Position Opening – Contingent on Funding
Position Summary
RMC Research is seeking a full-time Research Associate with expertise and experience in leading and supporting research and evaluation projects to join our team. The position requires engaging in all aspects of research and evaluation, providing oversight to various projects, working with clients, and collaborating with other staff. Activities include collaborating on the design and implementation of research, evaluation, and consultation services; conducting data collection, and analysis; and writing and presenting for various audiences and managing project tasks.
Responsibilities
Research and Evaluation Project Development
- Collaborates with education stakeholders and senior research associates to conceptualize and implement research and evaluation projects that promote the use of evidence and data to guide policy and practice.
- Supports the identification and development of research and evaluation projects that align with RMC capacity and with staff member interest and expertise.
- Supports the development of research and/or evaluation designs using experimental, quasi-experimental, and other methods, including those promoted by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES).
Data Collection, Organization, and Analysis
- Identifies or designs appropriate data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interview protocols, observation protocols, knowledge assessments) and tools for study recruitment and management.
- Collects quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate techniques to ensure reliability and validity.
- Organizes and conducts site visits involving multiple data collection methods.
- Assists project managers in preparing project submissions and materials for Institutional Review Boards and follows IRB protocols.
- Develops and monitors data requests and data sharing agreements with stakeholders.
- Analyzes qualitative data with general guidelines from project managers.
Writing and Presentation
- Contributes to the development of meeting materials, presentations, blogs, white papers, and literature/evidence reviews and papers, for various audiences.
- As appropriate, assists in translates work into articles for policy briefs, conference presentations, infographics, blogs, social media, and other venues.
Project Management
- Develops and implements project plans with assistance or guidance from a Senior Research Associate.
- Meets timelines for assigned projects and tasks.
- Collaborates with clients and colleagues to ensure efficient completion of assigned tasks.
- Makes recommendations about processes, systems, and structure to improve the efficiency of RMC’s work.
Professional Growth
- Participates in professional growth opportunities that increase awareness, knowledge, and skills relevant to the job and shares knowledge with colleagues.
Your Skills, Education, and Previous Experience
- Advanced degree (Doctorate preferred) in education, social sciences, public policy and/or related area, including formal course work in research and evaluation methodology.
- Demonstrated research and evaluation design and implementation skills.
- Demonstrated data collection skills (e.g., interviewing, classroom observation, focus group moderation, and survey administration.
- Demonstrated qualitative data analysis skills.
- Expertise using statistical software to manipulate and prepare quantitative data for analysis and conduct descriptive analyses.
- Knowledge of or experience with inferential techniques such as factor analysis, ANOVA, MANOVA, Multiple Linear Regression, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, logistic regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (experience with SPSS, Stata, or R preferred)
- Ability to write up findings from quantitative and qualitative data analyses to develop comprehensive research and evaluation reports
- Familiarity with and interest in developing knowledge on education topics related to educator effectiveness, teacher and leader preparation and development, school and district improvement, literacy, mathematics, and science education, and other topics in education.
- Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and client communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with colleagues to complete challenging tasks.
- Previous work on or familiarity with the Regional Comprehensive Center program, Regional Educational Laboratory program, the What Works Clearinghouse, and Evidence for ESSA (preferred).
- Ability to manage projects (preferred)
Compensation/Benefits
Starting annual salary range is $65,000 to $95,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Based on previous experience, interest in business development, and performance at the Research Associate level, this position is eligible for promotion to Senior Research Associate after one year. RMC Research Corporation’s comprehensive benefits package includes: medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage; Flexible Spending Account; life and long-term disability insurance; long-term care insurance; additional voluntary critical illness and accident coverages; 9 paid holidays and 2-week vacation leave (progressive accruals); sick leave accrual; extended sick leave account; maternity/short-term disability leave; bereavement and family leave; 401K retirement plan; pretax commuter benefit program; honoraria for publication; and other benefits as described in the employee handbook.
About Us
RMC is a privately owned corporation that provides program evaluation, applied research services, and technical assistance to help local, state, and federal agencies; philanthropic foundations; and social service organizations improve the lives of their constituents. We provide a full range of research and evaluation, professional development, consulting, technical assistance, and product development services addressing all levels of education from early childhood through educator preparation, in schools, districts, universities, and communities. RMC employs dedicated staff who strive to provide high-quality services that are responsive to our clients’ needs.
Drug Free Workplace/Equal Opportunity Employer
RMC is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. RMC recognizes the important contribution that a diverse staff offers to all aspects of our work, including office culture, and strongly encourages applications from people of color.
Physical Location
Current work assignments are through RMC’s Tampa, FL office. A remote work arrangement within or outside Alabama, Florida, or Mississippi will be considered. Future work assignments may be in other geographic regions.
Start Date
Contingent on funding.
Application Procedure
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit: A cover letter, resume, and writing sample to https://rmcresearchcorporation.com/apply-online/. Highlight your skills and describe your fit for this position in your cover letter. Applicants will receive an email indicating receipt of application. The search committee will contact those they wish to interview for this position.