"Associate Researcher/Full Researcher - Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS)"

The Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) at UCLA's School of Education and Information Studies (Ed&IS) is dedicated to partnering with the education ecosystem to bring about systems change through Humanizing Research, Validating Practices, and Transformative Policies with key stakeholders to support equitable educational outcomes for all students. Our vision is to be a catalyst for learning communities to boldly nurture and protect the dignity, wellbeing, and full potential of all students.

The Executive Director will be responsible for leading research programs, projects, and new initiatives in CTS. The Executive Director will be the leader in research administration for CTS in securing independent funding and carrying out the research initiatives of the center. The Executive Director will provide research project management and participate in the design and implementation of educational research, evaluation, and assessment studies. The Executive Director will develop grant proposals in collaboration with Project Directors and Senior Director of Operations & Administration, develop research instruments, manage and delegate implementation of data collection efforts, supervise and manage data being entered into computerized database, analyze qualitative and quantitative data to generate findings, arrange and conduct site visits, prepare and deliver project presentations, support in preparing effort reports and other key documents for granting agencies, and assist with distribution and dissemination of research findings to key stakeholders as well as state and local government officials. The Executive Director will report to the Co-Faculty Director of CTS.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct the research efforts for Center for the Transformation of Schools with the Center's Co-Faculty Directors.
• In collaboration with Project Directors and Senior Director of Operations & Administration support research administrative activities in CTS including but not limited to: developing research proposals to secure funding, managing and facilitating research tied to projects in CTS, track and manage effort reporting for funding in CTS to adhere to University and granting agency policies and procedures.
• Lead role in revenue generation and securing extramural funding for CTS.
• Lead efforts to collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings to broader audiences of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers and other engaged stakeholders.
• Build research-practice partnerships with universities across the United States and abroad, along with collaborating schools and/or districts (e.g., educators and administrators) to ensure proposed research projects are both meaningful and relevant to the interest/needs of CTS.
• Cultivate and oversee key philanthropic relationships to advance the Center's growing research agenda.
• Develop and lead the composition of research focused grant proposals.
• Build partnerships and develop alliances with external organizations that have conducted research and have established measures of various aspects of social-emotional learning.
• Build partnerships and develop alliances with external organizations that can complement emerging knowledge.
• Conduct intensive research (e.g., observations, interviews, surveys, documentation of educators' perspectives, and documentation of student learning).
• Lead IRB processes.
• Write peer-reviewed journal articles, blogs, book chapters, etc.
• Present at conferences locally, nationally and internally.
• In collaboration with Senior Director of Operations & Administration, support the development of project budgets.
• Create and uphold a strong research agenda as evidenced by publications and external and internal grant support.
• Manage research team in collaboration with Senior Director of Operations & Administration including Senior Project Scientists, team of Graduate Student Researchers, and other research administrative team members.

Qualifications:

The appointee should have the terminal or top degree in the appointee's field, e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., or the highest degree that is commonly expected in the fields of Education, Social Work, or related field. Strong background in research related to issues of racial equity in schools, linkages between poverty, social inequality and education, education policy and the academic, social and emotional factors that impact student learning. Exhibit a deep understanding of how in-school and out-of-school factors influence student achievement, the role of school systems to prioritize the success of its most vulnerable student populations and scholarship that examines the disproportionate impact of zero tolerance policies and practices on low-income students of color. Must have a program of research that utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to explore how education policies can mitigate or address structural racism and social inequities.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates with 5+ years of experience working with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and student populations.
• Candidates with 5+ years of experience with demonstrated leadership experience in education and research.
• Candidates with 5+ years of experience in securing extramural funding.

Salary: See Table 13-B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $116,200 - $169,700.

Application Requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most updated CV.
• Cover Letter.
• Statement of Research (Optional).

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10611.