Specialist Research

Job Description

Supports the Manager of Research and Program Evaluation in executing the activities of the Office of Research to perform program evaluations and reviews in collaboration with the Office of Special Programs and Grants. Performs independently and collaborates within teams, on multiple research and evaluation projects covering a variety of educational issues.

Responsibilities

• Assists with program evaluation activities, including developing evaluation questions, logic models, and data collection timelines and leading staff and outside teams through the program evaluation process.
• Assists with and independently performs all aspects of the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) survey program, including survey tool development, creation of sampling strategies, implementation, and reporting using an online, digital platform.
• Assists with data collection efforts that support the BCPS research agenda including facilitating focus groups, conducting observations, creating data collection tools, and retrieving data from various sources of centrally collected data (e.g., assessment platforms, dashboards).
• Accurately codes and analyzes data, interprets results, provides written summaries, and presents data analyses with consideration for non-technical audiences.
• Utilizes Microsoft Office, statistical packages (e.g., STATA), and other data systems and technologies to extract, manipulate, and report data.
• Assist with writing and editing of written reports and presentations
• Performs rigorous quality control checks on work products to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree.
• Two years of research experience.
• A doctoral degree and experience in educational, social, or behavioral research is preferred.
• Some research experience related to doctoral degree may substitute for work experience.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of methods for statistical analysis, research design, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of survey research methodology.
• Knowledge of data management systems/tools (e.g. SQL).
• Knowledge of statistical software package (e.g. STATA), including writing code or syntax.
• Knowledge of principles for the ethical treatment of human research participants.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, school personnel, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
  
  

Physical And Environmental Conditions

The work of this class is generally sedentary and performed in an office environment. Work includes the operation of office equipment, including personal computers, and occasional limited physical activities.

Conditions Of Employment

Employees may be required to work beyond their normally scheduled hours with little or no advanced notice. Work schedules may include nights and weekends.

FLSA: Exempt

RETIREMENT: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.

GRADE: OPE Grade 08

SALARY: $96,570 - $155,327

Visit the BCPS Office of Payroll website for additional information on pay scales, other compensation and leave accruals at:

Office of Payroll - Baltimore County Public Schools - www.bcps.org/operations/fiscalservices/payroll

OTHER COMPENSATION: Position may be eligible for relocation bonus, extra duty activities pay, or other student activities pay as defined in the applicable Bargaining Unit Agreement.

BENEFITS: BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at https://www.bcps.org/hr/compliance/benefits_and_retirement

This posting describes the duties and responsibilities of a position or group of positions. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Non-discrimination Statement

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activates and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937).

Application Instructions

Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment. Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be the only document considered in determining your qualifications for a position.
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification.
  
  

Proof Of Licenses, Certifications And Education

• Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable only at the application stage. Official transcripts must be provided only after you have accepted a contingent offer.
• Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with your application.
  
  

Proof Of Degree Equivalency

• Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from a MSDE approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency. This information is located on the MSDE website at https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Foreign-Transcript-Evaluation-Agencies.aspx
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience, you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire and must be sent via e-script/clearinghouse from your university.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Benefits and Retirement Orientation meeting.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.
  
  

Contact Information

Susan Stansbury, Director Staffing & Licensure

443-809-7874

sstansbury@bcps.org

About Us

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is the 22nd largest school district in the nation and the 3rd largest in Maryland with over 21,000 employees supporting over 111,000 students.  BCPS has 26 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and 23 National Blue Ribbon schools, 32 magnet schools and 116 magnet programs.

Baltimore County Public Schools is seeking highly effective employees that will inspire, support, and prepare our students for a successful future.  BCPS works to embrace all stakeholders, engage them in authentic collaboration and empower them to be a part of positive change, so our students, staff, and system will excel.  We hope you will join our dynamic community!  Apply to work at BCPS!