Director, Research - Work-Based Learning

Strada Education Foundation•Washington, DC

10d•$112,800 - $134,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Strada Education Foundation is seeking a Director, Research to lead research supporting its work-based learning portfolio. The role develops evidence about the economic and institutional value of programs, policies, and practices, informing decisions by state leaders, higher education systems and institutions, employers, and Strada’s grantmaking and technical assistance. The Director works with the Vice President, Research and colleagues across the organization to shape and pursue a research agenda grounded in student experiences and career outcomes. The position combines rigorous quantitative and economic research with clear communication for nontechnical audiences. It involves designing studies using survey and administrative data, applying statistical and econometric methods, evaluating the costs and returns of education and workforce interventions, and translating findings into practical guidance. The Director also collaborates with internal teams and external partners, supports stakeholder relationships and project planning, and contributes to an inclusive, collaborative research culture. The role is full-time and hybrid, with two days per week in Strada’s Washington, DC or Indianapolis, Indiana office. Occasional travel of up to 10% is expected for staff events, professional development, research presentations, convenings, and partner initiatives. The salary range is $112,800–$134,500 per year, plus an annual bonus.

Requirements

PhD, completed or imminent, in education, economics, public policy, political science, sociology, demography, or a related discipline.
Advanced quantitative research skills, including causal inference, and experience conducting economic evaluation such as cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, or ROI modeling.
Demonstrated ability to assess the quality and rigor of research design.
Experience using administrative and linked education-workforce data to estimate economic returns to education or training programs.
Expertise in Stata.
Experience designing surveys, writing survey questions, and producing descriptive reports using survey data.
Strong knowledge of research and innovations in postsecondary education and training policy and practice, focused on work-based learning.
Ability to synthesize and communicate complex research findings and experience developing effective research communications and thought leadership strategies.
Strong writing and editing skills and ability to communicate clearly and concisely for public audiences.
Experience managing projects with internal and external partners, with strong collaborative skills in planning, coordinating, aligning, and completing projects.
Knowledge of effective partnership development and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Ability to connect individual projects and initiatives to organizational priorities and recommend improvements to strategic alignment.
Ability to build and manage positive, mutually beneficial relationships across organizational levels and with external partners, supported by sound judgment and emotional intelligence.
Commitment to equitable pathways to opportunity through postsecondary education and training, particularly for people who have faced significant barriers, and alignment with Strada’s values.
Commitment to and professional experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including incorporating stakeholder perspectives into the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategic efforts.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-profile environment with internal and external deadlines, and an operationally minded approach to improving efficiency, quality, and effectiveness.
Positive, energetic, collaborative approach and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Training or demonstrated experience in applied microeconomics, labor economics, public finance, or program evaluation.
Two to five years of post-PhD experience working in a state or national higher education or workforce development organization; candidates with less experience may be considered at the Senior Researcher level.

Responsibilities

Work with the Vice President, Research to develop and pursue a research agenda supporting the work-based learning focus area.
Design and execute rigorous quantitative studies using survey data and administrative datasets.
Develop primary surveys and collect data from multiple stakeholder audiences.
Conduct descriptive, statistical, and econometric analyses, including causal inference methods such as matching, regression, fixed effects, and quasi-experimental designs.
Design and implement cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and return-on-investment analyses of education and workforce interventions, estimating individual, institutional, and public returns.
Assess the impact of work-based learning and related strategies across student populations, fields of study, and institutional contexts.
Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to deliver actionable research under tight timelines.
Ensure methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility in analyses.
Author research briefs, reports, and presentations that communicate findings to policymakers, institutional leaders, and practitioners.
Translate economic findings, including ROI and cost-benefit results, into practical implications for decision-making and resource allocation.
Contribute to thought leadership on the economic value of postsecondary education.
Represent Strada at external events, including panels, conferences, and symposia.
Synthesize data and insights across key topics to build organizational knowledge and subject matter expertise.
Work with colleagues across the organization to develop research agendas, annual budgets, and project plans.
Build and maintain relationships with state agencies, higher education systems, institutions, and research partners.
Collaborate with external partners on data access, study design, and dissemination.
Identify emerging research questions and opportunities aligned with Strada’s strategic priorities.
Incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into research design, topic selection, vendor selection, analysis, and interpretation.
Support an inclusive and collaborative team culture, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.