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
