Description

At Marzano Research, we use engineered simplicity to work tough education challenges. Our awesome people roll up their sleeves and work side by side with educators and system leaders to define and answer questions that solve their pressing problems. We provide tailored and collaborative research, evaluation, consulting, and technical assistance services to create practical solutions and actionable results designed to improve programs and practices that enhance outcomes for all students.

Marzano Research is a women-owned small business and a certified benefit company. We strive to be a force for good and seek to leave the world and our environment better off through our practices. We are a people-and purpose-centered company, and our employees play an active role in strengthening our commitment to people and planet. Our culture encourages employees to collaborate, be creative, and deliver excellence. Marzano Research has made intentional investments to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the company and the work we do. We focus recruitment efforts on attracting a talent pool with applicants who represent diverse perspectives, abilities, racial and ethnic backgrounds and cultures, ages, gender, gender identity and expression, education, and lived experiences, personal and professional.

We are seeking a senior researcher to play a company leadership role that includes managing projects, guiding project staff, and generating business opportunities. In this role, you will lead research and evaluation projects and teams through all phases of the applied research process, including study design, instrumentation, data collection, analysis, and reporting. You will work closely with a group of senior staff to manage a portfolio of projects, ensure quality of services, and develop business.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Design, implement, and manage high-quality, large-scale quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research and evaluation projects
• Develop and implement processes and instruments to collect data (including classroom observations, interviews, focus groups, and surveys)
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate methodology
• Communicate actionable research and evaluation findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences through written reports and presentations
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external clients (including state and local education agencies), partners, and advisors
• Lead collaborative research and evaluation project teams
• Scope and manage projects to produce high-quality work within project timelines and budget
• Provide quality assurance at all phases of the research process
• Develop new business opportunities that expand Marzano Research’s visibility and mission
• Direct and mentor staff members on research and evaluation teams
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• PhD in education research, public policy, applied social sciences, research methods, or related field required
• Three years of demonstrated experience as primary lead of research and evaluation projects beyond graduate degree
• Experience leading and managing research projects including establishing project timelines, monitoring budgets, delegating work, and supporting team members

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in research or evaluation methodology, design, and analysis
• Ability to facilitate small- and large-group meetings and presentations
• Ability to communicate technical topics, research findings, and methods to nontechnical audiences in writing and verbally

Preferred Experience

• Serving as principal investigator of large rigorous research study or program/policy evaluation
• Designing and conducting research designed to meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards
• Advanced quantitative methods
• Success developing the capacity of policymakers and practitioners to use data and evidence to make decisions
• Success developing proposals for federal, state, local, and/or philanthropic funding
• Working on federal grants or contracts and with school districts or state agencies