LEAP Innovations seeks a Research Manager with strong technical and management skills to support the rapid expansion of LEAP’s personalized learning programs in Chicago and across the nation. The Research Manager will supervise a team of analysts helping to create and publish timely, relevant studies and reports on the success of school teams and the personalized learning models and solutions they pilot. This position requires an individual who is able to work as part of a small research team running multiple projects concurrently. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record developing processes for receiving and storing data, building and testing statistical models, and creating a reporting system that is clear and actionable, as well as experience measuring and observing teaching and learning in the classroom. The Research Manager reports to the Director of Research.
Background:
LEAP InnovationsTM bridges the gap between education and innovation for teachers and students in pre-K through college. We bring technology into classrooms and help educators integrate it effectively into a personalized learning environment that tailors instruction to each student’s skills, interests and goals. Headquartered at 1871, Chicago’s incubator for digital startups, LEAP also works with companies to address unmet needs in education. LEAP currently runs three initiatives:
The Collaboratory
Our destination for educators, schools and tech companies to connect
Programs and events on how to personalize learning
The Pilot Network
Looks globally for the best solutions to address key learning gaps
Pilots and evaluates them in classrooms based on the schools’ needs
Shares best practices locally and nationally
Breakthrough Schools Chicago
Helps establish 21st century school models through grants and coaching
$4M program funded by local and national foundations
Launched in spring 2014, LEAP is already reaching more than 13,000 students in 100 Chicago classrooms in traditional, charter and Catholic schools. LEAP has also supported total school transformation with our Breakthrough Schools Chicago initiative, committing significant grants and coaching to 22 local public schools.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead the design of the LEAP Innovations research, evaluation and measurement protocols;
Manage a small team of research analysts;
Manage the data exchange process between LEAP, LEAP schools and Ed Tech providers;
Analyze, consolidate and present the research results facilitating continuous improvement of LEAP programs and impact analysis of programs;
Provide consulting and support to LEAP partner organizations as they pilot programs;
Contribute as a member of the LEAP team in helping to successfully build LEAP’s national program.
Education and Experience:
The ideal candidate should enjoy working in a dynamic, results-oriented environment in which expectations are high for both the quality and speed of work. In addition, they should have the following:
5+ years of research experience including an understanding of the methods used to collect, analyze, and report quantitative and qualitative data for research, evaluation, and developing measures;
Research design capability ideally in an education setting;
Experience combining data from multi-method studies to derive conclusions;
Proficiency using R for analytics and reporting;
Communication skills including conceptualizing, analyzing, publishing, and presenting;
Knowledge of K-12 learning outcomes, including assessments, surveys, administrative data, teaching practices;
Project management skills and a track record of meeting timelines and project benchmarks;
Proven ability to motivate and manage a team;
Teaching experience and/or familiarity with personalized learning models is a plus;
Master’s degree required
Passion for the LEAP mission and a commitment to providing an excellent education for all students.
How to apply
Phone inquiries are not accepted. To apply, please email your cover letter and resume (including salary requirements) to careers@leapinnovations.org. Please include the position name in the subject line of your email.