COMPANY Sylvan Learning
POSITION Director, Research and Evaluation
LOCATION Baltimore, MD
REPORTING Reports to the Chief Academic Officer
COMPANY BACKGROUND
Established in 1979, Sylvan Learning, Inc. is a franchise system that has
served more than two million students, offering supplemental educational
services to students at all skill levels and ages. Sylvan instruction is
based on a proprietary method that uses assessments to pinpoint a student’s
academic strengths and weaknesses, and creates a personalized learning plan
that addresses each student’s individual needs and meets parents’
objectives. For additional information regarding Sylvan’s educational
services, please refer to www.sylvanlearning.com.
The Company employs 175 full-time employees. There are 1,071 learning
centers (located primarily in the United States and Canada). The Sylvan
brand enjoys greater than 90% awareness among its target audience. The
Company provides comprehensive support to franchisees, offering training in
marketing, operations, human resources and education program delivery
through Sylvan University to help them realize their financial goals. For
additional information regarding franchise sales and operations, please
refer to www.sylvanfranchise.com.
With its headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, Sylvan is an entrepreneurial
and fast-moving company with a collegial, yet focused operating style. The
corporate culture focuses on strong teamwork and individual accountability,
and it also emphasizes excellence in customer service. Above all else, the
culture reflects a deep commitment to education, as well as a dedication to
helping children grow. As a private equity backed company, the focus is on
increasing the long-term value of the company and demonstrating strong
growth in net operating profits. To that end, the Company recently
developed a new strategic plan and is poised for growth. The Company is
looking for someone who will help implement this plan.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director, Research and Evaluation is responsible for designing and
implementing a systemic and ongoing research and evaluation program that
supports the revenue generating goals of the Sylvan franchise community.
He/She will oversee the development of the assessment strategy for Sylvan’s
new educational delivery platform that will build upon passed experiences
and help position Sylvan for the future through systematic research and
evaluation activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee the development of Sylvan’s new assessment
o Work collaboratively with stakeholders to refine the assessment
requirements for Sylvan
o With a cross-departmental team develop, implement and continually
refine Sylvan’s assessment process.
o Collaborate with assessment experts and internal teams to produce the
most useful, cost-effective and efficient assessment process for Sylvan.
o With a cross-departmental team determine the academic reporting needs
for Sylvan.
o Working cross-departmentally to implement new academic reporting
processes that promote effective communication with a wide range of Sylvan
customers (from school districts to parents) and promote center
profitability.
Institute an ongoing research and program evaluation process
o Document research and evaluation requirements in association with
stakeholders.
o Develop and implement a cross-department research and evaluation plan.
o Interview, hire and manage research and evaluation consultants to
complete research and evaluation activities.
o Oversee the creation of research and evaluation reports and
publications related to Sylvan programs.
Represent the assessment, research and evaluation activities of Sylvan
o Serve as an assessment, research and evaluation resource for all of
Sylvan’s product managers.
o Create documents that articulate Sylvan research base.
o Make presentations to Sylvan management and franchisees on Sylvan’s
assessment, evaluation and research.
o Provide subject matter expertise for training on Sylvan’s assessment,
research and evaluation strategies and activities.
o Write and publish articles on Sylvan’s assessment and evaluation
activities.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications for Prospective candidates for the Director, Research and
Evaluation include, but are not limited to, the following:
• 5-10 years experience in research and evaluation
• 3+ years experience as a successful manager
• Understanding of the role that assessment, research and evaluation play
in the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of K-12
educational programs
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research, assessment
and evaluation results to a broad range of audiences
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience with and understanding of how technology can be used to
effectively facilitate assessment, research, evaluation and reporting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Confident presentation ability
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The successful candidate must possess an exceptional level of
intellectual, professional, and interpersonal agility and flexibility,
combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. He/She will be
a confident self-starter, comfortable in a start-up environment where there
are big expectations to be delivered by small teams. Prospective candidates
must possess strong influencing skills and exceptional integrity and
ethics. He/She will share a passion for Sylvan’s business strategies and
corporate philosophies, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to creating
exceptional customer service, both internal and external
EDUCATION
Masters degree required in research, evaluation or related area with strong
knowledge of assessment, Ph.D/ED.D preferred.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
Interested applicants should go to
http://educate.hodesiq.com/apply_online_1.asp?jobid=1556656 to submit their
resume.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Education Resource Strategies, Research Assistant
Job Title: Research Assistant (Human Capital Practice Area)
Organization: Education Resource Strategies
Education Resource Strategies is a fast-growing, nationally recognized non-profit firm, doing leading edge work in education. ERS applies strategic consulting skills and concepts to the challenge of fixing urban education. We are a small group of high energy, committed professionals dedicated to helping public schools manage their resources more effectively. We do this by conducting and disseminating research on urban districts in cities such as New York, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Rochester, NY and Los Angeles to analyze and understand their current use of resources and to compare the current use of resources to more strategic, research based practice.
