Research Associate - Digital Learning

NC State University CED Training and Development; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

Tuition and Academic Assistance

12 Holidays Each Year

Wellness Programs

Job summary

The Friday Institute at NC State University seeks a Research Associate to help build and scale a growing portfolio of work focused on capacity building in digital learning, including computer science and AI education, and strategic initiatives that support national, state, and local education leaders.

This role is pivotal in translating research and partner input into coherent programs, implementation supports, and field-facing deliverables.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education or Technology, or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, plus 5 or more years of experience as a K-12 educator, technology leader, or researcher.
• Project management, organizational, and coordination skills to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders.
• Strong communication to convey complex ideas clearly to academics, practitioners, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Build and scale a growing portfolio of digital learning initiatives, including CS and AI education.
• Translate research and partner input into coherent programs, resources, and field-facing deliverables.
• Manage projects and partnerships, prioritize work, and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Support proposals, funder communications, and report outcomes and impact.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s degree in Education or Technology

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

Posting Details Posting Information Posting Number PG194820EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Research Associate - Digital Learning Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience ($72,000 - $76,000) Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Raleigh-based position with an on-site presence approximately four days per week with flexibility based on program needs, meetings, and events. Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Friday Institute

About the Department

The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is a large, multi-faceted Institute housed in a 33,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility on NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh. Our work encompasses educational research, professional development, policy and program evaluation, and direct services to schools, districts, state departments of education and public- and private sector organizations. We are deeply involved in work in throughout North Carolina, leading some of the major statewide K-12 education initiatives and working closely with the Department of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, and the majority of school districts in the State on the transition to digital teaching and learning. Since opening in 2005, the Friday Institute has developed a strong national presence, working with organizations throughout the country, and is increasingly developing international connections. More information is available at http://www.fi.ncsu.edu.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties

The Friday Institute at NC State University seeks a Research Associate to help build and scale a growing portfolio of work focused on capacity building in digital learning, including computer science and AI education, and strategic initiatives that support national, state, and local education leaders. This role is pivotal in translating research and partner input into coherent programs, implementation supports, and field-facing deliverables. The successful candidate will be a strong project and portfolio manager; bring experience working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice; excel at building relationships across varied partners; and demonstrate strengths in synthesis, strategic communication, and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will help turn emerging ideas, research, and partner needs into strategies and resources that can be implemented and scaled. You will bring structure to complex initiatives, helping teams prioritize work, make informed decisions, and move projects from planning through execution. Your ability to build trusted relationships, synthesize varied perspectives, and communicate clearly will help the Friday Institute strengthen partnerships, improve its work, and extend the reach and impact of digital learning initiatives across the field.

Key Impact Areas Include And Are Not Limited To

• Shape and advance strategic initiatives by synthesizing research, partner perspectives, and emerging trends into priorities, recommendations, workplans, and opportunities for alignment across projects.
• Strengthen implementation and continuous improvement by tracking meaningful indicators, gathering feedback, documenting lessons learned, and translating evidence into practical improvements.
• Build alignment and engagement by coordinating project teams and partners, facilitating meetings and learning opportunities, and developing clear, publication-ready materials that support implementation and shared decision-making.
• Support growth and sustainability by contributing to proposals, funder communications, project reporting, and opportunity development while helping communicate outcomes, impact, and future priorities.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties such as:

• Support day-to-day operations
• Coordinate project meetings, organization structures, and communications
• Prepare, maintain, and update project materials for online and print dissemination
• Up to 20% for in-state and/or out-of-state travel

This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Master’s degree in Education or Technology, or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, plus 5 or more years of experience as a K-12 educator, technology leader, or researcher.

Other Required Qualifications

• Project management, organizational, and coordination skills sufficient to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders while maintaining attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong communication skills sufficient to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to academic, practitioner, and partner audiences through written materials, presentations, and other communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of digital learning and emerging technologies, including computer science and AI education, and their application to teaching, learning, implementation, or program improvement.
• Experience developing instructional or implementation materials for in-person and online audiences.
• Facilitation and presentation skills sufficient to effectively engage varied audiences in trainings, meetings, and collaborative learning experiences.
• Experience working across research, policy, and practice to support education initiatives, implementation, or capacity building.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No

Position Details

Position Number 00112268 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 139001 - Friday Institute

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 08/27/2026 Anticipated Close Date 9/9/2026, if posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications Special Instructions to Applicants

Resume, Cover letter, and Contact Information for 3 Professional references.

Application Materials Required

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents