Waterford.org is looking for a Research Associate to support analysis of the efficacy of Waterfords education software and curriculum solutions. The primary focus of this position is to conduct research of the PreK through 6th-grade literacy, math, science, and mindset content. Our Research Associates regularly collaborate to envision innovative, creative, and effective ways to research and improve learning experiences for all children that result in universal literacy.

Our team focuses on researching different computer interaction and assessment models in relation to childrens cognitive abilities. As a Research Associate, you'll perform data analysis and generate statistical reports and data visualizations using various software programs. The research you conduct will analyze the effectiveness of our programs educational lessons and assessments. Combining published research, user needs analyses, and partner feedback, your research will inform the development of Waterfords product content ensuring that it is effective, engaging, and relevant to young learners.

If you have a deep understanding of educational research, efficacy, assessment, and learning and are experienced at centering equity in your research methodology, you are a strong candidate for this opportunity!

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Perform a wide variety of sophisticated statistical analyses with software programs such as SPSS and R.
• Develop detailed summaries and reports based on analyses for partners.
• Lead research projects /programs to advance organization-wide goals by coordinating stakeholders and summarizing decisions.
• Develop and communicate data methodology, business rules and data request elements to the data programming team.
• Ensure research integrity by reviewing data for accuracy.
• In collaboration with the Marketing department, design and administer parent/caregiver and partner surveys using asset based language, validated survey methods, and auditing for implicit biases.
• Analyze objective-level data using Power BI, to determine patterns and trends in user behavior within content sequences.
• Document and communicate your analyses and results to various collaborators through reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Support educational content item analysis, IRT calibrations, and validity and reliability studies.
• Design research projects and help complete them while partnering with school district partners.
• Develop and produce weekly status reports of student progress to school districts participating in RCT studies.
• Conduct literature reviews and write summaries of recently published education research.
• Develop white papers articulating methodology and study results related to Waterfords research findings and submit them for publication.
• Present findings at professional technology, research, and education conferences.
• Demonstrate a commitment to inclusive excellence, cultural responsiveness and personal growth in these areas in the execution of assignments and interpersonal relationships with colleagues and collaborators.
• Continuously champion, promote, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence at Waterford.org
• Travel as needed.

Essential education, experience and skills:

• B.A/M.A. in educational research, assessment, statistics, psychology, early childhood education/development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of research experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistics, measurement principles and research methodology.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage a variety of ongoing projects simultaneously.
• Experience developing equity centered research methodologies
• Experience with large-scale studies.
• Background knowledge of education.
• Knowledge of Excel as well as SPSS or R.
• Excels with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including virtual and in-person presentation skills.
• Experience using asset based framing to develop research questions and communicate findings.
• Ability to discern and communicate difficult concepts and research findings.
• Flexibility and ability to manage competing responsibilities.

Bonus knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of educational measurement principles including validity and reliability, estimation, and IRT.
• Knowledge of SQL.
• Experience using Power BI, JIRA and Confluence.

About Waterford.org

Waterford.org is an education nonprofit with a mission to achieve universal literacy for children through equity, access, and parent empowerment. Waterford creates programs that empower parents as a child's first teacher at home and supports teachers in the classroom. Currently, Waterford.org serves over 300,000 children across 43 states every year.

Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Waterford.org's commitment to inclusive excellence is foundational to achieving our mission of universal literacy. Waterford.org is a mission-driven organization, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the heart of what we do. These values inform our internal culture and drive our external focus on making a difference for children and families in underserved communities. At Waterford, we actively seek talent who bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and identities to their work and demonstrate a commitment to advancing our mission.

Working at Waterford.org

Waterford.org team members are located across the United States and primarily work from home. We anticipate an annual salary of $68,400-74,000 depending on the education, experience, skill, and location of the individual we hire. We offer a phenomenal benefits package that includes fully paid primary premiums for health insurance, dental insurance, basic life insurance, and disability insurance. New hires receive a one-time HSA contribution. Retirement contributions are matched up to 5% by the organization. Plus, a generous vacation, sick, and holiday offering. Currently, Waterford requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or file a religious or medical exemption (as applicable by federal, state, and local law).