Research Lead

Position Overview

The Research Lead supports Just Right Reader's strategic growth by building, managing, and communicating evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of our products and services. This role coordinates independent research initiatives, develops compelling case studies and state profiles, manages relationships with research partners, and transforms data and findings into actionable resources for internal and external stakeholders. Working closely with the Director of Strategy and cross-functional teams, the Research Lead helps strengthen the organization's research portfolio, supports grant and legislative initiatives, and ensures Just Right Reader continues to build a strong body of evidence that drives customer success and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate independent efficacy studies with universities, researchers, and evaluation partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison for third-party research organizations and consultants.
• Support research design, implementation, timelines, and deliverables.
• Maintain a comprehensive repository of research studies, publications, and supporting evidence.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize relevant literacy research.
• Research and maintain state-, district-, and school-level case studies highlighting customer outcomes.
• Identify meaningful measures of implementation and impact.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative evidence from customers and partners.
• Translate research findings into practical, easy-to-understand summaries.
• Help build the organization's evidence base for ESSA, grant applications, and state initiatives.
• Develop state profiles highlighting literacy initiatives, implementation successes, funding, and outcomes.
• Research emerging trends related to literacy, family engagement, the Science of Reading, and educational innovation.
• Support strategic initiatives by gathering evidence and conducting environmental scanning.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Professional Learning to develop: research briefs, white papers, customer success stories, legislative resources, grant resources, conference presentations, and impact reports.
• Continuously evaluate emerging AI technologies to improve research quality and efficiency.
• Leverage AI and modern research tools to: accelerate literature reviews, organize research findings, summarize publications, identify trends, maintain searchable research repositories, and improve research workflows.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; PhD. or Ed.D preferred in Education, Educational Research, Public Policy, Psychology, Research Methods, Evaluation, or related field.
• Strong writing, synthesis, and communication skills required.
• Experience coordinating research or evaluation projects.
• Experience working with higher education institutions or independent researchers is preferred.
• Understanding of literacy research, Science of Reading, or K-12 education.
• Experience transforming complex research into accessible content.
• Experience using AI to support research, synthesis, and workflow efficiency.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.

Success In This Role

• Build trusted relationships with research partners.
• Manage multiple research initiatives simultaneously.
• Translate evidence into compelling stories.
• Produce high-quality research summaries for executive leadership.
• Contribute to strengthening Just Right Reader's reputation as an evidence-based organization.
• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning.