Senior Research Associate - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Equity & Social Justice

Leadership - Position - Other

Job Number : 4600259705

Start Date :

Open Date : 07/14/2022

Closing Date : 08/31/2022

Position Summary:

Senior Research Associate (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), aka DEI Senior Research Associate, will support the office in gathering and reviewing research and literature to advance a more equitable state within Atlanta Public Schools. The DEI Senior Research Associate will also develop scholarly literature reviews on the impact of racism and other forms of discrimination on student educational experiences and outcomes. In addition, this position will gather resources and materials to share with teachers and school leaders in support of creating more equitable learning environments and will serve as a collaborator and change agent to district staff in making equity-guided and data-informed decisions.

Essential Duties:

• Reviews appropriate research and literature to cull and curate innovative publications to support DEi efforts in Atlanta Public Schools (APS).
• Assists with Equity Impact Assessments and measuring Academic Return on Investment by gathering, synthesizing and providing interpretations of data and research to support the development of reports/presentations on the impact to diversity, equity, and inclusion of proposed actions, projects and/or initiatives.
• Provides support with the planning, monitoring, evaluation, mitigation and continuous improvement of current and future initiatives and efforts regarding DEi and DEi impacts.
• Provides supports with gathering equity-focused research and relevant resources to inform and supports policy development and implementation.
• Stays current on best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion in K-12 to support integration of equity
• throughout the district.
• Analyzes data to provide interpretations of efforts on various areas of impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the APS community.
• Gathers resources and materials to share with teachers and school leaders in support of creating more equitable learning environments that are responsive to student educational, cultural and linguistic needs.
• Leads efforts to apply workforce analysis tools on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within APS.
• Provides leadership and expertise in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and organization of diversity, equity, and inclusion research and resources, and establishes a model of equity research analysis that can be enhanced and scaled up to support the various DEi initiatives and research.
• Serves as the liaison with the Research and Evaluation department on student performance data.
• Collaborates and coordinates with the Research and Evaluation department on District equity-related research and evaluation needs to support projects and/or key district initiatives.
• Supports crafting external statements based on information regarding DEi data and research.
• Collaborates with the Research and Evaluation team on district-level initiatives as needed.
• Uses skills in survey and research design to develop instruments to collect additional data that will bring awareness to the opportunities for improvement in DEI areas within the APS community.
• Facilitates and co-facilitates DEI discussions, events, trainings, and programs both internally and externally.
• Develops research studies to answer hypothesis-driven questions that will inform district initiatives and policies for the APS community.
• Participates in other special projects in the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person or virtually and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours, and as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress

Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: May travel to multiple sites.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

Requirements :

Minimum Requirements

Eduacation:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Ph.D. in Research & Evaluation, Library Science, Information Studies, Statistic, Education, or related field preferred

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Valid driver's license and availability of private transportation, or the ability to attend off-site meetings
• T5 or higher in a teaching field in addition to Media Specialist certification or S5 (or higher) in Instructional Technology in addition to Media Specialist certification is preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years of successful experience in research, data analysis, and production for use in a K-12 setting or similar environment
• Classroom teaching experience or media specialist experience, a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of the DEI literature and the ability to form multiple hypothesis-driven questions regarding gaps in areas of knowledge in PK-12 education
• Ability to research and share best practices around diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies
• Knowledgeable of critical issues that exacerbate inequities in education, PK-12
• Knowledgeable of the impacts of sociological conditions on people, especially members of underrepresented groups
• Ability to synthesize data and research findings into lay terms
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to leverage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in both written and verbal presentation

Compensation :

SALARY GRADE: 133

SALARY RANGE: APS Salary Schedule (All Positions)

WORK DAYS: 252 Days (Annual Duty)

FLSA Status : Exempt

Employment Category :
At-Will

Reports to: : Executive Director (Equitable Resources Strategy)