Senior Research Analyst

25-Sep-2024

Senior Research Analyst

Harvard Graduate School of Education

66972BR

Job Summary

The Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (LTA) team at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) supports the School’s function as a learning organization by leveraging data to inform strategic decisions, management, and continuous improvement of its offerings and activities. The team conducts institutional data analysis and reporting, assessment of student learning and experiences, and special research projects aligned with School priorities. The LTA team works closely with the dean’s office, faculty, and other administrative units at HGSE and Harvard University to support evidence-based decision making across the School.

The Sr. Research Analyst will lead and contribute to research and assessment projects that address strategic questions, enhance offerings and operations, and fulfill reporting responsibilities at HGSE. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Analytics, and under the general direction of the Associate Dean for Learning, Teaching, and Assessment, this position will work closely with LTA team members, as well as with partners in other offices at HGSE and Harvard University, on projects that encompass all phases of inquiry—from question formulation and research design to data collection and analysis, as well as communication of results and implications. 

Projects will range in scope and type, and may include accreditation reporting, program review, graduate outcomes, curricular gaps and strengths, institutional surveys, faculty trends, and market analyses.

The role requires a nimble and driven researcher who is able to move fluidly between tasks and skills of various types and at various levels—both big-picture questions and technical data work, partnership with stakeholders and independent analysis/reporting, and creative exploration of new approaches as well as faithful execution of established, routine activities. 

The ideal candidate should be skilled at leading projects from concept to completion, including project management, building trusting relationships with leaders and stakeholders, and supervising contributors’/collaborators’ work. The candidate should have experience with all steps in the data lifecycle, including acquisition, security, cleaning, processing, analysis, visualization, and presentation. The candidate should exhibit keen attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity in working with data. Knowledge of basic statistical methods and software is essential, as is comfort working with quantitative and qualitative data. Advanced skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis are preferred.

Position Description

• Under the general direction of the Associate Dean or the Director of Strategic Analytics, lead the design and execution of strategic analytics and assessment projects from conception to completion, including choosing appropriate methods, identifying or developing instruments, and collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data. 
• Develop project timelines, delegation plans, and internal documentation to ensure that projects will be completed to meet School and stakeholder needs.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with School leadership, faculty, and staff to foster collaboration.
• Develop, disseminate, and/or present products including visualizations, written reports, slide decks, dashboards, and other communications to stakeholders.
• Adhere to and help advise LTA colleagues on best practices in study design, instrument development, ethical considerations, and data security practices.
• Stay current on peer reviewed literature related to institutional research, program evaluation, and assessment in higher education, and share novel approaches, best practices, and critical perspectives with the LTA team.
• Oversee student workers or other occasional contributors to LTA projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a two year term position with possiblity of renewal based on funding and need

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• BA/BS required with minimum 5 years of related experience. Advanced degree may count towards experience.
• Experience in independently leading, designing, and executing research projects, preferably in the field of education.
• Experience analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Knowledge of at least one programming language or statistical software package (preferably R).
• Experience with reporting, generating visualizations, and/or communications/presentations.

Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Selected Finalists may be asked to submit samples of their work and complete an analytic exercise.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate and work with all levels of a large, complex organization, including an ability to effectively present information to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to use data for strategic planning purposes.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once, often under pressure and with tight deadlines. 
• Experience with focus groups, interviewing, text analysis, and/or other qualitative methods. 
• Experience working with academic units and business departments within higher education.
• Experience with a programming language for data analysis such as R or Python.
• Experience with SQL; working knowledge of relational databases.
• Familiarity with business intelligence tools such as Tableau and PowerBI.
• Experience with quantitative analysis and modeling techniques such as statistical tests, regression, and classification; advanced visualization and data storytelling skills.
• Ability to use utmost discretion while working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to manage diverse and changing priorities and work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
 

Additional Information

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions.  We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

RS0057 Researcher III Humanities

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

057

Department

Teaching and Learning

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.