Assistant Director, Research and Program Evaluation
State of Washington, Olympia, WA, United States
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) Research Division is seeking an assistant director of research and program evaluation for a one‑year term appointment beginning on the date of hire, renewable contingent upon available funding.
About the Position The Assistant Director will support complex organizational learning and evaluation projects focused on adult learners. The role will involve working closely with the Adult Pathways team and other WSAC staff, building strong relationships, and contributing 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 ongoing projects. Responsibilities include identifying existing data sources, leading the design of new data collection when needed, preparing data for analysis, co‑interpreting research findings with agency staff, and writing compelling, actionable policy briefs.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and implementation of organizational learning activities for the Adult Pathways team.
Collaborate with agency staff on evaluation activities, including designing evaluation plans, analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data, developing survey instruments, and reviewing and synthesizing existing evidence in literature reviews.
Identify, synthesize, and draft key findings from learning and evaluation initiatives.
Incorporate program staff and community voices into the research design as part of co‑interpreting and contextualizing programmatic learning.
Apply an equity lens in designing and conducting research and evaluation, and in reporting findings.
Establish internal timelines and monitor progress toward completion of learning and evaluation‑related activities.
Contribute to strategic planning and execution of projects with project leads.
Work with the Adult Pathways team to use data and evidence from research to inform programmatic decisions.
Draft presentations, 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.
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, with the ability to identify methodological challenges and revise research designs accordingly.
Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple 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, with the 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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About the Position The Assistant Director will support complex organizational learning and evaluation projects focused on adult learners. The role will involve working closely with the Adult Pathways team and other WSAC staff, building strong relationships, and contributing 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 ongoing projects. Responsibilities include identifying existing data sources, leading the design of new data collection when needed, preparing data for analysis, co‑interpreting research findings with agency staff, and writing compelling, actionable policy briefs.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and implementation of organizational learning activities for the Adult Pathways team.
Collaborate with agency staff on evaluation activities, including designing evaluation plans, analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data, developing survey instruments, and reviewing and synthesizing existing evidence in literature reviews.
Identify, synthesize, and draft key findings from learning and evaluation initiatives.
Incorporate program staff and community voices into the research design as part of co‑interpreting and contextualizing programmatic learning.
Apply an equity lens in designing and conducting research and evaluation, and in reporting findings.
Establish internal timelines and monitor progress toward completion of learning and evaluation‑related activities.
Contribute to strategic planning and execution of projects with project leads.
Work with the Adult Pathways team to use data and evidence from research to inform programmatic decisions.
Draft presentations, 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.
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, with the ability to identify methodological challenges and revise research designs accordingly.
Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple 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, with the 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr