Senior Education-Focused Quantitative Researcher (Senior Associate or Principal Associate)

Rockville, MD, United States

Job Description

The World at Abt

Solving the world's most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what's possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints - joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within - we look after people around the world, and we'll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now's your chance.

The Opportunity

Abt seeks a senior research and evaluation professional with expertise in evaluation, and evaluation technical assistance to join our Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Capability. As a member of the Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Capability team, you will conduct research, monitoring, and evaluation services at the highest levels of quality and rigor to generate evidence-based insights.

The successful candidate will play a leadership role on projects for the U.S. Department of Education (ED), serving in such roles as Project Director, Principal Investigator, or Quality Reviewer on education evaluation studies and provide strategic expertise on education policy and ED-funded evaluation technical assistance contracts. The ideal candidate will have subject matter expertise in K-16 education, be highly knowledgeable about the What Works Clearinghouse Standards, offer superior technical writing skills, and have significant experience working on ED/Institute for Education Sciences (IES) contracts.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Contribute subject matter expertise in K-16 education, including post-secondary pathways (career and technical education), student loans and loan repayment, Title IV, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Provide technical leadership on education evaluation strategies, design or execution of analyses (experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive, and mixed-methods research), and other technical tasks (directing analyses, developing deliverables).

Lead and mentor teams of experienced evaluators.

Offer demonstrated experience with IES contract research that enables you to ensure project deliverables meet high IES client standards.

Review, analyze, and synthesize information using appropriate practices and techniques and ensure that projects are conducted with sound practices and techniques.

Leverage strong technical writing skills to produce high quality project deliverables and proposals.

Work collaboratively as part of a team by communicating respectfully, meeting deadlines, and exercising initiative to resolve complex challenges.

Develop guidance and deliver presentations on evaluation issues to audiences including federal grant program staff, IES, and evaluators.

Represent Abt in a professional manner and effectively communicate with clients, external partners, and the public.

Develop and disseminate project deliverables and other products to share project findings through papers, technical reports, client briefings, presentations, blog posts, podcasts, videos and/or social media.

Lead business development activities such as capture and proposal activities, as well as client development.

Cultivate and maintain excellent business development relationships with clients and external partners.

What We Value

Demonstrated technical expertise related to conducting rigorous evaluation of education programs and policies. Preference given to those with IES contract research experience.

Exceptional quantitative skills with demonstrated technical expertise related to experimental and quasi-experimental designs for program evaluation in education.

Expertise in advanced statistical analysis and its applications in education research.

In-depth knowledge of What Works Clearinghouse standards is a plus.

A record of publications, presentations, and other knowledge-dissemination activities.

A collegial demeanor along with aptitude and interest in mentoring less-experienced staff and managing multidisciplinary teams.

Strong commitment to Abt's mission and to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes a commitment to incorporating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into research and interactions with colleagues; prioritizing understanding multiple alternative perspectives; and embracing diverse perspectives, abilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, gender identities and expressions, educational experiences, and life stories.

Superior writing and communication skills with demonstrated experience translating research and making it accessible to practice, policy, and/or government audiences.

Demonstrated success with business development and proposal or grant writing.

A well-rounded interpersonal skill set with a demonstrated ability to build relationships with clients, funders, and education leaders, and to work effectively in a team environment.

Senior Associate level: Masters degree + 13 years of relevant experience, or PhD + 8 years of relevant experience

Principal Associate level: Masters degree + 15 years of relevant experience, or PhD + 10 years of relevant experience

What We Offer

Abt Global is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Global provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $120,000 to $222,000 and may vary by ten percent depending on candidate geographic location. Salary offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis.

Disclaimer: Abt Global will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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