Our work is customized to meet the specific needs of partnering school districts, in five primary practice areas : School Funding and Staffing Systems, Strategic School Design, Human Capital, School Planning, Support and Supervision and Strategic School System Design. More information about ERS is available at our website: www.educationresourcestrategies.org.
Job Description: Research Assistant (Human Capital Practice Area)
We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the ERS team. The ideal Research Assistant has knowledge and experience in the education sector and is interested in the area of hiring, developing and retaining excellent teachers and school leaders in urban public school systems.. Ideally we’d like to have a Research Assistant that can commit to working about 20 hours a month and stay with ERS for at least 1 year.
Responsibilities include:
• Conduct monthly research summaries that highlight findings from all recent articles & reports in the field of education, relevant to the ERS Human Capital practice area.
• Conduct other research and literature reviews, which will support the development of the practice area as well as presentations, articles & briefs.
• Support the development of best practice artifact database.
• Support client engagements through research and review of background documents.
• Assist in writing of articles, management briefs and other documents as appropriate. .
Much of the required work can be done from home or a remote location. Arrangements can be made to work at the ERS office and some in person meetings may be required. ERS is located in Watertown Square, easily accessible by bus from Harvard Square. Hours are flexible, however, client or written deadlines may require some more concentrated work periods.
Requirements:
• Minimum of master degree or in the process of earning a master’s degree in education policy, management or teaching or in public policy
• Knowledge of and interest in the area of teaching quality in urban school systems
• Knowledge of excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
ERS is a small but growing firm, doing leading edge work in education. We are looking for someone to join our team who is creative, passionate about education, able to work independently and committed to making our work and our organization the best that they can be.
Hourly Rate: To be determined
Contact: Julie Derderian
Organization: Education Resource Strategies
Education Resource Strategies is a fast-growing, nationally recognized non-profit firm, doing leading edge work in education. ERS applies strategic consulting skills and concepts to the challenge of fixing urban education. We are a small group of high energy, committed professionals dedicated to helping public schools manage their resources more effectively. We do this by conducting and disseminating research on urban districts in cities such as New York, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Rochester, NY and Los Angeles to analyze and understand their current use of resources and to compare the current use of resources to more strategic, research based practice.
Our work is customized to meet the specific needs of partnering school districts, in five primary practice areas : School Funding and Staffing Systems, Strategic School Design, Human Capital, School Planning, Support and Supervision and Strategic School System Design. More information about ERS is available at our website: www.educationresourcestrategies.org.
Job Description: Research Assistant (Human Capital Practice Area)
We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the ERS team. The ideal Research Assistant has knowledge and experience in the education sector and is interested in the area of hiring, developing and retaining excellent teachers and school leaders in urban public school systems.. Ideally we’d like to have a Research Assistant that can commit to working about 20 hours a month and stay with ERS for at least 1 year.
Responsibilities include:
• Conduct monthly research summaries that highlight findings from all recent articles & reports in the field of education, relevant to the ERS Human Capital practice area.
• Conduct other research and literature reviews, which will support the development of the practice area as well as presentations, articles & briefs.
• Support the development of best practice artifact database.
• Support client engagements through research and review of background documents.
• Assist in writing of articles, management briefs and other documents as appropriate. .
Much of the required work can be done from home or a remote location. Arrangements can be made to work at the ERS office and some in person meetings may be required. ERS is located in Watertown Square, easily accessible by bus from Harvard Square. Hours are flexible, however, client or written deadlines may require some more concentrated work periods.
Requirements:
• Minimum of master degree or in the process of earning a master’s degree in education policy, management or teaching or in public policy
• Knowledge of and interest in the area of teaching quality in urban school systems
• Knowledge of excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
ERS is a small but growing firm, doing leading edge work in education. We are looking for someone to join our team who is creative, passionate about education, able to work independently and committed to making our work and our organization the best that they can be.
Hourly Rate: To be determined
Contact: Julie Derderian
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Education Resource Strategies, Head of Communications
Job Title: Head of Communications
Organization: Education Resource Strategies
Education Resource Strategies, Inc. is a non-profit organization that works with large urban public school systems to rethink the use of district and school-level resources, supporting strategies for improved instruction and performance. ERS is the only organization in the country with over 10 years of experience collaborating with the largest urban districts in the area of strategic resource allocation including Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore City and Philadelphia.
