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

• 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.
• Occasional opportunities to take on additional duties such as: Support day-to-day operations, Coordinate 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Valid NC Driver's License required.
• Commercial Driver's License required.

Skills

• Adaptable, collaborative professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Buils strong relationships across varying partners and audiences.
• Enjoys working with others to turn ideas into meaningful impact.

Benefits

• Military Friendly
• NC State University is an equal opportunity employer.
• All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status.