Research and Demonstration Associate

About the role

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities. The Research and Demonstration Associate provides training, coaching, and technical assistance to educators and school divisions, develops innovative learning resources, and supports research and statewide initiatives focused on transition services. This collaborative role is ideal for a strong communicator who is passionate about education, capacity-building, and helping transition-age students succeed.

About the department

VCU's Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC), School of Education is dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities by supporting educators, school divisions, and statewide initiatives focused on transition services. Through training, coaching, technical assistance, research, and resource development, the team builds capacity across educational systems to help transition-age students achieve successful postsecondary, employment, and independent living outcomes. Working collaboratively with stakeholders, the department promotes innovation, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement to enhance educational opportunities and student success.

Responsibilities

• Supports the mission of improving transition outcomes for students with disabilities through training and technical assistance activities.
• Coaches division transition leaders on implementing research-based and high-leverage practices via presentations, facilitating communities of practice, and coaching educators in transition best practices.
• Conceptualizes and develops training materials, such as course scripts, training manuals, and educational resources to support statewide learning on critical transition topics.
• Works closely with public schools and divisions to build capacity and improve services for transition-age students.
• Engages in research activities including recruitment, data collection, and dissemination.
• Communicates and collaborates with external partners including adult service agencies, organizations, and educational entities.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, organizational, and live-presentation skills, with timely responsiveness and flexibility regarding changing activities.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds, or a commitment to do so.
• Master’s degree in education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field/equivalent training.
• Extensive knowledge of evidence-based transition practices that facilitate postschool employment, education, and/or community living for students with disabilities.
• Prior experience in training and technical assistance in public school settings.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel regionally and overnight.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in teaching or administration in public school systems.
• Knowledge of or experience working with adult service agencies and organizations that promote transition to employment, education, or community living settings.
• Knowledge of employment programs for transition-age youth with disabilities (e.g., Project SEARCH, Start on Success, etc.).
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local policies/regulations impacting secondary transition services and post-school outcomes (e.g., Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Perkins V, etc.).
• Prior experience developing and implementing live and online training and education.

Pay

$85,000–$90,000

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt | Hours per Week: 40 | Hybrid work arrangement