Researcher

RESUME AND COVER LETTER REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION

Position Summary

The Researcher will serve as a principal investigator for EDUCAUSE research initiatives, primarily focusing on quantitative analysis, benchmarking, and survey-based projects. Responsibilities will encompass a range of initiatives, including EDUCAUSE's Core Data Service, data benchmarking services, institutional self-assessment tools, QuickPoll reports, and research studies involving students and faculty. The role may also involve conducting workforce studies and other original research projects that utilize quantitative data and methodologies.

The Researcher plays a crucial role in supporting EDUCAUSE research initiatives, equipping members with vital insights to enhance the planning, management, and delivery of IT services. By employing diverse quantitative methods, the Researcher designs and conducts inquiries that address member needs, effectively analyzing results and communicating findings through published reports, digital media, and conference presentations. As the principal investigator, the Researcher is responsible for overseeing all project components and collaborating with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with external dependencies such as Marketing, Publications, and Portfolio Management. This work ultimately enhances the understanding and appreciation of IT and technology's value in higher education.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads and directs all aspects of assigned research projects, including design, data collection, analysis, reporting, visuals and publication (in collaboration with key stakeholders as appropriate) by helping establish research scope and priorities for highly complex research projects. Identifying and directing the contributions of subject matter experts and consultants; supporting the development and management of all project plans, resources and budgets; and creating the contents, structure, and format of research reports and associated research products.
• Contributes quantitative data and survey expertise to EDUCAUSE's benchmarking and custom reporting services, including survey and self-assessment instrument development, complex data analyses and reporting, and written summaries for publication for a professional audience.
• In addition to general expertise in higher education IT and technology, the Researcher serves as a primary expert in specific content areas, analyzing and articulating trends and practices in higher education and society. This role involves identifying emerging issues relevant to the EDUCAUSE membership. The Researcher establishes excellent credibility as a quantitative analyst within the higher education community through a blend of experience, relevant research or consulting, and advanced academic training.
• Applies quantitative methodologies to specific products and use cases, assessing the value and contributions of technology and data to higher education in general as well as to specific institutions, or making the case for technology and data investments, decisions (such as "moving to the cloud"), or involvement in institutional strategy (such as "CIOs having a seat at the table").
• With guidance from the Senior Director of Research and Insights, helps coordinate members of research project teams, including EDUCAUSE staff from multiple units, grant or corporate partners, and other stakeholders associated with project activities, including data collection, analysis, report writing, publication, and marketing.
• At the discretion of senior staff, participates in, initiates and leads EDUCAUSE research outreach activities (leads webinars, participates in member updates, attends and presents at national conferences attended by higher education leaders, etc.).
• As a quantitative research and survey expert, occasionally advises on and provides assistance with survey design, programming, analysis, and statistics needs in other areas across the association.
• Contributes to the ongoing maturation and development of EDUCAUSE research standards and products.

Association Service and Support

• Represent EDUCAUSE in a professional manner, always engage with co-workers, volunteers, and members in a civil, caring, and respectful way.
• Act as a departmental liaison with employees, members, volunteers, volunteer groups, and clients.
• Participate in EDUCAUSE events and activities as needed.
• Support members in a manner that facilitates their growth, engagement, and enhances their EDUCAUSE experience.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Requires graduate degree in survey methodology, operations research, psychology, psychometrics, economics, education, sociology, computer or data science, business administration, or related field(s) of study. Strong combination of education and experience will be considered.
• A minimum of five years' experience in executing quantitative research appropriate to EDUCAUSE's applied research needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert-level quantitative research skills. Extensive experience with complex data sets including manipulating, merging, restructuring and analyzing large data sets.
• Expertise in higher education, applied research, and/or one or more of the following domains: IT Leadership; Cybersecurity & Privacy; Teaching & Learning.
• Exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management abilities, capable of handling multiple short- and long-term projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in both individual and group settings.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with diverse audiences, including technical, professional, and executive groups.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships, forge partnerships, and create consensus within a diverse community.
• Skilled in implementing effective processes for synchronous and asynchronous collaboration, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and improvement.
• Capacity to manage both broad and detail-oriented tasks, delivering tangible results.
• Adaptable work style, able to shift priorities based on changing conditions.
• Preferred: Experience managing and or working with a distributed workforce.
• Preferred: Administrative or faculty experience in higher education.
• Preferred: Data science skills, including advanced statistics, programming, and data storytelling.

Physical Requirements

• The position requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods and walk around the office as needed. Proficiency in using standard office equipment, including computers and printers, is essential, along with manual dexterity for tasks such as typing and data entry.
• Candidates should be prepared for long periods of sitting during transportation, whether by airplane, train, or automobile, which may require frequent breaks to stretch and maintain circulation.
• Luggage Handling: The role may necessitate handling luggage and other travel-related items, which can involve lifting, carrying, and maneuvering baggage in various environments, such as airports or hotel lobbies.
• Time Zone Adjustments: Travel across different time zones may lead to fatigue, requiring candidates to adapt to changing schedules and manage any resulting physical discomfort.
• Adapting to New Environments: Frequent travel will involve adjusting to different climates, physical settings, and potential changes in altitude, which may impact physical well-being and comfort levels.

Remote Work Requirements

• Scheduled working hours are 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Thursday, and 8 am - noon Friday, in the employee's time zone.
• Be available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
• Any time-off requests or change in working hours must be pre-arranged according to department guidelines and consistent with the rules applicable to employment (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, leave of absence).

Travel Requirements:

• 10-15% of time for internal work meetings, representing EDUCAUSE externally, and speaking engagements, varies depending on the time of year, work priorities, and budget.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As an association, we recognize that the diverse backgrounds, talents, skills, and contributions of every individual improve and enhance the quality of the association. We are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, recognizing that our understanding of DEI evolves as our association learns and grows. We believe curiosity and knowledge build bridges across identity groups, cultures, and communities. We also acknowledge that embodying this promise to DEI requires deliberate reflection, intentional learning, and action.

EDUCAUSE recognizes that the unique backgrounds, talents, skills, and contributions of every individual improve and enhance the quality of the association. Creating an environment of inclusion is an EDUCAUSE organizational goal, which includes, but is not limited to:
Treating everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness
Providing insights and input as work contributor
Listening to and acknowledging others' contributions
Contributing to an open and welcoming environment across demographic categories and physical

locations
Meeting others at their point of need to advance organizational achievement
For supervisors, ensuring everyone's input is heard and considered

As part of our commitment to a safe and secure workplace, all candidates who are offered employment will undergo a comprehensive background check. This includes checks at the statewide and federal levels, county records, employment verification, and education verification. We appreciate your understanding of these essential steps in our hiring process

EEO Statement

EDUCAUSE is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. EDUCAUSE provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.