Director of Work-Based Learning Research

Strada Education Foundation, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO & holidays

401(k) contributions

Parental leave

Wellness reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

Strada Education Foundation, Inc. in Washington, DC or Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Director, Research to lead the work-based learning research portfolio.

You will design studies that estimate the economic and institutional value of programs, policies, and practices, and translate findings for policymakers, institutions, and employers. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to produce actionable research under tight timelines, ensuring methodological rigor and

Qualifications

• PhD completed or imminent in education, economics, public policy, political science, sociology, demography, or related field.
• Advanced quantitative methods including causal inference, and experience in economic evaluation (cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, ROI).
• Experience using administrative and linked education-workforce data to estimate economic returns to education or training programs.
• Expertise in Stata.
• Experience designing surveys and writing survey questions, and producing descriptive reports using survey data.
• Strong knowledge of research and innovations in policy and practice in postsecondary education and training, focusing on work-based learning.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and communicate complex research findings, and experience developing effective strategies for research communications and thought leadership.
• Strong writing and editing skills for public audiences.
• Experience managing projects with internal and external partners, and strong collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of partnership development and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Ability to connect projects to organizational priorities and provide actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships at all levels with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of quantitative studies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Translate economic findings into practical implications for decision-making and resource allocation.
• Author briefs, reports, and presentations for policymakers, institutional leaders, and practitioners.
• Represent Strada at external events, including panels and conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues on research agendas, budgets, and project plans.
• Identify opportunities aligned with Strada’s priorities and engage stakeholders to implement findings.

Skills

Quantitative research

Causal inference

Survey design

Stata

Economic evaluation

Policy communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Strong writing

Education

PhD in education/economics/public policy/political science/sociology/demography

Tools

Stata

Job description

Strada Education Foundation, Inc. in Washington, DC or Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Director, Research to lead the work-based learning research portfolio.

You will design studies that estimate the economic and institutional value of programs, policies, and practices, and translate findings for policymakers, institutions, and employers. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to produce actionable research under tight timelines, ensuring methodological rigor and