Description

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment. (See our Strategic Action Plan)
• 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 at www.wsac.wa.gov.

• 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 the desired/preferred qualifications listed.

• Develop and/or contribute to reports requiring the skills of a researcher with expertise in education, social science, public policy, or similar fields. The ability to independently gather, analyze, and report on data (qualitative or quantitative) is vital for this role.
• Assist in coordinating projects for the Research Division. These projects often involve partnerships with other divisions within WSAC and external partners (such as educational institutions, nonprofit groups, research organizations, independent researchers, and other state agencies).
• Facilitate grant proposals for projects they may oversee, with support from the Director of Research and collaborators.

Duties

Some of what you will be doing includes:

• 
  Quantitative research: Conducting data analysis using software such as SAS or Stata and creating reports including tables, figures, and written data descriptions.

• Qualitative research: Conducting focus groups, interviews, and/or surveys with students and families, analyzing findings, and reporting on takeaways.
• Report on research findings: Drafting reports to share research findings from project data and existing literature. The position will also help co-author research briefs.
• Project coordination/management: Coordinating research project activities on behalf of the WSAC team, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met, tracking project progress, and communicating between WSAC and external partners.
• Grant writing: Preparing proposals and grant applications.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience and Competencies for the Role:

• A master's degree in economics, education, social science, public policy, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative data collection and analysis techniques and research methodologies and/or demonstrated knowledge of qualitative data collection, protocol development, and facilitation skills with an interest in contributing to qualitative research activities.
• Ability to produce written reports in a variety of formats for easy interpretation and use, and to design and prepare graphs, tables, and other visuals.
• Ability to identify findings from research and data, evaluate alternatives, and draw conclusions relating to policy or practice.
• Demonstrated computer skills to analyze data using SAS or Stata software packages.
• Ability to create compelling visuals for presentations or reporting findings.
• Experience in a role requiring collaboration in a complex organization and working with external organizations.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to translate these values into research work.

• A Ph.D. in economics, education, social science, public policy, or another relevant field.
• Expertise and publications on topics related to equity in education.

Supplemental Information

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

• 
  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.
• Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
• Two report samples. A PDF version of a professional, academic, or published report. The report sample should showcase your writing and research skills.
• References. Provide a list of the names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) professional employment references.