What makes ERS unique?
(1) Our analytical approach: The core of our practice is to provide in-depth strategic and analytic support to leaders of large urban school systems. We do this by combining extensive knowledge of school systems and educational research and practice with intensive, quantitative financial and data analysis. To support this work, we have developed analytic techniques, methodologies for mapping resources, and metrics for gauging performance that provide our partner districts with a unique perspective on how they deploy resources to support their priorities. This unique approach, combined with ERS-developed web and Excel -based decision support tools, provides district and school leaders clear and actionable information to develop solutions to resource allocation issues.
(2) Our collaborative client engagements: ERS’s client engagements are partnerships. We view it as part of our explicit mission to build client capacity to understand and implement effective resource practices. Successful engagements result in clients internalizing our methodology and our approach to the way they do business. To accomplish that goal, our approach is very different from the typical grab data, crunch numbers, deliver a report model. Our client engagements frequently last over extended periods with significant contact, including working sessions where we collaboratively analyze data and develop solutions and customized training.
(3) Our contribution to the national conversation: One of ERS’s primary missions is to influence the national conversation on district and school resource issues. Our working partnerships with school systems form the bridge between research and practice. Our relationship with clients provides us with access to a wealth of information not otherwise publically available and an unrivalled knowledge of the resource issues facing districts. This experience and the extensive comparative database of resource information and metrics for all of the districts in which we have worked form the foundation of our research that supports tool development. Over the next five years ERS will build the communications and research side of our work substantially, which will enable us to Contribute quickly and effectively to the national conversation on strategic resource use and school improvement Respond to growing demand for our findings and lessons learned about how to reallocate resources for student success Build and disseminate tools that will enable leaders across the country to use our findings to inform their own resource strategies Re-vamp our website to make it more user-friendly, including the creation of a public knowledge clearinghouse for resource issues
Our headquarters are in Watertown, MA, along the beautiful Charles River and conveniently located to Harvard Square and the Mass Pike. We have a collegial work environment; we are committed to high quality in our work and committed to achieving that quality through a flexible environment that values work/life balance. More information about ERS is available at our website: www.educationresourcestrategies.org
Job description: Head of Communications
The Communications Manager is a newly created position, responsible for developing and executing our communications and dissemination strategy. Our communication and dissemination goals are to position ERS as the national authority on resource issues in education, raise awareness of and to build and sustain support for ERS and our key messages, and mobilize education leaders to take action. The Communications Manager will help to maximize our impact by identifying key messages and targeting highly-leveraged communication vehicles including trade publications, mainstream press, online media, and conferences.
The Communications manager will work closely with ERS Leadership Team and manage a small team of writers and consultants. ERS is a small organization with a strong professional learning community. As such, we place teamwork, initiative, and a desire to learn and grow at a premium. The Communications Manager will work with teams across all of the ERS practice areas to both capture the findings and best practices from client work as well as suggest ways team members can be more proactive in communicating their work to a broader audience.
The ideal Communications Manager brings experience in the education field and can successfully leverage networks of education leaders to disseminate key messages. This position is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing, collaborative organization that is driving transformational change in public education.
Responsibilities include: Communications Strategy: Work with the ERS Leadership Team to develop a strategic communication plan to expand our impact and enhance our reputation and name recognition in the field. We expect to have funding to work with an external agency to help us with this initial strategy development, and the Communications Manager’s will manage the selection of and the relationship with that agency. Messaging: Craft key messages that convey our often complex, nuanced findings in ways that are powerful to busy district, school, state, and national leaders and helps them USE the findings to improve practice. Ensure that these messages are accurately integrated into all ERS communications.
Content Development: Develop written and electronic content for ERS’ website, publications and external (non-project) presentations. This includes briefs, articles, commentaries, presentations, electronic newsblasts and newsletters. Develop a process and structure to support and leverage consulting resources to convert learning from district partners into effective external communications. Dissemination: Develop and implement a dissemination strategy for ERS’ print and electronic publications and oversee their successful development and distribution. Website Management: Lead the redesign of our site from a marketing-focused site to an educational resource for reformers. Manage ongoing content updates for the site. Capacity Building: Manage, adding where appropriate, resources including writers, web support and knowledge management staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Provide coaching and development to direct reports. Partnerships: Develop and manage communications partnerships with external organizations including joint content development, joint distribution and conference appearances. External Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate media contacts. Field press inquiries. Management and Evaluation: Develop metrics for evaluating the success of our communications strategy; regularly evaluate progress vs. these metrics. Manage the communications budget. Support business development efforts to obtain additional communications funding.
