Principal and Senior Researchers

Research & PolicyFull TimePalo Alto or WashingtonRemote

Who We Are

The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) is a national organization that conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to inform education policies that support equitable and empowering learning for each and every child. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, LPI connects policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with the evidence, ideas, and actions needed to strengthen the pre-k to grade 12 education system and address the complex realities facing public schools and their communities. Working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and others who care about improving public schools, the Institute advances evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for all children.


The Positions

LPI seeks seasoned research leaders from the senior to principal levels across its major areas of focus, especially candidates with interest and expertise in:

  1. School finance and resource equity, including state school finance systems and other policy areas addressing student poverty, segregation, and inequitable access to resources.
  2. Educator quality, including teacher and leader preparation, professional learning, and factors influencing the education workforce, 
  3. School design for whole child education, including supports for personalization, deeper learning, social-emotional and cognitive development, and community schools.
  4. Assessment and accountability, including the design of systems that support deeper learning and enhance access to more equitable learning opportunities. 

The position is an excellent opportunity for established senior researcher leaders seeking to create policy impact though high-quality research. Researchers at LPI work on collaborative teams with research, policy, and communications staff to conduct and translate high-quality, independent research into timely and actionable ideas that can impact educational policy and practice. Senior research leaders will help develop and lead projects in LPI’s growing portfolio of work.  

Requirements

Senior research leaders are expected to demonstrate the ability to conceptualize and manage research studies that can inform policy, mentor and develop junior staff members, lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards and monitor progress, and communicate findings to policy-making audiences. Successful applicants will have demonstrated the following set of personal abilities, attributes, and experiences: 


  • Doctoral degree in an education specialization or in education policy, public policy, economics, psychology, or related fields
  • A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral experience conducting policy research studies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience conceptualizing and designing research studies as a Principal Investigator
  • Expertise in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods
  • A track record of publications demonstrating intellectual leadership
  • Experience communicating research findings to policy audiences
  • Knowledge of and experience working on state or federal education policy issues
  • An understanding and appreciation of the varied and complex educational policy landscape, and the ability to translate that understanding to policymaker and lay audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to obtain grant or contract funding
  • Experience mentoring junior staff
  • Excellent and persuasive written and oral communication skills
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams (preferred)
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer


Location 

No location requirement. Candidates will work remotely or in-person with staff in the Palo Alto, CA, and Washington, DC, offices. 


Dispositions

  • Passion for and commitment to LPI’s mission that all children receive empowering and equitable learning, especially historically underserved students
  • Self-starter mentality and the ability to both work independently and foster collaborative working relationships, and to work well in a team setting
  • A demonstrated commitment to excellence and equity
  • Ability to execute and exhibit good judgment
  • An optimistic outlook and a flexible, innovative nature


To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter. Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related task/performance assessment at that time. 


The Learning Policy Institute has a deep commitment to its staff’s health and well-being and strives to embody the organization’s values within the organizational structure. LPI offers competitive compensation and benefits; prioritizes and provides financial support for professional development; supports diversity, equity, and inclusion work; and values a collaborative culture. LPI is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations in order to work onsite in the office.

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