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 Research Associate to join our Education Studies Practice and the National Comprehensive Center (NCC) team, supporting design and implementation of projects to build the capacity of state and local educators to support improved student outcomes. Your primary role will be providing critical support to the NCC's Knowledge Management Team. As a Research Associate in Education Studies you will also be able to participate in other research/evaluation projects and support business development activities as your career progresses.

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:
•     Conduct landscape scans/literature reviews around key topics of importance to the education sector to identify needs for capacity building support from the NCC and/or other partner organizations.
•     Review materials (e.g., meeting notes, team reports, and recordings) to identify trends, needs and emerging issues.
•     Prepare clear and concise briefs/summaries, engaging PowerPoint presentations, and other products to communicate needs/information.
•     Provide research support to identify effective, evidence-based strategies/activities to address client needs.
•     Coordinate and collaborate with the Knowledge Management Team Lead and with task/project teams to support implementation of Center project activities.
•     Support communications and dissemination activities, including social media, blogs, and other thought leadership activities.
•     Provide other research support for project and client needs.
•     Support meeting facilitation needs at client events both virtually and in person.
•     Contribute to business development, including drafting non-technical sections of proposals, and serving as proposal manager (upon being trained).
•     Other activities, as required.

Basic Qualifications:
•     Typically requires a BA/BS with 5 or more years of relevant experience in education, public policy, public administration, and/or other social science relevant field.
•     Demonstrated online research skills and ability to conduct landscape scans and literature reviews.
•     Proven ability to summarize and synthesize findings into clear and concise communications and presentations.
•     Familiarity with the evidence base for effective practices, programs, and interventions in K-12 education.
•     Demonstrated experience preparing engaging presentations using PowerPoint or other communications/data visualization tools.
•     Familiarity with training and communications tools such as WebEx, Zoom, Teams and other web conferencing services.

Preferred Qualifications:
•     An MA/MS MA/MS with 1‐3 years of relevant experience at the postgraduate level education, public policy, public administration, and/or other social science relevant field.
•     Experience in library science or other knowledge management skills.
•     Orientation toward continuous improvement in both personal and team performance.
•     Proficiency with Project Management Software (for example: Smartsheet, Trello or other similar platforms).
•     Ability to carry out appropriate mixed methods research and evaluation methodologies including facilitating focus groups, conducting interviews, conducting literature reviews, and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data.

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.