Research Project Manager

Position Summary :

KnowledgeWorks (KW) has developed a five-year strategic plan to transform the national K-12 learning system into one that equitably helps all learners discover their passions and prepare to thrive in the future.

We will achieve this by supporting three to five proof point geographies promoting personalized, competency-based learning and showcasing its implementation and impact.

The Impact and Improvement (IM2) team contributes to KW's national transformation goals by providing impact evaluation support, continuous improvement and data meaning-making that informs the field on personalized, competency-based learning.

We take a democratizing research approach that focuses on the co-development and meaningful use of high-quality data using principles of data equity while recognizing the expertise of our team and partners.

We work toward this vision both externally with our partners and internally within the organization.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Impact and Improvement, the Research Project Manager provides project management, data lifecycle management, applied research and team / organizational support.

This position exercises discretion and independent judgement with respect to matters of significance.

As part of the larger KW team, this position will actively participate in our ongoing diversity, equity, inclusion and justice work.

We are reflecting and improving our internal culture and growing our competencies to effectively engage in antiracist education systems change with our partners.

Engaging in this work is an essential part of each team member's personal professional development, external capability building and contribution to the culture and work of KW.

Core Responsibilities :

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Lead the planning and execution of research projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinate, schedule, and facilitate project meetings. Take notes and track next steps.
• Collaborate with project team members to ensure that contributors achieve agreed outcomes.
• Update project schedules and milestones using the KW project management tool, TaskRay.
• Provide regular updates on assigned projects to key stakeholders.
• Manage research contracts, budgets, and invoices.
• Develop, iterate, and implement standard operating procedures.

DATA LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT

• Support ongoing data collection of program resources and activities to measure outputs, outcomes, and impact, based on evolving strategies and goals.
• Organize and maintain KW data sources, establishing robust data management practices that enhance organizational efficiency.

Lead database processing and cleaning.

• Oversee regular data reporting to support internal and external work. Prepare annual and quarterly internal reports.
• Develop and maintain data visualization dashboards for staff, board, and partners.
• Help coordinate the data infrastructure project, which involves developing an org-wide data system to track program delivery and measuring impact.

Assist in training staff on how to use the data system. Regularly maintain the data system.

Support the planning, preparation and execution of continuous improvement and change management practices across organizational and partner initiatives.

APPLIED RESEARCH

• Support the synthesis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data to derive actionable insights : conduct literature reviews, draft research reports and collaborate with internal staff and external research consultants.
• Contribute to grant proposals, IRB applications and conference presentations.
• Support internal and external partners in data meaning-making.
• Stay updated on the latest research, trends, and news in K-12 education innovation.

TEAM & ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

• Contribute to IM2 team priorities and processes.
• Contribute to other KW teams in ongoing research and strategy development.
• Manage time-sensitive special projects as needed.
• Serve on ad-hoc and standing committees as assigned. Participate in IM2 team meetings, cross-team meetings, and all-staff meetings.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 3+ years of work experience
• Any project management certification, including, but not limited to :
• CAPM
• PMI-ACP
• PgMP
• Experience using project management software.
• Experience with statistical analysis, qualitative data analysis or visualization software.
• Experience using a CRM, office productivity suite, or chat / video conference platform .
• Experience working in project management and / or applied research.
• Extensive knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analyses.
• Understanding of continuous improvement practices.
• Effective communication skills : writing, editing, and presenting. Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate information, so that it is useful to people with various learning styles, backgrounds, and life experiences.
• Flexibility to thrive working both independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects and setting priorities accordingly.
• Ability to learn and navigate other tech tools to enhance research, organizational effectiveness, professional development, collaboration, and support.

Within Your First Month, You Will :

• Participate in new staff onboarding and orientation to learn about KnowledgeWorks' strategy and operations.
• Begin to understand the organization and full portfolio of projects.
• Receive hands-on training for Salesforce and TaskRay to learn about the features of these tools.
• Connect with the operations team and other cross-team representatives to learn about processes and procedures.

Within Your First Year, You Will :

• Be adept in using Salesforce and TaskRay
• Communicate progress and recommendations
• Serve as project manager on research projects

What KnowledgeWorks Can Offer You :

• Flexible Schedule
• Cell Phone Stipend
• 401K Match Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Matching Gifts Program

If you don't meet every single requirement listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. Studies have shown that candidates with diverse and backgrounds and experiences are less likely to apply to postings where they don't meet every qualification exactly as written.

KnowledgeWorks is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that fuels our innovation.

KnowledgeWorks prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

Moreover, KnowledgeWorks takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.