Graduate Research Assistant

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 works with 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 the Position**:
ExpandED Schools’ Research Department is seeking a part-time Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to support its evaluation efforts in the spring and summer of 2024, likely extending beyond into future school years. The Research Department conducts external evaluations of a large number of federally funded afterschool programs as well as internal evaluations of specific literacy and STEM initiatives. The Research Department also engages in research projects with nonprofit partners to best serve the needs of the NYC K-12 field. Using research-based tools and methods, we undertake a systematic process to regularly monitor quality and program results. We are seeking GRAs to assist in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, conduct field observations, and to assist with other research tasks as needed.

This is a part-time, temporary position extending through September 30, 2024. Hours will vary and offer scheduling flexibility; we anticipate approximately 10 hours per week, with about 3 hours per week occurring during work hours (9am - 5pm EST). The remaining hours per week can be completed outside of regular work hours. There is a likelihood this position will extend beyond September 2024 for multiple school years, pending confirmation of funding. Additionally, there are often opportunities for Graduate Research Assistants to take on extra hours supporting administrative and programmatic tasks if there is interest and availability.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:
The GRA will support Research Team projects and tasks as needed, primarily focused on external evaluations of NYC K-12 out-of-school time (OST) initiatives. Potential responsibilities include:

- Quantitative data entry and data cleaning.
- Supporting quantitative analysis of data, including supporting data visualization.
- Conducting field observations of afterschool programs following training in use of the Out-of-School Time (OST) Observation tool and Dimensions of Success (DoS) training protocols.
- Supporting facilitation and note-taking with focus groups, interviews, or other qualitative data collection methods.
- Other data and research tasks as needed, to be determined in collaboration with the Senior Research Associate, with consideration for GRA preference.
- Other administrative tasks (to extend beyond 10 hours per week) as needed and as available.

**Qualifications**:
GRAs are expected to:

- Be dependable and organized, with excellent time management skills.
- Have strong communication and writing skills.
- Have previous experience in **either** (1) quantitative data collection and analysis techniques/coursework in quantitative methods **OR** (2) qualitative data collection and analysis techniques/coursework in qualitative methods
- Be professional at all times through quality of work, punctuality, attendance, and attitude.
- Display the initiative and ability to learn knowledge of the field.
- Experience with quantitative or qualitative analysis platforms, such as SPSS, PowerBI, NVivo, or Atlas.ti preferred but not required.
- Proficiency in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and/or Bengali a plus.

**Location**:
ExpandED’s current policy offers significant remote flexibility.

**Compensation**: GRAs are paid at a rate of $28.09 per hour.

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.