Fast Facts

WestEd is seeking a Senior Measurement Researcher for the Assessment Research & Innovation team to lead projects in educational measurement and psychometrics while fostering client relationships and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities: Lead and manage complex educational research projects, oversee study design and data analysis, and build client partnerships, while also contributing to business development and team mentorship.

Skills: Deep expertise in educational measurement, psychometrics, and statistical methodologies, along with strong project management and communication skills, and proficiency in SAS or R programming.

Qualifications: Doctorate in related field with at least five years of experience in educational research and demonstrated success in managing complex projects, along with professional recognition in the field.

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Compensation: $139200 - $217500 / Annually

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.  

WestEd supports individual initiative, excellence, and hard work of all individuals in our hiring and work practices. WestEd complies with all applicable federal and state anti-discrimination laws, as well as OFCCP requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, or status as a protected veteran.

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience.  The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question. 

Position Overview

The Senior Research Manager serves ina project leadership role within WestEd's Assessment Research & Innovation (AR&I) team, directing complex projects while building national recognition and contributing to team growth. This position focuses on applying deep expertise in psychometrics, measurement, developing client relationships, and supporting AR&I's service delivery excellence.

Responsibilities:

Project Leadership and Management

• Direct mid- to large-size and/or moderately complex projects, managing budget and ensuring quality delivery of work.
• Oversee study design, planning and preparation, research activities (including data analysis), dissemination and outreach, and quality assurance.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively, with accountability for financial performance.
• Navigate ambiguity while maintaining technical rigor and client satisfaction.
• Anticipate complex problems and work with agency leaders to implement solutions.

Research and Expertise

• Apply deep expertise in educational measurement, psychometrics, and statistical methodologies to analyze complex problems and develop solutions.
• Oversee the development and implementation of research and assessment designs, ensuring technical excellence and relevance to client goals.
• Build visibility through publications and service on panels, workgroups, and advisory committees for state and regional organizations.
• Contribute to AR&I's growing thought leadership in the assessment field.

Client Engagement and Partnership Development

• Manage client relationships independently for projects under your direction, serving as primary point of contact.
• Identify opportunities for follow-on work and recurring business within existing client relationships.
• Represent AR&I at conferences and industry events, building professional recognition.
• Present research findings and recommendations to federal, state, and district leaders.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Supervise Research Assistants and Research Associates as their People Manager, establishing clear expectations and supporting professional development.
• Foster team collaboration and individual success through structured feedback and quality review within project workflows.
• Provide documented feedback and informal mentoring to project team members.
• Influence colleagues within AR&I to advance project objectives.

Business Development and Contributions

• Lead proposal development independently for mid-size projects.
• Contribute to proposal development for larger projects(>$1M annual revenue).
• Support senior leadership in building a sustainable body of work within established service offerings.
• Generate and close new business opportunities by identifying needs in the field, and cultivating funders and clients to support the work.
• Provide strategic recommendations to Content Area Director.
• Contribute to understanding of AR&I strategic goals and incorporate these into project planning.

Required:

• Doctorate or equivalent expertise in educational measurement, statistics, quantitative psychology, or related field.
• At least five years of progressive experience in educational research and assessment in applied settings, with demonstrated success managing increasingly complex projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in psychometrics, quantitative methods, and assessment practices.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing budgets > $1M.
• Professional recognition as a measurement expert through conference presentations and publications at regional and national levels.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present to and advise federal, state, and district leaders.
• Ability to influence beyond positional authority within project teams.
• Proficiency in SAS or R programming.

Preferred:

• Research expertise in emerging assessment methodologies, such as artificial intelligence or computational psychometrics.
• Experience developing relationships with state education agencies and assessment vendors.
• Track record of identifying opportunities for recurring revenue within existing projects.
• Published work in academic texts or journals related to educational assessment.
• Experience supervising research staff.

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The full salary range for this position, WestEd level 13, is $139,200 to $217,500, but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $139,200 to $174,000. The actual offer considers multiple factors, including but not limited to education, experience, internal equity, and other organizational needs. 

In addition to the base salary, benefits include:

· 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment

· Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

· All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date

· PTO: 3 weeks’ vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year

· Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary

· Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives

· Professional development opportunities & mentorship program 

For more details about our benefits, go to:  https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/#benefits

WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Remote  #Circa-ALLSTATES

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)