Lead Literacy Research & Policy Analyst

Job Title Contracted Literacy Research Analyst (260003RB) Overview The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. Funding and Duration This is a grant‑funded position with expected duration through December 2030. Candidates must be able to begin work promptly and manage deliverables within the project timeline. Location and Work Structure Hybrid, full‑time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett, MA. The position is currently expected to work in‑person two days per week, increasing to three assigned days per week in‑person beginning August 2026. Travel will be required. Compensation and Benefits Pay: $71.00 – $71.00 hourly. Note that, pursuant to Massachusetts general law, contracted employees are not paid for the twelve scheduled holidays, do not receive any paid vacation, personal leave benefits, or contribute to the state retirement system or social security. As a state contracted employee, you must participate in direct deposit and contribute toward the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state alternate retirement plan ("OBRA Plan"). Job Responsibilities Lead internal work teams and manage external partnerships on current and future DESE initiatives related to early literacy, such as the BOOST grant, Literacy Launch evaluation, tutoring evaluation, and early literacy screener data. This includes: Project Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines. Partnership Management: Collaborate with project partners, including evaluators, tutoring provider(s), and selected schools to coordinate activities, share best practices, and ensure successful project implementation. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders at the state and local levels, including educators, administrators, families, and community partners, to gather input, build buy‑in, and ensure project success. Grant Management: Manage all aspects of the grant, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance with grant requirements. Evaluation and Assessment: Collaborate with researchers and evaluators to assess the effectiveness of the project in improving sustained student outcomes. Dissemination and Communication: Coordinate the dissemination of project outcomes, best practices, and research findings to a wide audience, including educators, policymakers, and the public. Identify and conduct strategic analyses of available data to proactively influence policy and implementation efforts on the range of current and future work underway in the Teaching and Learning Unit. Communicate data needs, decisions, and findings to a wide range of internal and external constituents in a way that prioritizes policy application and increases investment in DESE’s initiatives and policy efforts. Contribute to other DESE programs and offerings through collaboration across units and teams. Preferred Qualifications Deep understanding and experience with the components of high‑quality and policy‑relevant research and/or program evaluation, including: Research design, including IRB and protections for study subjects. Data collection and sharing, ensuring data privacy and security. Strong data literacy and experience with data analysis. Demonstrated ability to comprehend, analyze, and communicate complex information for policy relevancy. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to tailor complex data, decisions, and findings in a straightforward, easy‑to‑understand manner for a variety of audiences. Track record of consistently delivering on commitments. Excellent project management skills, managing multiple shifting priorities with a focus on delivering high‑quality work. Knowledge of policy‑relevant early literacy research. Experience working with state, philanthropic, or federal grants. Experience with large datasets containing PII. People who are successful working on our team demonstrate a mindset aligned with the following: Commitment to equity in education, and a desire to work with researchers, policy makers, and educators to help all children receive an excellent education. Unwavering belief in the ability of all children to learn at high levels. A demonstrated history of bringing anti‑racist practices to your work. Collaborative approach to problem‑solving. Proactive, initiative taker who identifies and takes action to improve one’s individual and the team’s collective work. Equal Opportunity / Affinity Statement When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. An Equal Opportunity / Affinity Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Contact Questions regarding this position, or the application process should be directed to View email address on click.appcast.io. Administrative Details Primary Location: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Everett, MA. Job Posting: May 15, 2026. Number of Openings: 1. Schedule: Full‑time. Shift: Day. Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes. Bargaining Unit: Non. Confidential: No. Diversity / ADA Coordinator: Ferdousi Faruque – View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Massachusetts