Research Coordinator

Accelerate exists to dramatically improve student outcomes at scale by turning evidence into action. As a hub for advancing what works, Accelerate partners with states to scale proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students. We share knowledge and insights across the field to expand what’s possible, working alongside leaders to embed effective solutions into the fabric of public education. By aligning research, policy, and practice through state implementation, we turn evidence into measurable progress, helping students thrive.

Accelerate is a growing organization - one that is equity-centered, results-oriented, and simultaneously grounded in optimism and realistic implementation. We aspire to build a small, talented, diverse team of leaders who bring both systemic experience and an entrepreneurial spirit to the work.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director of Research and Evaluation, the Research Coordinator plays a central operational role in supporting Accelerate’s research portfolio. The position is responsible for the project management and coordination infrastructure that keeps the research team and its external partners organized, accountable, and on track, from building and maintaining deliverable tracking systems to facilitating partner communications, documenting meetings, and supporting funder reporting requirements.

Working across a complex portfolio of funded research studies, the Research Coordinator will serve as a key point of coordination between Accelerate and its research partners. The role requires someone who is exceptionally organized and proactive, with strong project management instincts and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously. The ideal candidate surfaces risks early, follows through consistently, and brings the operational rigor that allows the research team to focus on the substantive work.

Some familiarity with research environments or terminology is an asset in this role, as the Coordinator will regularly participate in meetings where research methods, evaluation design, and implementation science are discussed. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional who is eager to develop deep expertise in education research and evaluation from a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

The Research Coordinator will play a key role in the following areas:

Deliverable Tracking and Progress Monitoring (40%)

• Build and maintain tracking systems in Accelerate’s project management and grant management platforms to monitor all major research partner deliverables, milestones, and reporting deadlines
• Proactively follow up with research partners to ensure deliverables are submitted on time; escalate delays or concerns to Managing Director as appropriate
• Maintain an up-to-date view of portfolio-wide progress, including status of each deliverable and any open risks or outstanding items
• Track risks that arise across the research portfolio and support the team in ensuring they are logged, monitored, and addressed
• Support continuous improvement of tracking and progress monitoring processes to ensure they are efficient and effective

Meeting Coordination and Documentation (35%)

• Schedule and manage logistics for research partner meetings, including calendar coordination, agenda preparation, and meeting materials
• Attend major research partner meetings; take clear, accurate notes documenting key discussion points, decisions, and next steps
• Convert meeting notes into actionable follow-up tasks, assign owners, and track completion to ensure nothing is left unresolved
• Coordinate the Research Learning Community (RLC), including scheduling sessions, managing logistics, preparing materials, tracking attendance, and documenting meetings
• Manage follow-up communications with research partners after meetings, including sharing notes, confirming action items, and providing reminders ahead of upcoming deadlines
• Support internal research team coordination, including team meeting scheduling, agenda management, and documentation

Funder Reporting and Grant Administration Support (25%)

• Maintain a calendar of funder reporting deadlines relevant to the research portfolio; proactively alert the team to upcoming due dates well in advance
• Coordinate internal collection of research content and data needed for funder reports, working with research partners and internal team members to ensure timely submission
• Support preparation of grant performance reports by gathering required content, ensuring completeness, and formatting for submission
• Track grant metrics and key performance indicators across the research portfolio to support reporting and internal learning
• Provide general administrative support to the research team, including file management, correspondence drafting, and maintaining organized digital records

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, nonprofit management, social sciences, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience demonstrating the skills and competencies required for this role
• Prior experience in project coordination, program administration, or a related role; experience in K–12 education, research, or nonprofit settings preferred
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines simultaneously
• Experience with project management or grant management platforms (e.g., Monday.com, Asana, Temelio, or similar tools); willingness to quickly learn new systems
• Exceptional attention to detail and a track record of maintaining accurate, well-organized records and tracking systems
• Strong written communication skills, including experience taking meeting notes, drafting follow-up communications, and preparing clear summaries for diverse audiences
• Familiarity with research concepts and terminology — such as study design, implementation fidelity, evaluation methods, or data collection — gained through coursework, prior work in a research setting, or equivalent exposure; strongly preferred given the research-heavy nature of partner meetings and deliverables

Successful team members at Accelerate are:

• Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to anticipate needs, follow through without being asked, and flag issues early
• Comfortable working with external stakeholders, including researchers, institutional partners, and funder contacts, in a professional and relationship-forward manner
• Demonstrate an authentic desire and willingness to listen to, learn from, and connect with a diverse range of people with varied interests and experiences, including students, families, educators, policymakers, local leaders, and funders
• Have an unwavering belief in the potential of all students and a commitment to equity and continuous improvement
• Model an easygoing, approachable, and calm demeanor while multitasking in a fast-paced environment

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is between $60,000 and $80,000. Accelerate also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, technology stipend, 401k with employer match, and generous PTO.

Employment

This is a fully-remote position, with some travel required. U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Residents only. Completion and satisfactory results of a pre-employment background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, reference checks, and social media.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Accelerate is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to building a diverse and inclusive team. As such, it is the continuing policy of Accelerate to consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

How to Apply

Please submit an application, including a resume, here (https://form.asana.com/?k=SWsoBDCw1x-JQgSu7vJ5Pg&d=1210003418124958 ). Applications will close on Sunday, July 5 at 11:59 pm ET. If you have any questions, please contact hiring@accelerate.us.

Accelerate also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, technology stipend, 401k with employer match, and generous PTO.