National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) Temporary Part Time Position

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.

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.

Brief Description

This temporary part time position would support a project for the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI). The NCSI supports state education agencies (SEAs) to best use their general supervision and professional development systems to establish and meet high expectations for every student with a disability by providing universal, targeted, and intensive technical assistance. NCSI is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and hosted at WestEd. The scope of this temporary part time position is designed to expand and strengthen the pipeline of future leaders in the fields related to the education of students with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on state education agencies (SEA) and special education systems-level work. This experience with WestEd will support the development of practical skills for leadership roles within state-level education systems.

Position Overview

The National Center for Systemic Improvement at WestEd seeks a graduate student currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral-level program related to the education of students with disabilities. This part-time temporary position is designed for graduate students interested in special education leadership, state education agency work, systems-level improvement, and evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. This staff person will contribute to ongoing projects, participate in structured professional learning and mentorship, and complete a culminating project aligned to NCSI priorities.

Candidate Requirements

• Must currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in special education, educational leadership, public policy, disability studies, education policy, or a closely related field focused on the education and development of students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated interest in leadership, policy, systems improvement, or state-level work related to special education.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information clearly for different audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid or remote professional environment.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Experience with literature reviews, policy analysis, data-informed decision-making, or program support is preferred.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, their families, and the systems that serve them.