Remote Researcher

Summary

Join Ithaka S+R as a Researcher in the Educational Transformation Program to design and execute research projects that assess the effectiveness of programs and interventions designed to improve student postsecondary access and success. As a researcher, you will lead and contribute to research projects, collect and analyze data, and recommend and manage data tools to share program insights across multiple stakeholders.

Requirements

• Undergraduate or graduate training in a field that requires strong writing and research methods training or equivalent experience and skills
• At least five years of professional work experience with demonstrated proficiency in the following areas: Contributing to projects that address major topics in higher education research, policy, and/or practice
• Managing research and policy projects that involve applying descriptive and quantitative methods and using statistical analysis software (Stata preferred; SPSS, R, Python, SAS acceptable)
• Experience designing and implementing formative evaluations or empirical research studies using causal inference methodologies (such as regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, randomized control trials, or propensity score matching)
• Experience collecting and analyzing data using IPEDS and other student- and institution-level data sources such as national higher education surveys, state longitudinal education data systems, institutional data, or national population/labor market surveys
• Navigating complex relationships and stakeholder interests and making sense of ambiguity
• Translating complex concepts and research findings into compelling, accessible, and well-written reports and engaging presentations
• Effectively supervising the work of others in the context of your projects
• Prioritizing and managing your own work, performing under pressure, and meeting deadlines while ensuring acute attention to detail and accuracy

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research projects
• Conducting and synthesizing stakeholder interviews or focus groups and designing and administering surveys for multiple audiences
• Designing and managing data collection processes across multiple partners; and conducting data analyses using descriptive and empirical methods, including quasi-experimental approaches
• Using research insights to inform changes to program design, advising stakeholders about changes to implementation, and providing resources and tools to support partners and participants
• Produce reports and communications: Write emails, memos, and briefs to communicate concepts and processes to internal and external stakeholders
• Create compelling reports and presentations of research findings and recommendations
• Represent Ithaka S+R at conferences, networking events, and partner meetings
• Manage complex projects: Coordinate and track activities of numerous stakeholders across multiple institutions and keep team members, teams, and collaborators on track to meet deadlines
• Design tools and resources to effectively distill and act on information gathered through regular communication with stakeholders
• Manage and mentor team members in the context of project work, with the potential to take on direct reports as the portfolio grows
• Serve as a project leader and subject matter expert to internal and external audiences: Design and execute research and consulting projects that support the Educational Transformation Program’s mission, in consultation with senior leadership and colleagues at partner organizations, funders, and leaders of colleges and universities
• Provide partners with evidence-based guidance on high-level and practical strategies for improving student access and success
• Develop new project ideas and prepare proposals to secure project funding in consultation with the senior leadership and other team members
• Raise awareness of our work and collaborate on new project development: Develop solid relationships with internal and external partners and maintain awareness of major community issues that may affect our projects

Benefits

• Starting salary range for the Researcher position is $80,000-$90,000 per year
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-paid 10% retirement contribution
• Paid parental and caregiver leave
• 22 days of paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• Up to 12 sick days
• Wellness benefits