Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Westat is seeking a Senior Study Director to join our education studies team focused on building the capacity of our teams to support clients in planning, implementing, and evaluating large-scale educational improvement efforts. You will interface closely with project directors, key members of project teams, and clients, and will provide critical support to conceptualizing initiatives, translating ideas into plans, and supporting other project managers as they implement, ensuring work is of high quality, responsive to client needs, and driving positive impact. As the Senior Study Director you will also have the opportunity to lead and/or participate substantively in research and field-facing capacity-building efforts. 

Job Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with project directors in long-term planning and day-to-day management of project activities
• Direct project teams to successfully design comprehensive work plans that will build the capacity of clients to improve their work and education outcomes.
• Guide project management teams, driving toward results and mitigate risks in high-profile projects. 
• Translates priorities from project directors to broader team, ensuring priorities are appropriately delegated, accurately understood, and that team efforts are supported to ensure success.
• Work closely with project colleagues supporting data management, analytics, resource allocations, and communications to ensure synthesis across teams, early identification of challenges, and timely and effective problem-solving.
• Conducts research or designs and implements evidence-based capacity-building efforts in response to project and client needs.

Basic Qualifications:
• Master's degree in education, public policy, public administration, and/or other social science relevant field. 
• 8  years of experience including a minimum of five years experience leading and supervising project teams and managing complex, cross-functional projects within the education sector.
• Previous experience working with high-profile stakeholders in the education sector, including leaders within federal, state, and/or local education agencies, key partner organizations, and funders.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in both research and evidence-based capacity-building and technical assistance in the education sector 
• Proven ability to form and maintain trusting professional relationships while driving to results

Minimum Qualifications:
• Demonstrated communication skills
• Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients
• Organization skills, including time management ability
• Detail oriented

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

 

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. As a federal government contractor, Westat will require Westat staff, regardless of work location, to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire and to follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.