Director of Research

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 Director of Research and Evaluation is responsible for managing Accelerate’s portfolio of funded research partnerships and ensuring the quality, rigor, and progress of externally-conducted studies. The Director operates at the intersection of research expertise and portfolio management — serving as Accelerate’s primary point of accountability for funded work from award through final deliverable.

The role centers on Accelerate’s State Implementation Fund (SIF) research portfolio and, contingent on funding, its district portfolio. The Director is responsible for: reviewing and approving research designs, monitoring grantee progress against milestones, managing partner relationships, and ensuring that deliverables meet the standards of quality and timeliness that Accelerate and its funders require.

The ideal candidate is a scholar-practitioner with deep methodological expertise, strong command of implementation science, and demonstrated experience managing institutional research partners or grantees. They bring the credibility to engage substantively with senior researchers, the management skills to hold a complex portfolio on track, and the judgment to identify risks early and escalate when needed.

Responsibilities

Grantee and Partner Portfolio Management (50%)

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for all funded research partners across the SIF portfolio and, contingent on funding, the district portfolio
• Conduct regular check-ins and progress meetings with research partners to monitor work, surface issues, and support forward momentum
• Review and approve research designs, Pre-Analysis Plans (PAPs), and key methodological decisions, ensuring they meet standards for rigor and are aligned with Accelerate’s research goals
• Track grantee progress against milestones, deliverable timelines, and reporting requirements; follow up proactively to ensure timely submission
• Identify risks to research quality, timeline, or partnership alignment early, escalate to the Managing Director as needed, and help develop mitigation strategies
• Review and provide substantive feedback on interim and final research reports and deliverables before acceptance
• Maintain accurate portfolio records, including a working knowledge of each study’s design, status, and key contacts

Research Quality and Rigor (25%)

• Apply deep methodological expertise to evaluate the quality and appropriateness of proposed research designs, data collection strategies, and analytical approaches
• Ensure research partners are using sound methods, including appropriate use of randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and implementation research approaches
• Guide and evaluate grantees' application of implementation science frameworks, ensuring studies adequately assess fidelity, adaptation, and the conditions under which interventions produce effects in real-world education contexts
• Contribute to Accelerate’s internal knowledge base by synthesizing lessons and findings across the portfolio

Internal Coordination and Reporting (25%)

• Provide regular portfolio status updates to the Managing Director, flagging concerns, highlighting progress, and informing strategic decisions
• Prepare briefings and summaries of research partner work as for board, funder, and external audiences as needed
• Coordinate with the program team to ensure alignment between research activities and grantee program timelines and objectives
• Support annual performance reporting for grant-funded research activities, gathering content from partners and ensuring funder metrics are captured
• Represent Accelerate in meetings with research partners, state and district partners, and funders in relation to the research portfolio
• Contribute to field learning by identifying insights from the portfolio that are relevant to Accelerate’s broader mission and state implementation work

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree (PhD) in education policy, public policy, economics of education, or a closely related field required
• Significant post-doctoral experience in applied research or research management, preferably focused on K–12 education
• Demonstrated experience managing external research partners, grantees, or subcontractors in a foundation, government, or nonprofit context
• Deep working knowledge of rigorous research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs, and the ability to review and provide substantive feedback on research designs
• Strong command of implementation science and implementation research, including frameworks for assessing fidelity, adaptation, and the mechanisms by which interventions produce effects in real-world education contexts
• Experience working directly with state educational agencies (SEAs) or local educational agencies (LEAs), including navigating data access, partnership agreements, and the operational realities of school systems
• Experience managing complex, multi-partner projects with overlapping timelines and deliverables
• Proven ability to hold partners accountable to quality and deadlines while maintaining strong working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights for non-research audiences
• Strong writer, with attention to detail, clarity and conciseness
• Clear record of successfully accomplishing tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to swiftly and creatively find solutions to tough problems
• Exceptional ability to communicate with others and convey complex ideas

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 $100,000 and $130,000.

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.