Position Summary

RMC Research has a full-time opening for a Research Associate specializing in Adolescent Literacy. This position contributes to and leads all aspects of technical assistance, professional development, and research and evaluation projects. Activities include leading and supporting technical assistance and/or research projects for regional comprehensive centers and/or regional educational laboratories; writing and presentation for various audiences; contributing to proposals; managing client relationships; data collection, organization, and analysis; managing project teams, and engaging in other activities to support the business base of the organization.   

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Please submit: A cover letter, resume, and writing sample to https://rmcresearchcorporation.com/apply-online-tampa/. Highlight your skills and describe your fit for this position in your cover letter. The search committee will contact those they wish to interview for this position.

Responsibilities

Technical Assistance

• Provides technical assistance to educational leaders for successful implementation of evidence-based practices for adolescent literacy to improve educator and student outcomes at the state, regional, local, and school levels.
• Conducts needs-sensing with education stakeholders to conceptualize and design technical assistance projects that address local problems of practice related to adolescent literacy and related topics.
• Understands and applies adult learning research and theory to the design and delivery of technical assistance activities.
• Contributes to new business development as needed.

Professional Development and Product Development

• Collaborates on developing products and resources such as educational professional development modules and state/district plans and frameworks.
• Provides professional development in the areas of adolescent/content area literacy and related content areas.
• Understands adult learning and applies appropriate strategies to professional development delivery and product development.

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 in adolescent literacy.
• 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

• Conceptualizes and develops meeting materials, presentations, blogs, white papers, and literature/evidence reviews and papers, for various audiences.
• As appropriate, translates research into policy briefs, conference presentations, infographics, blogs, social media, and other forms of dissemination.

Project Management

• Provides leadership for assigned projects.
• Sets milestones with project team to ensure that timelines for assigned projects are met.
• Collaborates with clients and colleagues to ensure efficient completion of assigned tasks.
• Makes recommendations about processes, systems, and structures 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 (required).
• Previous experience designing and delivering technical assistance on adolescent literacy and related topics (required).
• Previous experience designing and conducting research and evaluation studies related to adolescent literacy and related topics (required).
• Deep knowledge of and expertise in adolescent/content area literacy and related topics (required).
• Demonstrated research and evaluation design and implementation skills, including quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Demonstrated data collection skills (e.g., interviewing, classroom observation, focus group moderation, and survey administration).
• Expertise using statistical software to manipulate and prepare quantitative data for analysis and to conduct descriptive analyses.
• Knowledge of 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).
• Previous work on or familiarity with the Regional Comprehensive Center program, Regional Educational Laboratory program, the What Works Clearinghouse, and Evidence for ESSA (preferred).
• Track record of securing contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements (preferred).
• Ability to manage complex projects and supervise staff (preferred).
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and client communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with colleagues to complete challenging tasks.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and client communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with colleagues to complete challenging tasks.

About You

This job might be right for you if you love research and people in equal measure and believe that collaboration produces the best results.

• You like learning and adapt to new technology and processes quickly. You troubleshoot rather than ignore problems, and if you don’t know the answer you dig until you find it.
• You are an effective communicator in person and in writing.
• You are motivated, super organized, and proactive. You avoid problems by assessing priorities and planning ahead. You do not hesitate to ask questions and call attention to important issues.
• You prioritize integrity, accuracy, and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• You are detail oriented and pride yourself on doing things right.
• You are reliable, committed, and able to do quality work under time constraints. When things don’t go as planned, you stay calm and think on your feet. You also have a good sense of humor.
• You want to be part of a forward-thinking team that works together to make a positive impact on education.

Compensation/Benefits

Starting annual salary range is $90,000 to $120,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Based on previous experience, ability to acquire new business, 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-weeks’ 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. Drug Free Workplace/Equal Opportunity Employer

Physical Location

This is a remote position. Preference for candidates located in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, or other Southeast states.

Start Date

As soon after hire as possible

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.

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.