2022-61: Research Analyst

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of people with low incomes, being part of a multidisciplinary staff, turning research findings into better public policies, and having hands-on involvement in building better programs, then consider an opportunity with MDRC to be involved in the cutting edge of social research methodology.

MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization that works to find solutions to some of the most difficult problems facing the nation—from reducing poverty, promoting fairness and efficacy in public welfare and justice systems, and bolstering economic well-being to improving public education, college graduation, and pathways to meaningful employment. We design promising new interventions, evaluate existing programs using the highest research standards, and provide technical assistance to build better programs and deliver effective interventions at scale.

MDRC is currently seeking a Research Analyst to join our K-12 Education policy area, which conducts rigorous research on some of the most critical issues in public education. Our researchers are at the top of the field and work on multiple large-scale projects for a variety of funders, including the U.S. Department of Education, the New York City Department of Education, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among many other private and public organizations seeking to build evidence and knowledge about important educational issues. We conduct many of our evaluations in large school districts, such as New York City, Baltimore City, Los Angeles Unified, and Long Beach Unified. Our work focuses on improving the educational opportunities and experiences of low-income populations by addressing such issues as improving high school graduation, closing racial and economic achievement gaps, and using behavioral nudges to improve educational outcomes. The Research Analyst will have the opportunity to work on current social policy issues related to K12 education in a dynamic and challenging environment, under the guidance and supervision of leading program evaluation and public policy researchers.

Responsibilities:

For this role, MDRC seeks an individual who will be a passionate problem-solver, both working with both sites and programs. We are looking for candidates who have strong operations, implementation, and qualitative research skills. Knowledge and interest in education policy issues are also highly desirable. The position provides the successful candidate an opportunity to:

• Conduct reconnaissance and recruit sites to participate in MDRC evaluations;
• Serve as a liaison between selected sites and MDRC project directors;
• Provide technical assistance and program-related support to service providers and nonprofit programs;
• Develop operations and workstream management tools and qualitative data collection protocols;
• Assess and monitor ongoing program planning, implementation, and operations in program locations and provide formative feedback;
• Partner with senior staff on implementation research design and field research in participating school districts and sites;
• Travel to or virtually visit (depending on COVID-19 protocols) research sites in the field to conduct interviews and observations with a broad group of school and program staff, policymakers, and other key stakeholders and to code/analyze qualitative data;
• Provide support for general project management activities, including organizing meetings, updating work plans, facilitating coordination across project sub-teams, and supervising junior staff members;
• Contribute to research reports and help disseminate results to policymakers, practitioners, and social scientists; and
• Be actively involved in various stages of research projects, from proposals to project design to analysis and reporting.

Qualifications:

Prospective candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelors-level degree required; master’s degree with relevant program operations experience in a social policy/science or related field preferred;
• Prior experience working in a school, at an education-focused nonprofit, or another research organization is a plus, but not required;
• Demonstrated interest in social policy issues affecting education;
• Knowledge of field research and qualitative research techniques;
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Ability to collaborate and work with diverse program teams;
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as analytical ability;
• Demonstrated sensitivity to conducting research and providing operations support in diverse communities and the ability to relate to program management staff, site staff, community residents, and program clients; and
• Comfort in working in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit under Social Policy Worker United (SPWU) – Local 57 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Timing: Applications should be submitted by Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Please see “What to expect from MDRC’s recruitment process” for more information.

Compensation and benefits: Salary range is $62K - $80K and will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance offered. Some on-the-job training will be provided.

Location: The position can be based in either of MDRC’s New York City, Oakland, CA, or Los Angeles offices; we are also open to remote work. MDRC does anticipate a hybrid work environment through November 2022, regardless of location.

Instructions: When submitting your application, please include:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that the health and safety of our employees and candidates is very important to us and that interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. As a Federally Contracted employer, MDRC is in full compliance with all applicable regulations including, but not limited to, recent changes that require vaccination of employees of federal contractors. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have sought and received an exemption from this policy due to a disability or other medical condition, or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodations are granted in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Applicants must submit proof of vaccination or request and submit an applicable request for accommodation during the offer stage.

MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. No qualified applicant, employee, intern, volunteer, or apprenticeship trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of his, her, or their race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin (including physical, cultural or linguistic characteristics), marriage to or association with persons of a national origin group, tribal affiliation, membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group, name that is associated with a national origin group, accent, language use, immigration status, citizenship, possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their lawful presence in the United States, and other definitions under California or other states’ laws, ancestry, creed, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), age, citizenship, veteran and/or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, gender transitioning or perceived gender transitioning, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, protected medical leaves (requesting or being approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act) or similar state family medical leave laws, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. Legal work authorization is required. To request a reasonable accommodation during any stage of MDRC&’s employment process due to a disability, please contact HRQuestions@mdrc.org.

MDRC’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exceed compliance requirements. We believe that recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce of all backgrounds and perspectives improves the quality and relevance of our research, as well as the daily experiences of our staff. By fostering an equitable culture of inclusivity and belonging, we seek an environment in which staff feel welcomed, valued, and engaged in their work.

Salary : $62,000 - $80,000