(Contingent) Research Associate (II)

  • Full-time

Company Description

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

The Health Promotion, Practice, and Innovation (HPPI) portfolio includes a range of projects that aim to promote social and emotional wellbeing, promote mental and behavioral health, and to prevent risky behaviors such as substance misuse, violence, and suicide. Our project beneficiaries range from state agencies (e.g., state departments of public health and education), community-based organizations, and school districts. Our funders include federal agencies, state agencies, foundations, community-based organizations, and school districts. Our work includes trainings and professional development opportunities, technical assistance and consultation, and research and evaluation. 

The HPPI Portfolio has 3 openings for contingent Research Associate (II)s, reporting to programmatic HPPI project director. The position is eligible to work in one of EDC’s offices and is open to U.S.-based telecommuters. Internationally-based telecommuters are not eligible for this position." We expect these positions to have a general focus on substance misuse prevention, suicide prevention, violence prevention, and related behavioral health concerns. Selected candidates could transition between these and other areas as business demands. All positions at EDC are subject to funding availability.

Job Description

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.

The Research Associate (II) independently provides support to complex or multiple qualitative &/or quantitative investigation efforts, including:

  • Research & analysis, with increasing methodology expertise and independent judgment
  • Documenting & cataloguing
  • Maintaining records
  • Preparing recommendations
  • Drafting, revising plans
  • Writing, editing materials
  • Developing presentations
  • Disseminating information
  • Independently drafting proposals; coordinating proposal development or execution
  • Perhaps assisting Principal Investigator with key deliverables
  • Performing or supervising fieldwork
  • Coordinates administrative and logistical tasks
  • Coordinates quality assurance
  • Facilitates project teamwork and feedback exchanges
  • Troubleshoots complex problems, proposing initiatives and recommending or negotiating solutions
  • Trains, supervises, and provides guidance or administrative direction to junior staff; often coordinates work of less experienced staff
  • May be responsible for parts of diverse, small to mid-size projects or coordinate sections of larger projects
  • May travel

Qualifications

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 required
  • Master’s degree or PhD in a related field preferred
  • With Bachelor’s degree, 7–10 years related research, education, public health or administrative coordination, requiring solid experience with computer applications (including databases), psychometric or statistical measurement techniques, and Internet research
  • With Master’s degree, 5–8 years related experience (as above)
  • With PhD, 0–3 years related experience (as above)
  • 1–3 years prior project leadership or supervisory experience preferred

Additional Information

Benefits we offer:

  • This position is eligible for full-time telework for US-based candidates.
  • A mission-driven work environment
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance and employee assistance program
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Generous vacation benefits
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tuition and transportation reimbursement
  • Retirement plan including robust employer contributions
  • Paid sick time and up to 16 hours of personal time annually
  • Parental leave

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is 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, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Apply today:

Apply directly via our website (www.edc.org/careers-edc) with both a thoughtful cover letter and resume. The cover letter should be a succinct statement of interest to include highlights of relevant qualifications and experience for the role desired, and should not exceed three pages. The resume should not exceed five pages. Writing samples and/or participation in exercises to demonstrate skills and experience may be part of the interview process. Note: applications without requested items will not be considered.

At EDC, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our employees, families, and friends above all else. In response to the increased transmissibility with recent variants, all US-based EDC employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, as a condition of employment. Accommodations due to medical or religious exemptions will be considered.