Qualifications: At least 5 years experience in communications, marketing and PR, including management and oversight experience in the education or a closely related non-profit field Strong management and leadership skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Strong interpersonal skills Knowledge of networks in education community Knowledge of and experience with existing and emerging online media and communications Ability to work independently and think creatively Knowledge of PowerPoint, Excel a plus
Salary: Competitive with excellent Benefits
Contact: If you are interested in this position, please contact Julie Derderian at jderderian@educationresourcestrategies.org or 617-607-8963.
Organization: Education Resource Strategies
Education Resource Strategies, Inc. is a non-profit organization that works with large urban public school systems to rethink the use of district and school-level resources, supporting strategies for improved instruction and performance. ERS is the only organization in the country with over 10 years of experience collaborating with the largest urban districts in the area of strategic resource allocation including Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore City and Philadelphia.
What makes ERS unique?
(1) Our analytical approach: The core of our practice is to provide in-depth strategic and analytic support to leaders of large urban school systems. We do this by combining extensive knowledge of school systems and educational research and practice with intensive, quantitative financial and data analysis. To support this work, we have developed analytic techniques, methodologies for mapping resources, and metrics for gauging performance that provide our partner districts with a unique perspective on how they deploy resources to support their priorities. This unique approach, combined with ERS-developed web and Excel -based decision support tools, provides district and school leaders clear and actionable information to develop solutions to resource allocation issues.
(2) Our collaborative client engagements: ERS’s client engagements are partnerships. We view it as part of our explicit mission to build client capacity to understand and implement effective resource practices. Successful engagements result in clients internalizing our methodology and our approach to the way they do business. To accomplish that goal, our approach is very different from the typical grab data, crunch numbers, deliver a report model. Our client engagements frequently last over extended periods with significant contact, including working sessions where we collaboratively analyze data and develop solutions and customized training.
(3) Our contribution to the national conversation: One of ERS’s primary missions is to influence the national conversation on district and school resource issues. Our working partnerships with school systems form the bridge between research and practice. Our relationship with clients provides us with access to a wealth of information not otherwise publically available and an unrivalled knowledge of the resource issues facing districts. This experience and the extensive comparative database of resource information and metrics for all of the districts in which we have worked form the foundation of our research that supports tool development. Over the next five years ERS will build the communications and research side of our work substantially, which will enable us to Contribute quickly and effectively to the national conversation on strategic resource use and school improvement Respond to growing demand for our findings and lessons learned about how to reallocate resources for student success Build and disseminate tools that will enable leaders across the country to use our findings to inform their own resource strategies Re-vamp our website to make it more user-friendly, including the creation of a public knowledge clearinghouse for resource issues
Our headquarters are in Watertown, MA, along the beautiful Charles River and conveniently located to Harvard Square and the Mass Pike. We have a collegial work environment; we are committed to high quality in our work and committed to achieving that quality through a flexible environment that values work/life balance. More information about ERS is available at our website: www.educationresourcestrategies.org
Job description: Head of Communications
The Communications Manager is a newly created position, responsible for developing and executing our communications and dissemination strategy. Our communication and dissemination goals are to position ERS as the national authority on resource issues in education, raise awareness of and to build and sustain support for ERS and our key messages, and mobilize education leaders to take action. The Communications Manager will help to maximize our impact by identifying key messages and targeting highly-leveraged communication vehicles including trade publications, mainstream press, online media, and conferences.
The Communications manager will work closely with ERS Leadership Team and manage a small team of writers and consultants. ERS is a small organization with a strong professional learning community. As such, we place teamwork, initiative, and a desire to learn and grow at a premium. The Communications Manager will work with teams across all of the ERS practice areas to both capture the findings and best practices from client work as well as suggest ways team members can be more proactive in communicating their work to a broader audience.
The ideal Communications Manager brings experience in the education field and can successfully leverage networks of education leaders to disseminate key messages. This position is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing, collaborative organization that is driving transformational change in public education.
Responsibilities include: Communications Strategy: Work with the ERS Leadership Team to develop a strategic communication plan to expand our impact and enhance our reputation and name recognition in the field. We expect to have funding to work with an external agency to help us with this initial strategy development, and the Communications Manager’s will manage the selection of and the relationship with that agency. Messaging: Craft key messages that convey our often complex, nuanced findings in ways that are powerful to busy district, school, state, and national leaders and helps them USE the findings to improve practice. Ensure that these messages are accurately integrated into all ERS communications.
