[Hiring] Education Policy and Applied Research Analyst @Law School Admissions Council

Role Description

The LSAC education policy and applied research analyst is a key contributor to advancing LSAC’s mission by maintaining our commitment to rigorous, collaborative, practitioner-informed, and equity-minded research. The education policy and applied research analyst will support the practical use and impact of LSAC’s research and data insights. The scope of the work includes:

• Creating datasets
• Conducting analyses
• Writing about research and data related to the existing educational systems, processes, and policies along the prelaw to practice pathway
• Crafting research-based recommendations
• Contributing to the development of new programs and tools

The education policy and applied research analyst reports to LSAC’s senior director of research and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other internal stakeholders to ensure clear and easily accessible summaries of research and data, including usable and understandable data visualization.
• Document and communicate research findings through published essays, reports, and presentations to stakeholders in legal education and the legal profession.
• Compile the annual report of LSAC’s research and data insights.
• Conduct data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Create datasets, pulling data from various sources.
• Use an equity-minded framework and approach to write applied policy and research reports.
• Identify potential for bias and actively work to minimize inequities in research and applied settings.
• Contribute to the Research team strategic plan, goals, and research agenda.
• Follow LSAC procedures, processes, and protocols to conduct rigorous research.
• Support and collaborate closely with the senior director of research and the Research team.
• Monitor current events, political and economic developments, and social trends that may impact legal and higher education policies.
• Keep up to date on the latest research and literature in relevant fields.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to write for and speak to academic and lay audiences.
• Experience using STATA and SQL for data management, data visualization, and analyses.
• 3 years of experience in interpreting and writing quantitative and mixed-methods research findings for lay audiences.
• 3 years of experience in applied work, with a strong preference for experience in education policy or equivalent experience/training.
• Prior experience collaborating on a team and working on multiple projects.
• Direct experience in equitable evaluation and/or culturally responsive approaches to using evidence.
• Experience in mixed-methods research projects, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Preferred

• MA in a social science field such as sociology, higher education, education policy, or something similar strongly preferred.
• Three or more years of experience working in social science, applied research, or education policy in an academic or professional setting.
• Excellent public speaking ability.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative research design and methodology and statistical analysis.
• Experience using Power BI and Qualtrics for data collection, data management, data visualization, and analyses.

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent data management skills.
• Holds a strong sense of accountability for both individual and team objectives.
• Embraces a forward-thinking mindset, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and creativity.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, attention to detail and organization skills.
• Must be equity-minded, recognizing the role of social structures, systems, and environments in producing educational and workplace disparities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Must exercise confidentiality and maintain security of confidential materials.
• Exercises appropriate research judgment independent of direct supervision.
• Must be highly self-motivated, resourceful, and flexible.
• Highly autonomous and able to solve problems and deal with ambiguity and tension.
• Demonstrate willingness to explore new and creative approaches to conveying research findings.
• Demonstrates willingness to learn and to adapt to new challenges.

Benefits

• Pay rate: $83,000-90,000, depending on experience.
• This position is fully remote.

Company Description

LSAC’s mission is to advance law and justice by promoting access, equity, and fairness in law school admission and supporting the learning journey from prelaw through practice.