Description

Roger Williams University


Title: Research Associate CYCLE - Roger Williams University

Location: Providence, RI Category: Professional and Clerical Posted On: Thu Oct 16 2025 Job Description:

Reporting to the Associate Director for Research & Learning, the Research Associate is responsible for designing, implementing, and documenting community-engaged research and data projects that advance educational equity for the Center for Youth and Community Leadership in Education (CYCLE).  

Community-Engaged Research and Training

Plan and facilitate community-engaged workshops, trainings, and processes related to research and data, using tools created by CYCLE's Research and Learning Team. This includes: Understanding and using education data; Participatory Action Research (PAR) basics; Qualitative and quantitative research terms, principles, and methods; Research design and research instrument development; Research implementation, data collection, and analysis; and Indicator development.

Draft and/or edit written content for resources including websites, toolkits, issue and policy analyses, and research reports that advance educational equity.

Contribute to the design and implementation of original and secondary research on issues of educational equity, including the development of research questions, literature reviews, data collection protocols and instruments, data collection, analysis, and writing.

Design additional research tools and/or processes as needed.

Partner and Community Engagement

Develop and maintain productive working relationships with partners, including community-based organization staff, school district and school-based leaders and staff, parents, youth, and funders.

Lead, facilitate, and document internal and external project meetings to ensure deliverables are met.

Represent CYCLE and the Research and Learning Team at assigned events, conferences, coalitions, and committees.

Contribute to the planning and execution of CYCLE-led gatherings and convenings.

Additional Functions

Participate in CYCLE staff, team, and project meetings, retreats, and other discussions, including project planning and strategic thinking for the overall growth and direction of CYCLE.

Maintain connections between CYCLE projects and programs by sharing resources and expertise with colleagues.

Contribute to the preparation and writing of funder proposals and progress reports. 

This is a grant-funded position that is contingent upon the existence and availability of external funding. 

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Three (3) years of experience in the field of education or equivalent educational experience, preferably with a focus on education research and/or policy analysis in the areas of educational equity, family and community engagement, parent leadership, school/district transformation, and/or education organizing.

Competency with qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis research methods and software packages.

Working understanding of education data and ability to create basic data visualizations.

Experience and cultural competence working with racially and socioeconomically diverse communities and multiple stakeholders, including school and district personnel, policymakers, community leaders, parents/caregivers, and youth.

Spanish fluency.

Experience working with communities and schools from an asset-based orientation and a demonstrated commitment to educational equity and social justice.

Ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valid driver's license and willingness to travel, as needed.

Located within driving distance of Providence, Rhode Island or willingness to relocate.

Ability to work some nights and weekends, as needed, for community-facing meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree, or equivalent experience, in education or related field.

Experience and comfort with participatory research, evaluation, and training methods.

Knowledge of education reform history and current education policy, particularly as they relate to equity-focused reform and the role of parents, youth, and community members in school reform.

Knowledge of the theories and strategies of community and youth organizing and up-to-date knowledge of the education organizing field.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and com-mitted to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu

Salaries for new hires at Roger Williams University usually fall within the minimum and midpoint salary ranges. The salary for this position is $54,267- $65,000.

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