Content Development: Develop written and electronic content for ERS’ website, publications and external (non-project) presentations. This includes briefs, articles, commentaries, presentations, electronic newsblasts and newsletters. Develop a process and structure to support and leverage consulting resources to convert learning from district partners into effective external communications. Dissemination: Develop and implement a dissemination strategy for ERS’ print and electronic publications and oversee their successful development and distribution. Website Management: Lead the redesign of our site from a marketing-focused site to an educational resource for reformers. Manage ongoing content updates for the site. Capacity Building: Manage, adding where appropriate, resources including writers, web support and knowledge management staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Provide coaching and development to direct reports. Partnerships: Develop and manage communications partnerships with external organizations including joint content development, joint distribution and conference appearances. External Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate media contacts. Field press inquiries. Management and Evaluation: Develop metrics for evaluating the success of our communications strategy; regularly evaluate progress vs. these metrics. Manage the communications budget. Support business development efforts to obtain additional communications funding.
Qualifications: At least 5 years experience in communications, marketing and PR, including management and oversight experience in the education or a closely related non-profit field Strong management and leadership skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Strong interpersonal skills Knowledge of networks in education community Knowledge of and experience with existing and emerging online media and communications Ability to work independently and think creatively Knowledge of PowerPoint, Excel a plus
Salary: Competitive with excellent Benefits
Contact: If you are interested in this position, please contact Julie Derderian at jderderian@educationresourcestrategies.org or 617-607-8963.
Education Resource Strategies, Associate
Job Title: Associate
Organization: Education Resource Strategies
Education Resource Strategies, Inc. is a non-profit organization that works with large urban public school systems to rethink the use of district and school-level resources, supporting strategies for improved instruction and performance. ERS is the only organization in the country with over 10 years of experience collaborating with the largest urban districts in the area of strategic resource allocation. We have worked with Los Angeles Unified, Chicago Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, Baltimore City School District and the School District of Philadelphia.
What makes ERS unique?
(1) Our analytical approach: The core of our practice is to provide in-depth strategic and analytic support to leaders of large urban school systems. We do this by combining extensive knowledge of school systems and educational theory and practice with intensive, quantitative financial and data analysis. To support this work, we have developed analytic techniques, methodologies for mapping resources, and metrics for gauging performance that provide our clients with a unique perspective on how they deploy resources to support their priorities. This unique perspective, combined with ERS developed web and excel based decision support tools, provides district and school leaders clear and actionable information to develop solutions to resource allocation issues.
(2) Our collaborative client engagements: ERS’s client engagements are partnerships. We view it as part of our explicit mission to build client capacity to understand and implement effective resource practices. Successful engagements result in clients internalizing our methodology and approach into the way they do business. To accomplish that goal, our approach is very different from the typical grab data, crunch numbers, deliver a report model. Our client engagements frequently last over extended periods with significant contact, including working sessions where we collaboratively grapple over analysis to develop solutions and customized training.
(3) Our contribution to the national conversation: One of ERS’s primary missions is to influence the national conversation on district and school resource issues. Our working partnerships with school systems form the bridge between practice and research. Our relationship with clients provides us with access to a wealth of information not otherwise publically available and an unrivalled knowledge of the resource issues facing districts. This experience and the extensive comparative database of resource information and metrics for all of the districts in which we have worked form the foundation of our research and support tool development.
Our headquarters are in Watertown, MA, along the beautiful Charles River and conveniently located to Harvard Square and the Mass Pike. We have a unique work environment; we are committed to high quality in our work and committed to achieving that quality through a flexible environment that values work/life balance. More information about ERS is available at our website: www.educationresourcestrategies.org
Job Description: Associate
ERS is a small but growing firm. Demand for ERS services among large urban districts is increasing, and we hope to double the number of districts we serve over the next several years. To do this, we must add a small number of highly qualified and committed Associates to the ERS team.
The ideal ERS Associate has strong and proven analytical skills, including proficiency in or the desire to master supporting tools such as excel and SQL, enjoys the interpretation of information and data and thinks strategically. ERS is a small organization with a strong professional learning community. As such, we place teamwork, initiative and a desire to learn and grow at a premium. While experience in the education sector is not required, a passion for improving the educational experience for all students is!
