If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of people with low incomes, being part of a multidisciplinary staff, turning research findings into better public policies, and having hands-on involvement in building better programs, then consider an opportunity with MDRC to be involved in the cutting edge of social research methodology.

MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization that works to find solutions to some of the most difficult problems facing the nation—from reducing poverty, promoting fairness and efficacy in public welfare and justice systems, and bolstering economic well-being to improving public education, college graduation, and pathways to meaningful employment. We design promising new interventions, evaluate existing programs using the highest research standards, and provide technical assistance to build better programs and deliver effective interventions at scale.

MDRC is currently seeking a Research Assistant to join our K-12 Education policy area, which conducts rigorous research on some of the most critical issues in public education. Our researchers are at the top of the field and work on multiple large-scale projects for a variety of funders, including the U.S. Department of Education, the New York City Department of Education, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among many other private and public organizations seeking to build evidence and knowledge about important educational issues. We conduct many of our evaluations in large school districts, such as New York City, Baltimore City, Los Angeles Unified, and Long Beach Unified. Our work focuses on improving the educational opportunities and experiences of low-income populations by addressing such issues as improving high school graduation, closing racial and economic achievement gaps, and using behavioral nudges to improve educational outcomes. The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to work on current social policy issues related to K12 education in a dynamic and challenging environment, under the guidance and supervision of leading program evaluation and public policy researchers.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting in general project and management support for multiple projects, including scheduling meetings, taking notes, managing project organization databases, communicating with team members about timelines and responsibilities, updating work plans, and drafting progress reports.
• Providing assistance to project teams in the planning and execution of research or technical assistance, which may include:
  • Preparing literature reviews.
  • Participating in qualitative research, such as coding, organizing and attending site visits (site visits are being held virtually until in-person travel is safe) to support data collection efforts through conducting interviews, note taking, documentation, or observation.
  • Supporting program operations working with technical assistance teams in coordination with partnering agencies, schools, and nonprofits, on activities that include documenting communications and scheduling, preparing for, and participating in site visits and trainings.
• Supporting the production and coordination of reports, proposals, and other deliverables, which may include coordinating across multiple authors; memo writing; literature searches; preparing figures, charts, and tables; and fact-checking and documentation.
• Performing other tasks and duties reasonably related to job responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Strong candidates will have:

• BA/BS in psychology, economics, public policy, sociology, or related social science field.
• Demonstrated interest in social policy issues.
• Basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management skills.
• Comfortable working in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to engaging individuals from vulnerable populations or organizations that serve individuals from those populations.
• Proficiency in written and oral Spanish is a plus.
• Previous experience working in a nonprofit or as a research assistant is a plus.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit under Social Policy Worker United (SPWU) – Local 57 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Timing: Applications should be submitted by Friday, January 27, 2023.

Please see “What to expect from MDRC’s recruitment process” for more information.

Location: The position will be based in MDRC’s New York City office.

Compensation and benefits: Salary range is $50K - $55K and will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance offered. Some on-the-job training will be provided.

Instructions: When submitting your application, please include:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that the health and safety of our employees and candidates is very important to us and that interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. As a Federally Contracted employer, MDRC is in full compliance with all applicable regulations including, but not limited to, recent changes that require vaccination of employees of federal contractors. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have sought and received an exemption from this policy due to a disability or other medical condition, or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodations are granted in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Applicants must submit proof of vaccination or request and submit an applicable request for accommodation during the offer stage.

MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. No qualified applicant, employee, intern, volunteer, or apprenticeship trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of his, her, or their race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin (including physical, cultural or linguistic characteristics), marriage to or association with persons of a national origin group, tribal affiliation, membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group, name that is associated with a national origin group, accent, language use, immigration status, citizenship, possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their lawful presence in the United States, and other definitions under California or other states’ laws, ancestry, creed, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), age, citizenship, veteran and/or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, gender transitioning or perceived gender transitioning, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, protected medical leaves (requesting or being approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act) or similar state family medical leave laws, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. Legal work authorization is required. To request a reasonable accommodation during any stage of MDRC&’s employment process due to a disability, please contact HRQuestions@mdrc.org.

MDRC’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exceed compliance requirements. We believe that recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce of all backgrounds and perspectives improves the quality and relevance of our research, as well as the daily experiences of our staff. By fostering an equitable culture of inclusivity and belonging, we seek an environment in which staff feel welcomed, valued, and engaged in their work.