Senior Research Manager (Palo Alto, CA or Washington, DC)
Who We Are
The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) is a national organization that conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to shape education policies and improve learning for each and every child. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, LPI connects policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with the evidence, ideas, and actions needed to strengthen the pre-k to grade 12 education system and address the complex realities facing public schools and their communities. Working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and others who care about improving public schools, the Institute advances evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for all children. For more information, visit www.learningpolicyinstitute.org
The Position
LPI seeks full-time Senior Research Managers across its major areas of focus, especially candidates with interest and expertise in school finance and resource equity, educator quality and the education workforce, early childhood education, or aspects of whole child education (deeper learning, social-emotional and cognitive development, school design, community schools). . The position is an excellent opportunity for an established senior researcher with a passion for creating policy impact though high-quality research. LPI’s research agenda is shaped by our commitment to advancing evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for all children. Researchers at LPI work on collaborative teams with research, policy, and communications staff to conduct and translate high-quality, independent research into timely and actionable ideas that can impact educational practice and outcomes. The Senior Research Manager will help develop and lead projects in LPI’s growing portfolio of work.
Qualifications and Experience
Research managers are expected to show a demonstrated ability to conceptualize research studies that can inform policy, mentor and develop junior staff members, lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards and monitor progress, and communicate findings to policy-making audiences. Successful applicants will have demonstrated many of the following set of personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
- Doctoral degree in an education specialization or in education policy, public policy, economics, psychology, or related fields
- Demonstrated experience (minimum 6 years) conducting policy research studies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods
- A track record of publications demonstrating intellectual leadership
- Experience conducting policy-oriented research and communicating it to policy audiences
- Passion for and commitment to LPI’s mission of that all children receive empowering and equitable learning, especially historically underserved students
- Experiencing leading multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrated ability to obtain grant funding
- Excellent and persuasive written and oral communication skills
- Knowledge of and experience working in state and federal education policy arenas
- Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
Location
Preference for candidates able to work in the Palo Alto, CA or Washington, DC office.
Dispositions
- Passion for ensuring that all children receive empowering and equitable learning, especially historically underserved students.
- Self-starter mentality and the ability to both work independently and foster collaborative working relationships, and to work well in a team setting.
- A demonstrated commitment to excellence and equity.
- Ability to execute and exhibit good judgment.
- An understanding and appreciation of the varied and complex educational policy landscape, and the ability to translate that understanding to policymaker and lay audiences.
- An optimistic outlook and a flexible, innovative nature.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter here. Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related task/performance assessment at that time.
The Learning Policy Institute has a deep commitment to its staff’s health and well-being and strives to embody the organization’s values within the organizational structure. LPI offers competitive compensation and benefits; prioritizes and provides financial support for professional development; supports diversity, equity, and inclusion work; and values a collaborative culture.LPI is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations in order to work onsite in the office.