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 Research Associate to join our Education Studies Practice team and the National Comprehensive Center team, supporting design and implementation of projects to build the capacity of state and local educators to support improved student outcomes. You will interface with project directors and key members of project teams, providing critical support to ensure work is of high quality, responsive to client needs, and driving positive impact. As a Senior Research Associate in Education Studies you will also be able to participate in other research/evaluation projects, and work with clients at federal, state and/or local levels as your career progresses. You will also have the opportunity to engage in business development activities.

Successful candidates will bring diverse perspectives and varied experiences (whether from school, life, or past jobs). We value curiosity, innovation, and systems-level thinking to contribute to projects that drive improved outcomes for our clients and internally as well. We are passionate about inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competency in the work we do within our team and in services for our clients.

Job Responsibilities:
•     Communicate and collaborate with project directors, other team members, and clients to plan and implement activities designed to build the capacity of state and local educators to support school improvement and improved student outcomes.
•     Understand the needs of the client and contribute to planning and implementation of strategies/activities to address needs.
•     Provide research support to identify effective, evidence-based strategies/activities to address client needs.
•     Coordinate with task/project teams to successfully implement comprehensive work plans for Center project activities.
•     Support communications and dissemination activities, including social media, blogs, and other thought leadership activities.
•     Contribute to business development, including writing sections of proposals, serving as proposal manager, and/or identifying potential bidding opportunities.
•     Provide research support for project and client needs.
•     Support meeting facilitation needs at client events both virtually and in person.
•     Other activities, as required.

Basic Qualifications:
•     Master's degree in education, public policy, public administration, and/or other social science relevant field.
•     6+ years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 2 years of experience leading tasks/project-level work and/or serving as a subject matter expert.
•     Experience in topics such as K-12 education, postsecondary education/training, rural education, educational equity, technical assistance/capacity-building services, and education research and/or program evaluation.
•     Familiarity with the evidence base for effective practices, programs, and interventions in K-12 education.
•     Familiarity with training and communications tools such as WebEx, Zoom, Teams and other web conferencing services, including interaction tools such as Mentimeter, Padlet, Jamboard, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
•     Ph.D. in education, public policy, public administration, and/or other social science relevant field, with 2-4 years of relevant post-doctoral experience.
•     Experience as an educator or administrator in public school settings or experience in education at the state or Federal level.
•     Experience planning and implementing hybrid, virtual, and in person meetings and events.
•     Orientation toward continuous improvement in both personal and team performance.
•     Ability to carry out appropriate mixed methods research methodologies including facilitating focus groups, conducting interviews, conducting literature reviews, and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data.
•     Proficiency with Project Management Software (for example: Smartsheet, Trello or other similar platforms).

Other Required 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. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (10 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• 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

 

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.