[Hiring] Research Manager, Economic and Educational Data @WestEd

Role Description

The Senior Research Associate will oversee population, economic, labor market, education and training data analysis that supports the growing body of work led by CEM focused on leveraging labor market, economic, demographic, workforce training, and educational data sets to support local, regional, and systems level educational and workforce planning, demonstration initiatives, systems change, research, and evaluation. This includes:

• Aggregation, data analysis, and comparison of anomalous data sets focused on the intersection of learner populations, economic and labor market information, and educational and training systems.
• Supporting regional and statewide strategies that increase outcomes for low-income individuals, families, and communities.
• Working across CEM’s lines of work in K16, postsecondary, workforce, and adult education systems.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in economics, planning, public policy or related field with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods and analysis.
• 5-10 years related experience in the use of population, labor market, economic, educational, and training data to inform educational, workforce, or economic development policy and practice.
• Familiarity and direct experience with a wide range of data and analytic tools related to population, labor market, economic, educational, and training data.
• Experience using data for professional development and technical assistance for local institutions, regional consortia, or state systems.
• Knowledge of legislation and policy relevant to this position including initiatives operating under the Department of Labor (WIOA), Department of Commerce, Department of Education or state level workforce, economic development, or education agencies.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a collaborative manner with colleagues and partners at all levels.
• Ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong marketing skills including experience with writing, developing PowerPoints, and visualizing information.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure that one's own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate, especially under tight timelines.
• Ability to travel – requires 25% travel time, potentially up to 50% depending on project demands.

Benefits

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option.
• All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date.
• PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays.
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k.
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives.
• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program.