Lead Research Associate - Technical Assistance - Education Studies

Job Description

Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Job Summary

Westat is seeking a Lead Research Associate to join our Education Studies Practice team and the Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting team, supporting the design and implementation of projects to build state capacity to improve collecting, reporting, analyzing, and using IDEA fiscal data. Your primary role will be providing technical assistance and support in developing tools and templates. As a Lead Research Associate in Education Studies you will be able to participate in other research/evaluation projects, and as your career progresses, work with clients at federal, state and/or local levels. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage in business development activities.

Successful candidates will bring diverse perspectives and varied experiences (whether from school, life, or past jobs). We value curiosity, innovation, and systems-level thinking to contribute to projects that drive improved outcomes for our clients and internally as well. At Westat we are passionate about inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competency in the work we do within our team and in services for our clients.

Hybrid (1-2 days) work schedule preferred; remote work arrangement available.

Job Responsibilities

Participate in a team that will develop and manage training and technical assistance activities. Apply content knowledge of IDEA fiscal requirements to conduct remote and/or onsite technical assistance. Collaborate with team members to develop, communicate, and execute project goals and timelines. Participate in the dissemination and use of TA resources. Understand the needs of the client and contribute to planning and implementation of strategies/activities to address needs. Other activities, as required.

Basic Qualifications

Typically requires a BA/BS with 8 or more years of relevant experience, a MA/MS with 2‐4 years of relevant experience; or a Ph.D. and 1‐3 years of relevant postdoctoral experience. Experience providing technical assistance on IDEA fiscal requirements. Experience with IDEA data collection, analysis, and reporting. Proven ability to summarize and synthesize findings into clear and concise communications and presentations. Demonstrated experience preparing engaging presentations using PowerPoint or other communications/data visualization tools. Familiarity with training and communications tools such as Webex, Zoom, Teams and other web conferencing services.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to prepare training materials to guide data collection and reporting. Experience working in a state educational agency (SEA) or local educational agency (LEA)

Other Required Qualifications

Demonstrated communication skills Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients Organization skills, including time management ability Detail oriented

Requirements

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

Employee Stock Ownership Plan401(k) Retirement PlanPaid Parental LeaveVacation Leave (15 days per year)Sick Leave (10 days per year)Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)Professional DevelopmentHealth AdvocateEmployee Assistance ProgramTravel Accident InsuranceMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceShort Term Disability InsuranceLong Term Disability InsuranceLife and AD&D InsuranceCritical Illness InsuranceSupplemental Life InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Career Area

Research

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is 78.8-93.1K and will be commensurate with experience.

Bonus Eligibility

Yes