Research Associate

About Digital Promise Global

Digital Promise Global is an independent, bipartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to spur innovation to advance equity and improve the opportunity to learn. Positioned at the intersection of educators, entrepreneurs, and researchers, Digital Promise Global identifies, develops, and promotes strategies to improve education and provide people with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the global economy. Digital Promise centers our work in equity and values and rewards inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation.

About The Position

A Research Associate in the Center for Inclusive Innovation contributes to an array of research and evaluation projects, such as:

• evaluation and continuous improvement of instructional coaching and mentorship programs
• evaluation of a summer STEM enrichment program for middle school students who have historically been underrepresented in STEM
• research on the equitable access and use of instructional technologies for students from historically and systematically excluded communities
• continuous improvement research and rapid cycle pilots with edtech products designed to support the needs of students from historically and systematically excluded communities
  
  
  

Research Associates in CII are full team members of multiple research and design (R&D) or evaluation projects (typically 3-4, depending on the scope of the projects) having to do with K-12 education. Current CII project focus includes technology integration, instructional coaching and teacher development, education pathways designed to improve opportunities and economic mobility for historically excluded and marginalized populations, and Inclusive Innovation R&D projects tackling key education challenges identified by local district community teams.

As part of the Center for Inclusive Innovation research team, the Research Associate will support quantitative and qualitative data administration, collection, and analysis; support reporting and communicating findings to partners (e.g., districts, community organizations, or program providers); and contribute to CII efforts to create equitable and inclusive research and evaluation practices that amplify voices of those intended to benefit from education improvement and innovation. In addition, the Research Associate will engage with the CII team to integrate participatory and culturally responsive approaches to R&D to co-research and co-design with the communities we seek to serve.

Responsibilities

• Engage with project team members collaboratively and inclusively to achieve quality work processes and products
• Support multiple phases of research and evaluation projects, including:
• Contributing to qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including surveys and interviews/focus groups
• Helping prepare data visualizations and reports, contributing to findings that support continuous improvement internally and with external partners, and supporting other sharing and dissemination, including client presentations and memos, research conference presentations, and written reports
• Deepen knowledge of and practical skills in research and evaluation activities common in CII projects to gain increasing independence to meet project milestones with quality and timeliness
• Contribute to development of equitable and inclusive research practices at Digital Promise
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in education or other social science research settings, including academic and/or on-the-job training in both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• At least 2 years of experience conducting applied education research in K-12 settings preferred.
• A strong commitment to improving education for K-12 learners in U.S. public schools, particularly for student populations who have been historically and systematically underserved.
• Experience in formal or informal education settings a bonus
• Ability to collaborate with project team members to jointly produce high-quality work products.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate guidance and support.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and decisions.
• Stellar listening skills, collaboration skills, communication skills (academic and practitioner audiences), attention to detail, and comfort amidst uncertainty.
• Ability to travel as required for data collection and conferences or meetings.
  
  
  

At Digital Promise, we also seek candidates with:

• A strong commitment to improving equity and accessibility in education
• A commitment to anti-racist approaches to our work
• Diverse life experiences
• An interest in redesigning learning systems
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional team members to ensure information is shared, projects are completed on time, and goals are reached.
  
  
  

Working Conditions:

Digital Promise Global is a hybrid organization. Employees are expected to travel at least 4 times a year for in person meetings and the annual staff retreat. Additional travel may be required based on role and responsibilities.

• Travel: up to 25%
• Physical/Sensory Demands Fast-paced working environment. Extensive computer usage and online engagement & communication. Must be willing to build inclusive relationships and collaborate with employees at all levels within the organization and external partners.
• Special Provisions: Occasional work outside of normal business hours, such as weekends and evenings required.
  
  
  

Compensation

We consider candidate experience and location when determining where a candidate may fall within that range. Digital Promise offers a competitive total rewards package including coverage of 85% of health insurance premiums for employee coverage and 75% of health insurance premiums for dependent and family coverage, 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 3% 401k employer contribution, 3% employer 401k match, and a flexible work environment.

The full-time salary range for the Research Associate position based on geographical regions is listed below, with an exact salary depending on relevant experience.

California: $67,320 - $73,260

DC Metro Area & NYC: $61,200 - $66,600

National: $55,080 - $59,940

To Apply

Please apply and submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is successful.

Digital Promise is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.