Research Associate - Digital Learning

About the role

The Friday Institute at NC State University seeks a Research Associate to help build and scale a growing portfolio of work focused on capacity building in digital learning, including computer science and AI education, and strategic initiatives that support national, state, and local education leaders.

Responsibilities

• Translate research and partner input into coherent programs, implementation supports, and field-facing deliverables.
• Build structure to complex initiatives, helping teams prioritize work, make informed decisions, and move projects from planning through execution.
• Build trusted relationships, synthesize diverse perspectives, and communicate clearly to strengthen partnerships, improve work, and extend the reach and impact of digital learning initiatives across the field.
• Shape and advance strategic initiatives by synthesizing research, partner perspectives, and emerging trends into priorities, recommendations, workplans, and opportunities for alignment across projects.
• Strengthen implementation and continuous improvement by tracking meaningful indicators, gathering feedback, documenting lessons learned, and translating evidence into practical improvements.
• Build alignment and engagement by coordinating project teams and partners, facilitating meetings and learning opportunities, and developing clear, publication-ready materials that support implementation and shared decision-making.
• Support growth and sustainability by contributing to proposals, funder communications, project reporting, and opportunity development while helping communicate outcomes, impact, and future priorities.
• Occasionally take on additional duties such as supporting day-to-day operations, coordinating project meetings, organizing communications, preparing and updating project materials, and up to 20% in-state and/or out-of-state travel.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education or Technology, or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, plus 5 or more years of experience as a K-12 educator, technology leader, or researcher.
• Project management, organizational, and coordination skills sufficient to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders while maintaining attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong communication skills sufficient to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to academic, practitioner, and partner audiences through written materials, presentations, and other communications.
• Knowledge of digital learning and emerging technologies, including computer science and AI education, and their application to teaching, learning, implementation, or program improvement.
• Experience developing instructional or implementation materials for in-person and online audiences.
• Facilitation and presentation skills sufficient to effectively engage diverse audiences in trainings, meetings, and collaborative learning experiences.
• Experience working across research, policy, and practice to support education initiatives, implementation, or capacity building.

Benefits

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.