Research Associate

(Temporary through December 2026, with possibility for extension contingent on funding)

ExpandED is dedicated to ensuring that all young people have access to enriching learning opportunities that affirm their identities, teach them valuable skills, and spark new possibilities. Through program development, capacity-building, research and advocacy, we work toward our vision of a vibrant and stable publicly-funded system of school-community partnership so that all New York City children thrive.

Established in 1998, the organization today reaches more than 119,000 children and 900 programs throughout New York City to ensure that students in under-served communities have access to innovative, engaging ways of learning to enable them to reach their full potential. Over the last two decades, ExpandED Schools’ program, research and policy efforts have led to increased recognition of the academic, social, and emotional benefits of afterschool, increased funding, and new models for school-community partnership.

Purpose of Position

The Research Associate, reporting to the Associate Director of Evaluation, supports the implementation of various research and evaluation projects of afterschool initiatives across New York City, with the goal of improving learning experiences for children and advancing educational equity. This is a temporary full-time position with an anticipated start date in January 2026 and a projected end date of December 31, 2026. Depending on funding, it may be possible for the end date of this position to be extended; we expect to have further information regarding a potential extension by the early fall of 2026.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and use data collection tools and protocols (survey instruments, interview guides and observation protocols).
• Maintain relationships with evaluation clients, internally and externally, including progress toward goals, making sense of research findings, and developing steps for improvement.
• Conduct interviews and site visits/observations with city and organization leaders, program administrators, program staff, youth participants, and other key stakeholders.
• Conduct literature reviews on a variety of topics related to youth development, after-school, and education .
• Read and write up findings from recent research in the field to share with a non-research audience.
• Assist in the submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and conduct all evaluations in accordance with appropriate human subject’s regulations.
• Analyze and write evaluation results in a variety of formats to funders, policymakers, practitioners, and education researchers through written reports.
• Conduct quantitative analyses as needed.
• Support the Research Team with the development and upkeep of organizational data management systems and processes.
• Perform other tasks as needed and directed by supervisor.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 1-3 years of experience, or comparable experience.
• Strong research, analytic, and writing skills.
• Experience and interest in evaluating programs in the fields of youth development, after-school, and/or education.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel; additional experience with other data platforms (e.g. SPSS, R,, etc.) is preferred.
• Experience cleaning and analyzing large data files (>10,000 cases).
• Experience with data visualization software is preferred (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau, etc.).
• Familiarity with NYCPS, DYCD or other complex school and community partnerships is a plus.
• Working knowledge of data management principles and systems, including the ability to run queries.
• Experience working with Airtable is a plus.
• Strong cultural competence with respect for and knowledge of the cultures of stakeholders we work with and communities we serve.

ExpandED Schools offers a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Full-time and eligible part-time employees receive medical, dental and vision plans for employees and dependents, largely subsidized by ExpandED Schools
• Health, dependent care and transit pre-tax accounts
• Employer-paid life insurance and supplemental disability coverage
• A generous paid time off package which includes 24 vacation days, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays (prorated for part-time staff)
• 403b retirement plan with eligibility for employer contribution of 5% of annual compensation after one year of employment (no match requirement)
• Commitment to work-life balance
• Partial tuition reimbursement offered to employees after six months of service
• Professional development opportunities, including funds to participate in external training and coaching opportunities

ExpandED Schools believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. ExpandED Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.