Project Manager Ii - Education Research

Company Overview

Founded in 1990, Kauffman & Associates, Inc. (KAI), is an American Indian– and woman-owned management consulting firm dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable populations and enhancing the reach and effectiveness of social sector organizations. We combine stories of lived experiences with meaningful, data-driven insights to reach underserved communities.

We work closely with federal, tribal, state, and regional governments; associations; foundations; and private-sector businesses. At KAI, we do work that matters!

About the Role

The Project Manager (PM) II (Education Research) serves as both in support and lead positions on the Research, Evaluation, & Planning (REP) service line. This may include managing REP contracts from contract initiation, client relationships, budget tracking, performance of required tasks and deliverables, quality control over all services and products under the contract, and contract close-out. The PM II (Education Research) will work directly with clients to conduct and oversee research and evaluation projects including literature reviews, policy analysis, instrument development, methodology, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, evaluation, and reporting. The PM II (Education Research) will report to KAI’s Vice President for Research, Evaluation, & Planning.

KAI has experience working with a range of stakeholders in the education space, including the U.S. Department of Education, Bureau of Indian Education, Regional Educational Laboratories (REL), public school districts, tribal education departments, and education-focused nonprofits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop research plans, conduct evaluations, and provide analytical interpretation of education and demographic data (quantitative and qualitative)
• Designs and plans programmatic and evaluation models using participatory processes including empowerment evaluation
• Develop literature reviews related to trends in public education policy issues (from early education to post-secondary), such as student outcomes, educator diversity, decolonizing curricula, and Native language revitalization
• Assist tribal education directors develop, implement, and assess education strategies based in traditional practices and Indigenous knowledge
• Develop comprehensive tribal workforce development strategies, from assessment to action planning
• Provide oversight to project team and mentor junior researchers on best practices
• Support development of survey instruments and focus group discussion guides
• Present findings and recommendations to clients and other external stakeholders
• Lead communications with policy makers and representatives from client organizations (e.g., tribal education departments, federal and state agencies, etc.)
• Stay abreast of the latest research developments and trends in AI/AN education publications and relevant policy areas

Key Competencies:

• Thorough understanding of challenges related to AI/AN-focused data and research
• Experience using community-based participatory research approaches
• Strong analytical skills and advanced knowledge of diverse analytical methods (e.g., statistics, data visualization, etc.)
• Use mixed methods and develops both qualitative and quantitative measures to gather information
• Strong ability to synthesize and translate findings for diverse audiences using oral, written, graphical, and presenting skills (both technical and non-technical)
• Knowledge of data communications security and privacy techniques, including legal and ethical issues regarding confidentiality and use of individually identifiable personal data
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and support numerous projects with competing deadlines
• Outstanding teamwork and cultural competency with colleagues, community members, and clients
• Ability to facilitate and direct onsite/offsite evaluation work using participatory evaluation models (e.g., empowerment evaluation)

Qualifications & Experience

• Masters or PhD in education, education policy, or related field (PhD preferred)
• Minimum 7 years of relevant work Education Research/policy experience
• Project management experience (required)
• Experience conducting research using AI/AN data (required)
• Proficiency in a leading qualitative and quantitative analysis software

Benefits Overview

• 80% company paid medical insurance premiums, portion of family paid
• 50% company paid dental insurance premiums, portion of family paid
• Vision insurance
• $50K life insurance
• Partial internet reimbursement
• Remote work
• Matching 401K
• EAP

Job Status:Full-time – 100% Remote