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.
Westat is seeking a Principal Research Associate to join its team of experienced evaluators who design and conduct studies of federal education programs and policies for the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and other clients. This position involves directing evaluations, especially impact evaluations; leading proposals; and managing and mentoring staff. This position is remote-eligible.
Job responsibilities:
• Leading evaluations, especially impact evaluations, of federally funded education programs or federal policies.
• Communicating results to policymaker audiences through written and oral presentations.
• Reviewing and ensuring the quality of project deliverables.
• Overseeing projects’ financial management and reporting.
• Mentoring staff on evaluation projects and proposals.
• Identifying and advancing business opportunities.
• Identifying external partnerships for proposals and business opportunities.
• Leading and reviewing technical and business proposals.
Basic Qualifications:
• Doctoral degree in a social science field (e.g., economics, education, psychology, public policy, or sociology) with 7 or more years of experience in education research; or a master’s degree in a social science field with 12 or more years of experience in education research.
• Experience serving as a project director, deputy project director, or principal investigator on at least one impact evaluation of a federally funded program or a federal policy.
• Leadership experience on at least one federal contract.
• Experience leading at least one proposal for a large-scale impact evaluation.
• US Citizenship is required by contract.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Doctoral degree in a social science field.
• Leadership position in at least one evaluation for IES.
• Experience managing site recruitment for impact studies.
• Experience overseeing the collection of administrative data.
• Experience conducting cost or cost-effectiveness analyses.
• Demonstrated success supporting staff professional development and growth.
• Content expertise relevant to federal education policies such as those related to Titles I, II, III, or IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Certification in What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) 5.0 standards.
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 Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
- Sick Leave (10 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health 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.
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