An ERS Associate typically works on a 2-4 project teams per year, but only two client engagements at one time. The typical engagement usually runs for most of the school year, and our client is most often the Superintendent and his or her direct staff. While all client engagements are unique, most engagements require intensive data collection, analysis, and mapping as well working with the client to understand the implications of the work and to develop leveraged strategies and solutions to address the highest impact implications. The Associate has primary responsibility for conducting much of the analytics as well as supporting the development of client presentations and reports. As a member of the project team the Associate will work closely with the Director and Principal Associate at ERS to draw meaning from the data analysis and collaboratively generate the final work products. ERS’s inclusive and collaborative approach to project teams ensures that Associates will have the unique opportunity to participate in meetings with Superintendents and other district leaders. All Associates are expected to participate in the ERS’ internal and external knowledge management through practice area development, writing articles for publication, and supporting the development of client decision-making tools.
Responsibilities include: Actively participating as a member of ERS project teams Executing and communicating well-defined analysis with moderate supervision Participating in drawing implications and conclusions from analyses Supporting development of client presentations and briefs Conducting research and literature reviews Participating in client meetings, interviews Some travel is required, usually averaging one to two overnight trips per month.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline (economics, engineering, mathematics, etc.) required, master’s degree (MBA, MPP, MPA or Education) preferred. Experience in quantitative analysis, strategic consulting or other comparable area with a strong emphasis on strategy and analytics Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience in education or education reform a plus but a passion for improving urban education systems is required Experience with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint required, and Microsoft Access and SQL preferred
Salary: Competitive
Contact: Interested in becoming an ERS Associate? Please submit your resume and cover letter to Julie Derderian: jderderian@educationresourcestrategies.org
Organization: Education Resource Strategies
Education Resource Strategies, Inc. is a non-profit organization that works with large urban public school systems to rethink the use of district and school-level resources, supporting strategies for improved instruction and performance. ERS is the only organization in the country with over 10 years of experience collaborating with the largest urban districts in the area of strategic resource allocation. We have worked with Los Angeles Unified, Chicago Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, Baltimore City School District and the School District of Philadelphia.
What makes ERS unique?
(1) Our analytical approach: The core of our practice is to provide in-depth strategic and analytic support to leaders of large urban school systems. We do this by combining extensive knowledge of school systems and educational theory and practice with intensive, quantitative financial and data analysis. To support this work, we have developed analytic techniques, methodologies for mapping resources, and metrics for gauging performance that provide our clients with a unique perspective on how they deploy resources to support their priorities. This unique perspective, combined with ERS developed web and excel based decision support tools, provides district and school leaders clear and actionable information to develop solutions to resource allocation issues.
(2) Our collaborative client engagements: ERS’s client engagements are partnerships. We view it as part of our explicit mission to build client capacity to understand and implement effective resource practices. Successful engagements result in clients internalizing our methodology and approach into the way they do business. To accomplish that goal, our approach is very different from the typical grab data, crunch numbers, deliver a report model. Our client engagements frequently last over extended periods with significant contact, including working sessions where we collaboratively grapple over analysis to develop solutions and customized training.
(3) Our contribution to the national conversation: One of ERS’s primary missions is to influence the national conversation on district and school resource issues. Our working partnerships with school systems form the bridge between practice and research. Our relationship with clients provides us with access to a wealth of information not otherwise publically available and an unrivalled knowledge of the resource issues facing districts. This experience and the extensive comparative database of resource information and metrics for all of the districts in which we have worked form the foundation of our research and support tool development.
Our headquarters are in Watertown, MA, along the beautiful Charles River and conveniently located to Harvard Square and the Mass Pike. We have a unique work environment; we are committed to high quality in our work and committed to achieving that quality through a flexible environment that values work/life balance. More information about ERS is available at our website: www.educationresourcestrategies.org
Job Description: Associate
ERS is a small but growing firm. Demand for ERS services among large urban districts is increasing, and we hope to double the number of districts we serve over the next several years. To do this, we must add a small number of highly qualified and committed Associates to the ERS team.
The ideal ERS Associate has strong and proven analytical skills, including proficiency in or the desire to master supporting tools such as excel and SQL, enjoys the interpretation of information and data and thinks strategically. ERS is a small organization with a strong professional learning community. As such, we place teamwork, initiative and a desire to learn and grow at a premium. While experience in the education sector is not required, a passion for improving the educational experience for all students is!
