Research Associate - Digital Learning
About the Department
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is a large, multi-faceted Institute housed in a 33,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility on NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh. Our work encompasses educational research, professional development, policy and program evaluation, and direct services to schools, districts, state departments of education and public- and private sector organizations. We are deeply involved in work throughout North Carolina, leading some of the major statewide K-12 education initiatives and working closely with the Department of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, and the majority of school districts in the State on the transition to digital teaching and learning. Since opening in 2005, the Friday Institute has developed a strong national presence, working with organizations throughout the country, and is increasingly developing international connections. More information is available at http://www.fi.ncsu.edu.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
- Childcare benefits
- Wellness & Recreation Membership
- Wellness Programs
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. This role is pivotal in translating research and partner input into coherent programs, implementation supports, and field-facing deliverables. The successful candidate will be a strong project and portfolio manager; bring experience working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice; excel at building relationships across varied partners; and demonstrate strengths in synthesis, strategic communication, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- Support day-to-day operations including coordinating project meetings, organization structures, and communications.
- Prepare, maintain, and update project materials for online and print dissemination.
- Up to 20% for in-state and/or out-of-state travel.
Requirements
- 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.
- Valid NC Driver's License required.
Qualifications
- 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 varied audiences in trainings, meetings, and collaborative learning experiences.
- Experience working across research, policy, and practice to support education initiatives, implementation, or capacity building.