Associate Director of Research

Institute for Higher Education PolicyWashington, DC
$100,000 - $113,000Remote

About The Position

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is seeking an Associate Director of Research to help lead its quantitative research portfolio. This role will report to the Vice President of Research and will be instrumental in building and implementing IHEP’s research agenda, which focuses on postsecondary value, data and transparency, strong outcomes for all students, need-based financial aid, equitable admissions, and evidence-based completion. Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization operates fully remotely on a day-to-day basis, with in-person gatherings in D.C. three to four times a year. Remote applicants are welcome, but the role requires regular in-person attendance at meetings in the D.C. area and some national travel.

Requirements

  • Strong quantitative research experience, including experience using Stata.
  • Experience analyzing postsecondary data, such as IPEDS, NPSAS, and BPS.
  • A passion for promoting postsecondary access and success for all students, regardless of race, background, or circumstance.
  • At least six years of work experience in a similar role with progressively increasing responsibilities.
  • Strong analytic, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and remain flexible and adaptable.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills, especially for describing complex and data-rich subject matter in clear and concise ways.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through and push projects to completion amidst competing responsibilities.
  • Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to changing priorities in such a way that contributes to a project or team’s success.
  • Self-motivated and eager contributor to a team who shares in the accolades of successes.
  • Desire to continuously improve skills and develop professionally.
  • Values and contributes to a respectful work environment with an openness and inclusion to all viewpoints.
  • Employees must reside and work within the United States.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

  • Support the Vice President of Research in directing IHEP’s research portfolio.
  • Conceptualize, design, and manage research projects to advance IHEP’s research agenda, including overseeing research and data analyses and developing public content.
  • Coordinate with the Vice President of Research on developing and implementing IHEP’s research agenda and long-term research strategy and goals.
  • Help allocate personnel and other resources and provide oversight of budgets, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Identify, curate, and share concrete lessons learned from research and policy analyses to inform IHEP’s policy positioning and development.
  • Stay abreast of rapidly evolving postsecondary education issues among federal and state policymakers, within higher education policy and research communities, and in the media.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for IHEP on postsecondary issues and as a key ambassador for IHEP in relevant coalitions.
  • Support the conceptualization, design, and development of proposals to secure funding for IHEP’s research agenda.
  • Collaborate closely with other Management Team members on the Research Team to ensure streamlined operations, build morale, maintain communications, and encourage an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
  • Foster and maintain IHEP’s relationships with partnering organizations, funders, and other researchers.
  • Publicly advance IHEP’s postsecondary research and advocacy agenda through public speaking engagements, including presenting at conferences.
  • Other duties, as requested.

Benefits

  • Generous paid time off
  • Health benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • 401K matching
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Flexible work arrangements
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