Literacy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.  

This is a grant-funded position with expected duration through December 2030. Candidates must be able to begin work promptly and manage deliverables within the project timeline.

Location: This is a hybrid, full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett, MA.  This position is currently expected to work in-person two days per week, increasing to three assigned days per week in-person beginning August, 2026. Travel will be required with this position.  

Please note that pursuant to Massachusetts general law, contracted employees are not paid for the twelve scheduled holidays, do not receive any paid, vacation, personal leave benefits, or contribute to the state retirement system or social security.  As a state contracted employee, you must participate in direct deposit and contribute towards the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state alternate retirement plan, ("OBRA Plan").  

The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) is seeking a contracted Literacy Research Analyst to lead new and existing early literacy research and evaluation, including a 5-year EIR grant called BOOST: Building Ongoing Outcomes in Student Tutoring. The role will manage multiple research and evaluation partners on projects with substantial data collection and nuanced analyses. A successful candidate will have knowledge of best practices for evaluating classroom-based interventions and skill translating findings to support informed recommendations about policy and implementation across the state.

Description of Duties / Essential Functions

1.    Lead internal work teams and manage external partnerships on current and future DESE initiatives related to early literacy, e.g. BOOST grant, Literacy Launch evaluation, tutoring evaluation, and early literacy screener data. Specific job responsibilities include the following:

    Project Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines.
    Partnership Management: Collaborate with project partners, including evaluators, tutoring provider(s), and selected schools to coordinate activities, share best practices, and ensure successful project implementation.
    Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders at the state and local levels, including educators, administrators, families, and community partners, to gather input, build buy-in, and ensure project success.
    Grant Management: Manage all aspects of the grant, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance with grant requirements.
    Evaluation and Assessment: Collaborate with researchers and evaluators to assess the effectiveness of the project in improving sustained student outcomes.
    Dissemination and Communication: Coordinate the dissemination of project outcomes, best practices, and research findings to a wide audience, including educators, policymakers, and the public.

2.    Identify and conduct strategic analyses of available data to proactively influence policy and implementation efforts on the range of current and future work underway in the Teaching and Learning Unit.

3.    Communicate data needs, decisions, and findings to a wide range of internal and external constituents in a way that prioritizes policy application and increases investment in DESE's initiatives and policy efforts.

4.    Contribute to other DESE programs and offerings through collaboration across units and teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

    Deep understanding and experience with the components of high-quality and policy-relevant research and/or program evaluation: 

o    Research design, including IRB and protections for study subjects
o    Data collection and sharing, including ensuring data privacy and security
o    Strong data literacy and experience with data analysis 

    Demonstrated ability to comprehend, analyze, and communicate complex information for policy relevancy.

    Strong written communication skills, including ability to tailor complex data, decisions, and findings in a straightforward, easy to understand manner for a variety of audiences. 

    Track record of consistently delivering on commitments. 

    Excellent project management skills. A successful candidate will be able to manage multiple, shifting priorities with a focus on delivering high-quality work.

    Knowledge of policy-relevant early literacy research.

    Experience working with state, philanthropic, or federal grants.

    Experience with large datasets containing PII.

People who are successful working on our team demonstrate a mindset aligned with the following:

    Commitment to equity in education, and a desire to work with researchers, policy makers, and educators to help all our children receive an excellent education.

    Unwavering belief in the ability of all children to learn at high levels.

    A demonstrated history of bringing anti-racist practices to your work.

    Collaborative approach to problem-solving. 

    Proactive, initiative taker who identifies and takes action to improve one's individual and the team's collective work.

Please include a cover letter with your resume.

Questions regarding this position, or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.