An ERS Associate typically works on a 2-4 project teams per year, but only two client engagements at one time. The typical engagement usually runs for most of the school year, and our client is most often the Superintendent and his or her direct staff. While all client engagements are unique, most engagements require intensive data collection, analysis, and mapping as well working with the client to understand the implications of the work and to develop leveraged strategies and solutions to address the highest impact implications. The Associate has primary responsibility for conducting much of the analytics as well as supporting the development of client presentations and reports. As a member of the project team the Associate will work closely with the Director and Principal Associate at ERS to draw meaning from the data analysis and collaboratively generate the final work products. ERS’s inclusive and collaborative approach to project teams ensures that Associates will have the unique opportunity to participate in meetings with Superintendents and other district leaders. All Associates are expected to participate in the ERS’ internal and external knowledge management through practice area development, writing articles for publication, and supporting the development of client decision-making tools.
Responsibilities include: Actively participating as a member of ERS project teams Executing and communicating well-defined analysis with moderate supervision Participating in drawing implications and conclusions from analyses Supporting development of client presentations and briefs Conducting research and literature reviews Participating in client meetings, interviews Some travel is required, usually averaging one to two overnight trips per month.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline (economics, engineering, mathematics, etc.) required, master’s degree (MBA, MPP, MPA or Education) preferred. Experience in quantitative analysis, strategic consulting or other comparable area with a strong emphasis on strategy and analytics Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience in education or education reform a plus but a passion for improving urban education systems is required Experience with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint required, and Microsoft Access and SQL preferred
Salary: Competitive
Contact: Interested in becoming an ERS Associate? Please submit your resume and cover letter to Julie Derderian: jderderian@educationresourcestrategies.org
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Education Development Center (EDC)
Job Ref: RAII070209
Job Title: Data Coordinator (RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II)
Job Type: Full-time
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Education: Bachelors Degree (Minimum)
Experience: 7 years
Primary Job Category: Community, Social Services and Non-profit
Secondary Job Category:
Salary Currency: Dollar
Salary Interval: Annually
Salary: 0-0
Description:
Education Development Center (EDC) is one of the world’s leading non-profit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC’s work spans the globe, joining research with practice to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges in education, health promotion, technology, human rights, and the environment. While the issues we confront are complex, all that we do is united by one simple conviction: Learning is the liberating force in human development.
EDC is Committed to Diversity in the Workplace
The Northeast and Islands Regional Education Laboratory (REL-NEI) has an opening for a Data Coordinator, who will report to the senior research methodologist.
REL-NEI (The Lab) is a five year federal contract funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Established in March of 2006, REL-NEI is in its fourth year of operation. The mission of the Lab is to serve the educational needs of a designated region using applied research, development, dissemination and training and technical assistance to bring the latest research and proven practices into school improvement efforts. The designated region is Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont and the Virgin Islands.
DESCRIPTION
The Data Coordinator will serve as the key point person for REL-NEI when negotiating data access issues for research purposes with the states and territories. This will require the ability to work directly with state agencies both to build and maintain an efficient process. The process broadly involves addressing technical issues with respect to state data warehouse systems and file maintenance, negotiating legal issues required for states and territories to release student-level data and develop memorandums of understanding, and maintaining contacts with key personnel.
The preferred candidate will have demonstrated skill handling large data sets or solid database management experience. Knowledge of statistical software applications such as SAS or SPSS is a plus. Within REL-NEI, the Data Coordinator will monitor the data needs of various research projects and as well as ensuring that data security and management procedures are being properly carried out across projects based upon both REL-NEI’s internal security guidelines and applicable data usage agreements with States and Territories.
This position is based in Newton, Massachusetts and reports to the REL-NEI Senior Research Associate.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- All staff are expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. All jobs require adherence to EDC policies & procedures.
COLLABORATION
§ Works directly with state agency contacts with respect to data access issues
§ Develops solid working relationships with partner organizations, subcontractors and other appropriate bodies with the goal of working seamlessly across agencies
§ Works with project directors to understand specific data needs
§ Communicates and negotiates diplomatically and tactfully with internal staff at various levels and external organizations at local, state and federal levels
RESPONSIBILITIES:
§ Provides technical assistance to REL-NEI projects with respect to data preparation and analysis
§ Answers requests for clarification from State agencies
§ Ensures that security procedures are followed by project leaders
§ Reviews research proposals with respect to data needs
§ Ensures that project data is adequately backed up
§ Troubleshoots complex problems, proposing initiatives and recommending or negotiating solutions
§ Coordinates administrative, logistical tasks and quality assurance
§ Facilitates project teamwork and feedback exchanges
§ Trains, supervises and guides junior staff
§ Documents and catalogues
§ Maintains records
QUALIFICATIONS - All jobs require educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; strong interpersonal & organizational skills.
