Assistant Director, Research and Program Evaluation
State of Washington, Bay View, WA, United States
Assistant Director of Research and Program Evaluation
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.
Duties Some of What You'll Be Doing Includes
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.
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.
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. 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.
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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.
Duties Some of What You'll Be Doing Includes
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.
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.
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. 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.
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