Research Manager - FULLY REMOTE
Full Time • Fully Remote - US
101 Marietta St, NW, Ste. 1650 ∙ Atlanta, Georgia 30303 ∙ www.southerneducation.org
Research Manager
Innovate, Excel, Succeed with Our Team! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia seeks an outstanding candidate to fill our Research Manager position to support The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC).
For 158 years, SEF has made major contributions to improving education, from early childhood education through post-secondary completion. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education in the South and across our nation, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for students of color and students in low-income families. SEF pursues its mission through research, policy analysis, advocacy, leadership development, and direct services to schools.
This position reports to the Director of Insights and Analytics, Outcomes Based Contracting. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.
The Opportunity:
The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC) is designed to foster partnerships between school districts and service providers, with the goal of improving student outcomes. The Research Manager will lead research partnerships and evidence building initiatives. This role will serve as the primary liaison for research partnerships, manage multiple research projects, and translate findings into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
Candidates interested in this position should have working knowledge of and passionate commitment to improving educational opportunities, particularly for K-12 students experiencing poverty. The ideal candidate is committed to the belief that education is the vehicle by which all students obtain fair chances to develop their talents and contribute to the common good.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research Partnerships & Evidence Building
● Lead coordination with research partners studying OBC implementation and impact.
● Manage multiple research projects examining OBC's effects on students, districts, and providers.
● Track research progress, key decisions, and deliverable quality across projects.
● Provide strategic feedback on research approaches and methodologies.
● Stay current on related research in procurement, contracting, and district-provider relationships.
Research Implementation & Stakeholder Engagement
● Lead development and management of data sharing infrastructure.
● Coordinate agreements with districts, providers, researchers, and other strategic partners.
● Support research partners in accessing and utilizing quantitative and qualitative data.
● Ensure compliance with data privacy requirements and ethical research practices.
● Design practical, valid, and reliable data collection tools.
● Establish protocols for consistent, high-quality data collection.
● Support districts and providers in understanding research value and data sharing.
Research Translation & Communications
● Transform and synthesize research for diverse audiences.
● Bridge academic research with practical K-12 education applications.
● Develop clear communications of research insights for different stakeholder groups.
● Provide grant reporting and funder communications.
● Support development and execution of research dissemination strategy.
● Prepare materials for conference presentations and publications.
● Collaborate with communications team on research-related content.
Strategic Learning & Field Engagement
● Guide strategic application of research insights.
● Serve as thought partner in interpreting research to inform key decisions.
● Support integration of findings into programmatic recommendations.
● Contribute to identifying critical learning questions.
● Help position OBC research within broader education field.
● Build and maintain relationships with academic and research communities.
Knowledge Management & Team Communication
● Create and maintain systems for organizing research activities and evidence.
● Keep the OBC team informed of research progress and emerging findings.
● Facilitate knowledge sharing between research partners and internal teams.
● Document best practices and lessons learned from research projects.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
● Master's degree in Education, Public Policy, Research Methods, or a related field.
● 5+ years of experience managing research projects in education or nonprofit settings.
● Demonstrated experience coordinating external research partnerships.
● Strong background in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
● Experience translating complex research for diverse audiences.
● Outstanding project management skills.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Proficiency with Google Workspace.
● Experience with data management systems.
● Approaches partnerships with curiosity and openness to learning.
● Values and seek input from diverse stakeholders.
● Shares credit and takes responsibility.
● Prioritize team success over individual recognition.
● Proactively identify opportunities to strengthen evidence base.
● Takes initiative in managing complex projects.
● Consistently seeks to improve processes and outcomes.
● Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and drive for learning.
● Exercises strong judgment in managing stakeholder relationships.
● Navigates complex organizational dynamics with emotional intelligence.
● Adapts communication style for different audiences.
● Thinks strategically about research implications.
● Demonstrate professional oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills.
● Occasional travel is required.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
● Experience working with K-12 school districts.
● Background in procurement, contracting, or performance management in education.
● Experience managing research communications strategy.
● Knowledge of education finance and district operations.
● Familiarity of data visualization tools and techniques.
This is a full-time remote position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this role is $100,000 - $115,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package. This is a philanthropic grant-funded position with funding in place.
The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta based organization with a national presence. For candidates based in Atlanta, employees are currently working a hybrid schedule including working remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business. For candidates based outside of Atlanta, this is a remote-only position with potential of travel to Atlanta and with approved company expenses paid for.
Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) a current resume; 3) the names and contact information of three references to (hr@southerneducation.org) ensuring Research Manager, OBC is included in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2025.
The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
This is a remote position.
Compensation: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Southern Education Foundation
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by partners and donors committed to advancing equitable education policies and practices that elevate learning for low-income students and students of color in the southern states. We develop and disseminate research-based solutions for policymakers and grow the capacity of education leaders and influencers to create systemic change.
We believe education equity is essential to achieve quality and fairness in the public education system.
Equity exists when race and income are no longer the most reliable predictors of student success and systems work to ensure that each child receives what they need when they need it, to develop to their full academic and social potential. We envision a world where every student, regardless of background, enjoys an education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.
Our Mission
Since 1867, the mission of Southern Education Foundation has been to advance equitable education practices and policies in the South through research, advocacy, and leadership development that will result in every student regardless of background attaining a high-quality education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.
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