This position requires:
§ Bachelor’s degree required
§ With Bachelor’s degree, 7–10 years related research, education, public health or administrative coordination, requiring solid experience with computer applications (including databases), psychometric or statistical measurement techniques, and Internet research
§ Master’s degree or PhD in a related field preferred
§ With Master’s degree, 5–8 years related experience (as above)
§ With PhD, 1–3 years related experience (as above)
§ Willingness to travel on a limited basis
§ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Application Form:
Resume Status: Resume Required
Equality Form: Voluntary Self-Identification
Internal Job Details
Contact: Craig Hoyle @ choyle@edc.org
Hiring Manager:
Division: Applied Research and Innovation
Business Unit: Northeast Regional Educational Lab
Job Title: Data Coordinator (RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II)
Job Type: Full-time
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Education: Bachelors Degree (Minimum)
Experience: 7 years
Primary Job Category: Community, Social Services and Non-profit
Secondary Job Category:
Salary Currency: Dollar
Salary Interval: Annually
Salary: 0-0
Description:
Education Development Center (EDC) is one of the world’s leading non-profit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC’s work spans the globe, joining research with practice to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges in education, health promotion, technology, human rights, and the environment. While the issues we confront are complex, all that we do is united by one simple conviction: Learning is the liberating force in human development.
EDC is Committed to Diversity in the Workplace
The Northeast and Islands Regional Education Laboratory (REL-NEI) has an opening for a Data Coordinator, who will report to the senior research methodologist.
REL-NEI (The Lab) is a five year federal contract funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Established in March of 2006, REL-NEI is in its fourth year of operation. The mission of the Lab is to serve the educational needs of a designated region using applied research, development, dissemination and training and technical assistance to bring the latest research and proven practices into school improvement efforts. The designated region is Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont and the Virgin Islands.
DESCRIPTION
The Data Coordinator will serve as the key point person for REL-NEI when negotiating data access issues for research purposes with the states and territories. This will require the ability to work directly with state agencies both to build and maintain an efficient process. The process broadly involves addressing technical issues with respect to state data warehouse systems and file maintenance, negotiating legal issues required for states and territories to release student-level data and develop memorandums of understanding, and maintaining contacts with key personnel.
The preferred candidate will have demonstrated skill handling large data sets or solid database management experience. Knowledge of statistical software applications such as SAS or SPSS is a plus. Within REL-NEI, the Data Coordinator will monitor the data needs of various research projects and as well as ensuring that data security and management procedures are being properly carried out across projects based upon both REL-NEI’s internal security guidelines and applicable data usage agreements with States and Territories.
This position is based in Newton, Massachusetts and reports to the REL-NEI Senior Research Associate.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- All staff are expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. All jobs require adherence to EDC policies & procedures.
COLLABORATION
§ Works directly with state agency contacts with respect to data access issues
§ Develops solid working relationships with partner organizations, subcontractors and other appropriate bodies with the goal of working seamlessly across agencies
§ Works with project directors to understand specific data needs
§ Communicates and negotiates diplomatically and tactfully with internal staff at various levels and external organizations at local, state and federal levels
RESPONSIBILITIES:
§ Provides technical assistance to REL-NEI projects with respect to data preparation and analysis
§ Answers requests for clarification from State agencies
§ Ensures that security procedures are followed by project leaders
§ Reviews research proposals with respect to data needs
§ Ensures that project data is adequately backed up
§ Troubleshoots complex problems, proposing initiatives and recommending or negotiating solutions
§ Coordinates administrative, logistical tasks and quality assurance
§ Facilitates project teamwork and feedback exchanges
§ Trains, supervises and guides junior staff
§ Documents and catalogues
§ Maintains records
QUALIFICATIONS - All jobs require educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; strong interpersonal & organizational skills.
This position requires:
§ Bachelor’s degree required
§ With Bachelor’s degree, 7–10 years related research, education, public health or administrative coordination, requiring solid experience with computer applications (including databases), psychometric or statistical measurement techniques, and Internet research
§ Master’s degree or PhD in a related field preferred
§ With Master’s degree, 5–8 years related experience (as above)
§ With PhD, 1–3 years related experience (as above)
§ Willingness to travel on a limited basis
§ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Application Form:
Resume Status: Resume Required
Equality Form: Voluntary Self-Identification
Internal Job Details
Contact: Craig Hoyle @ choyle@edc.org
Hiring Manager:
Division: Applied Research and Innovation
Business Unit: Northeast Regional Educational Lab
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