Position Overview
The Senior Research Manager Assiessment Research & Innovation serves in a project leadership role within WestEd's Assessment Research & Innovation (AR&I) team, directing complex projects while building national recognition and contributing to team growth. This position focuses on applying deep expertise in psychometrics, measurement, developing client relationships, and supporting AR&I's service delivery excellence.
Responsibilities:
Project Leadership and Management
- Direct mid- to large-size and/or moderately complex projects, managing budget and ensuring quality delivery of work.
- Oversee study design, planning and preparation, research activities (including data analysis), dissemination and outreach, and quality assurance.
- Manage project timelines and resources effectively, with accountability for financial performance.
- Navigate ambiguity while maintaining technical rigor and client satisfaction.
- Anticipate complex problems and work with agency leaders to implement solutions.
Research and Expertise
- Apply deep expertise in educational measurement, psychometrics, and statistical methodologies to analyze complex problems and develop solutions.
- Oversee the development and implementation of research and assessment designs, ensuring technical excellence and relevance to client goals.
- Build visibility through publications and service on panels, workgroups, and advisory committees for state and regional organizations.
- Contribute to AR&I's growing thought leadership in the assessment field.
Client Engagement and Partnership Development
- Manage client relationships independently for projects under your direction, serving as primary point of contact.
- Identify opportunities for follow-on work and recurring business within existing client relationships.
- Represent AR&I at conferences and industry events, building professional recognition.
- Present research findings and recommendations to federal, state, and district leaders.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
- Supervise Research Assistants and Research Associates as their People Manager, establishing clear expectations and supporting professional development.
- Foster team collaboration and individual success through structured feedback and quality review within project workflows.
- Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members.
- Influence colleagues within AR&I to advance project objectives.
Business Development and Contributions
- Lead proposal development independently for mid-size projects.
- Contribute to proposal development for larger projects(>$1M annual revenue).
- Support senior leadership in building a sustainable body of work within established service offerings.
- Generate and close new business opportunities by identifying needs in the field, and cultivating funders and clients to support the work.
- Provide strategic recommendations to Content Area Director.
- Contribute to understanding of AR&I strategic goals and incorporate these into project planning.
Required:
- Doctorate or equivalent expertise in educational measurement, statistics, quantitative psychology, or related field.
- At least five years of progressive experience in educational research and assessment in applied settings, with demonstrated success managing increasingly complex projects.
- Demonstrated expertise in psychometrics, quantitative methods, and assessment practices.
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing budgets > $1M.
- Professional recognition as a measurement expert through conference presentations and publications at regional and national levels.
- Excellent communication skills with ability to present to and advise federal, state, and district leaders.
- Ability to influence beyond positional authority within project teams.
- Proficiency in SAS or R programming.
Preferred:
- Research expertise in emerging assessment methodologies, such as artificial intelligence or computational psychometrics.
- Experience developing relationships with state education agencies and assessment vendors.
- Track record of identifying opportunities for recurring revenue within existing projects.
- Published work in academic texts or journals related to educational assessment.
- Experience supervising research staff.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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This position was originally posted by WestEd and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.
