Senior Research Manager

About WestEdAs a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.WestEd supports individual initiative, excellence, and hard work of all individuals in our hiring and work practices. WestEd complies with all applicable federal and state anti-discrimination laws, as well as OFCCP requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, or status as a protected veteran.SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.Position OverviewThe Senior Research Manager Assessment Research & Innovation serves in a project leadership role within WestEd's Assessment Research & Innovation (AR&I) team, directing complex projects while building national recognition and contributing to team growth. This position focuses on applying deep expertise in psychometrics, measurement, developing client relationships, and supporting AR&I's service delivery excellence.ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership and ManagementDirect mid- to large-size and/or moderately complex projects, managing budget and ensuring quality delivery of work.Oversee study design, planning and preparation, research activities (including data analysis), dissemination and outreach, and quality assurance.Manage project timelines and resources effectively, with accountability for financial performance.Navigate ambiguity while maintaining technical rigor and client satisfaction.Anticipate complex problems and work with agency leaders to implement solutions.Research and ExpertiseApply deep expertise in educational measurement, psychometrics, and statistical methodologies to analyze complex problems and develop solutions.Oversee the development and implementation of research and assessment designs, ensuring technical excellence and relevance to client goals.Build visibility through publications and service on panels, workgroups, and advisory committees for state and regional organizations.Contribute to AR&I's growing thought leadership in the assessment field.Client Engagement and Partnership DevelopmentManage client relationships independently for projects under your direction, serving as primary point of contact.Identify opportunities for follow-on work and recurring business within existing client relationships.Represent AR&I at conferences and industry events, building professional recognition.Present research findings and recommendations to federal, state, and district leaders.Team Leadership and MentorshipSupervise Research Assistants and Research Associates as their People Manager, establishing clear expectations and supporting professional development.Foster team collaboration and individual success through structured feedback and quality review within project workflows.Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members.Influence colleagues within AR&I to advance project objectives.Business Development and ContributionsLead proposal development independently for mid-size projects.Contribute to proposal development for larger projects(>$1M annual revenue).Support senior leadership in building a sustainable body of work within established service offerings.Generate and close new business opportunities by identifying needs in the field, and cultivating funders and clients to support the work.Provide strategic recommendations to Content Area Director.Contribute to understanding of AR&I strategic goals and incorporate these into project planning.RequiredDoctorate or equivalent expertise in educational measurement, statistics, quantitative psychology, or related field.At least five years of progressive experience in educational research and assessment in applied settings, with demonstrated success managing increasingly complex projects.Demonstrated expertise in psychometrics, quantitative methods, and assessment practices.Strong project management skills, including experience managing budgets > $1M.Professional recognition as a measurement expert through conference presentations and publications at regional and national levels.Excellent communication skills with ability to present to and advise federal, state, and district leaders.Ability to influence beyond positional authority within project teams.Proficiency in SAS or R programming.PreferredResearch expertise in emerging assessment methodologies, such as artificial intelligence or computational psychometrics.Experience developing relationships with state education agencies and assessment vendors.Track record of identifying opportunities for recurring revenue within existing projects.Published work in academic texts or journals related to educational assessment.Experience supervising research staff.Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.Salary And BenefitsThe full salary range for this position, WestEd level 13, is $139,200 to $217,500, but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $139,200 to $174,000. The actual offer considers multiple factors, including but not limited to education, experience, internal equity, and other organizational needs.In Addition To The Base Salary, Benefits Include15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employmentPre-tax Flexible Spending AccountsAll health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire datePTO: 3 weeks' vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per yearLife Insurance: value of 3x gross salaryOpportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentivesProfessional development opportunities & mentorship programFor more details about our benefits, go to: WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #Circa-ALLSTATESEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals With DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR c)