyses
• drafting, revising
• documenting & cataloguing
• maintaining records
• preparing preliminary recommendations
• disseminating information
• supporting development and proposal work
• participating in qualitative data collection and analysis, including interviews and observations
• assisting with writing, editing materials
• assisting with developing presentations
• assisting with fieldwork

The Research Assistant (I)

• Leads assigned administrative tasks
• Facilitates project teamwork; seeks and utilizes feedback
• Assists with quality assurance
• Provides logistical support
• Communicates with clients
• May be expected to travel

This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years related research, education or administrative coordination, requiring experience with computer applications (including databases) and Internet research
• Strong quantitative skills; familiarity with statistical software, such as SPSS or STATA, preferred
• Proficiency in MS Excel and other MS Office applications
• Experience with online survey software, such as SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics
• Ability to write clearly
• Has experience working with English learner and Multilingual learner students
• Full fluency in English, native or near native fluency in Spanish preferred

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.