Education Northwest

Who We Are

Education Northwest is a nonprofit applied research, evaluation, and technical assistance organization based in Portland, Oregon. We are organized around broad disciplines and capabilities to support continuous improvement of complex educational systems. We customize our services to meet the needs of our clients and learners and we take great pride in working closely with these partners to design the right approach for their context, goals, and strategies.

What You Will Be Doing

Education Northwest is seeking an experienced staff member to support applied research and data-focused technical assistance (TA) in the area of postsecondary success. This role will lead and support work that strengthens equitable high school-to-postsecondary transitions by helping partners use data to improve policy and practice.

The Senior Consultant / Senior Researcher will support the following work: leading data-focused technical assistance efforts; conducting applied research using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods; building and sustaining relationships with partners and clients; producing tools and resources to support evidence-based decision making; and contributing to Education Northwest’s visibility and impact through external engagement and knowledge sharing.

Education Northwest is deeply committed to its mission to help partners and communities use evidence to solve important educational challenges from cradle to career.

Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Data technical assistance & applied research

• Lead the design and delivery of Data Technical Assistance for partners, including data use coaching, analytic support, and interpretation of findings for practice and policy audiences
• Conduct applied quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods analyses using administrative, survey, and secondary data
• Design, administer, and analyze surveys using Alchemer software
• Support partners in navigating postsecondary data systems, including financial aid data, enrollment and persistence data, and high school to postsecondary transition indicators
• Develop partner-facing tools, briefs, and data products that support partner decision-making and translate evidence into action

Project leadership & partner engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for a subset of partners, supporting relationship management, work planning, and deliverables
• Lead discrete projects or project components, including scoping, task coordination, data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Collaborate with internal team members to ensure high-quality, timely deliverables and alignment with equity commitments
• Lead proposal development and project scoping efforts, including budgeting and partner development
• Support grant reporting and documentation tied to postsecondary success funding streams
• Represent Education Northwest externally through presentations, convenings, and thought leadership activities

Internal learning & organizational contribution

• Contribute to internal learning agendas related to data use, postsecondary transitions, and technical assistance
• Participate in internal teams (e.g., mixed methods, equity action, Area of Work teams) and share lessons learned across projects
• Support proposal and project development through analytic contributions, writing, and partner engagement as appropriate
• Support cross-project coordination and alignment across Washington-based initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Should Have

• 5–7 years of relevant experience in applied research, evaluation, education, public policy, sociology, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods research and evaluation methodology, design, and analysis, including quantitative analysis and secondary data use
• Experience using Stata or R for data analysis and management
• Demonstrated experience working in postsecondary education, ideally in financial aid, dual enrollment, transfer, or articulation
• Fluency with postsecondary data systems and common challenges in cross-sector data use
• Experience working with state agencies (e.g., higher education, K12, human services), postsecondary institutions, school districts, and/or community-based organizations
• Strong commitment to racial equity and culturally responsive/sustaining approaches
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively in a professional services environment

What You Will Get

• Salary range $84,240 - $126,360, depending on experience and qualifications
• 403(b) with a 13 percent employer contribution once vested
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee with reasonable options for dependent coverage
• 20 days of PTO to start with up to 32 days after three years
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Commuter/transportation benefits

Other Things to Know

Education Northwest’s office is based in Portland, Oregon. Many Education Northwest staff work remotely, and this position is a remote role that must be based in Washington state. 

In-state and out-of-state travel is expected for this role (typically 15% of time).

Education Northwest is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Interested in being a part of this amazing team of dedicated individuals? Please submit your resume and cover letter with salary requirements here.