Assistant Director, Research and Program Evaluation

Full Job Description

The Council is seeking to fill a term appointment for one year from the date of hire within the Research Division of the Washington Student Achievement Council, renewable contingent upon continued available funding.

The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.

Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?
At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school.

To achieve our mission, we:

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
• Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement
  http://www.wsac.wa.gov/
  
  

At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

• We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
• Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
• Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.
• If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities-including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all of the desired/preferred qualification listed.

Learn more about WSAC’s mission and our commitment to equity. Our Commitment to Equity

About the Research Division
The Research Division provides information and analyses that guide the Washington Student Achievement Council's efforts to advance higher education attainment in the state. In support of the mission and goals of the Washington Student Achievement Council, the Research Division has four functional areas that inform the division’s work:

• Program Evaluation
• Policy Research
• Data Insights
• Data Management, Privacy & Security

The WSAC Research Division is committed to creating a workplace where all researchers thrive personally and professionally. We also believe that our researchers should reflect the rich diversity of the student population we aim to serve—in race, gender, age, culture, and beliefs—and we support this diversity through all of our research practices. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral values of the WSAC Research division, and a key strategic focus for WSAC as an agency. To continue to prioritize these values and associated activities, research staff centers the agency’s equity lens and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee’s equity strategy to drive our work.

About the Position

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) Research Division is seeking an Assistant Director of Research and Program Evaluation to support complex organizational learning and evaluation projects focused on adult learners.

This role is ideal for someone with strong quantitative research skills who can work across complex data systems and translate findings into meaningful insights about program impact.

We are looking for a candidate who is curious, collaborative, and committed to using research to improve educational opportunities, especially in ways that center the strengths, experiences, and needs of the communities we serve.

In this role, you will work closely with the Adult Pathways team and other WSAC staff. The ideal candidate is someone who builds strong relationships and contributes positively to team environments.

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Research and Program Evaluation, the Assistant Director will design and conduct research as part of the research unit’s ongoing projects in collaboration with the agency’s Adult Pathways team.

Research activities will include identifying existing data sources, leading the design of new data collection when needed, and preparing available data for analysis.

The Assistant Director will be responsible for co-interpreting research findings with agency staff and writing compelling, actionable policy briefs.

Working at WSAC includes opportunities for professional growth, such as training in new tools/techniques, mentorships, and engagement with experienced outside consultants.

Lifelong learners will thrive in this position. Individuals with direct academic, professional, or lived experience as adult learners will bring significant assets to the role.

Requirements

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

Developing and Implementing Learning and Evaluation Activities

• With input from the Associate Director, lead the design and implementation of organizational learning activities for the Adult Pathways team.

• Collaborate with agency staff as part of the evaluation activities, including designing evaluation plans, analyzing quantitative and or qualitative data, developing survey instruments for external audiences, and reviewing and synthesizing existing evidence in literature reviews.
• Contribute to the identification, synthesis, and drafting of key findings identified during learning and evaluation of existing Adult Pathways initiatives.
• Incorporate program staff and community voices into the research design as part of co-interpreting and contextualizing programmatic learning.
• Bring an equity lens to designing and conducting research and evaluation, and reporting on research findings.

Project Management and Communications

• Establish internal timelines and monitor progress toward completion of learning and evaluation-related activities for the Adult Pathways learning agenda.

• Contribute to strategic planning and execution of projects with project leads.
• Work in partnership with colleagues on the Adult Pathways team to use data and evidence from research to make programmatic decisions.
• Draft presentation, policy briefs, and technical reports to communicate activities and findings to various audiences.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to share lessons learned from the Adult Pathways learning and evaluation activities.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience and Competencies

• Master’s degree in education policy, public administration, or a related field OR a combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and skills.

• Direct experience designing and conducting quantitative research in an academic or professional setting.
• Direct experience interpreting research findings.

• Familiarity with program evaluation concepts and activities, and able to identify methodological challenges and revise research designs accordingly.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple and differing projects, tasks, and assignments to ensure deadlines are met.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Experience communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to remain flexible in an environment of changing priorities.

Preferred/ Desired Education, Experience and Competencies

• Demonstrated experience presenting complex information to small and large groups.
• Direct academic, professional, or lived experience as and/or with adult learners
• Experience working with underrepresented/first-generation students and their families.
• Fluency, or near-native fluency in Spanish. Ability to read, write and present relevant content in Spanish.
• Experience in K-12 education, higher education, the public sector or community organizing.
• Two or more years of research experience.
• Understanding of issues related to college access and financial aid.

Additional Information

Application Procedures
To be considered for this position you must possess the required qualification listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. which must include the following:

1. Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration.
2. Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
3. References. A list of names, titles, emails, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.

Please Note: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

QUESTIONS?
For questions about this recruitment contact Alisha Rollins at AlishaR@wsac.wa.gov

EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov