Senior researcher, education

NEBRASKA CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOUNDATION: Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF) is a nonprofit created to support children, young adults, and families with the overall goal of giving our state's children what they need to thrive. We do this by building strong communities that support families. Our mission is to create positive change for Nebraska’s children through community engagement and we believe in a Nebraska where all children will have the resources and support to thrive.

SUMMARY: The Senior Researcher, Education serves at the Assistant Project Director for NCFF's U.S. Department of Education, Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Mid-Phase grant. The EIR will scale and rigorously evaluate Nebraska Growing Readers Plus TeacherRead/FamilyRead (NGR+), which enhances the existing Nebraska Growing Readers (NGR) book-distribution program with two evidence-based shared book reading components, FamilyRead (FR) and TeacherRead (TR). This position focuses on the day-to-day logistics, data coordination, partner communication, and reporting needed to keep the three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) running smoothly across the pilot and three implementation cohorts. The Senior Researcher, Education works closely with the Principal Researcher, internal project staff, the independent external evaluator, and NDE to ensure data is collected, interpreted, and reported accurately and on time to support data-informed continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential functions of this position focus on supporting the operational management of the NGR+ EIR Mid-Phase grant and its three-arm RCT. Support the Principal Researcher in managing all aspects of the project, including timelines, tasks, and deliverables across the grant. Support logistics, data coordination, and reporting to ensure smooth day-to-day project operations. Maintain regular communication with the independent evaluator, Implementation Supports Team, Recruitment Team, Advisory Team, NDE, and other project partners. Compile formative data and support its use for continuous improvement by NCFF and NDE staff. Provide coordination and support for data collection cycles, including scheduling, materials preparation, and troubleshooting with partners and sites. Understand and inform the interpretation of data for required reporting, including performance and progress reports to the funder. Organize data summaries and supporting materials for required reporting, including funder, LEA, and internal reporting. Support the Principal Researcher in tracking the creation and finalization of all grant contracts, including status, timelines, and required approvals. Help maintain organized documentation and files related to project activities, contracts, and reporting to support grant compliance. Assist in preparing materials for the Project Leadership Team, Dissemination Team, and other internal/external workgroups as needed. Support recruitment and engagement activities with LEA partners, Regional ESUs, and community organizations in partnership with program staff. Flag emerging risks or issues related to timeline, data collection, or partner communication in a timely manner.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Familiarity with education research, evaluation, or program implementation
• Experience working in Education settings including working with school district research teams
• Experience supporting data collection, data coordination, or research administration
• Ability to organize and synthesize data for reporting purposes
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including tracking multiple tasks, timelines, and deliverables
• Ability to understand and help interpret data findings for use in required reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including with partners across diverse roles and backgrounds
• Experience maintaining regular communication with external partners, contractors, or funders
• Familiarity with contract tracking or grant administration processes
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional project team
• Proficiency with common office, data, and reporting software
• Attention to detail and comfort working within compliance-driven timelines
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly with community members across rural settings

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

Required: Master’s degree in a field relevant to the Nebraska Children and Family Foundation's work (such as education, research and evaluation, public health, social work, or a related field) and 3+ years of relevant work experience in research support, research or evaluation coordination, data coordination, or reporting. OR a Bachelors’ degree and 5+ year of relevant work experience. Experience organizing and coordinating data for reporting purposes. Experience with basic analysis or data management software (e.g., Excel, survey/data platforms).

Preferred: Master's degree in a related field. Experience supporting a research study, evaluation project, or RCT. Experience with federally funded grants. Experience with early literacy programs or evidence-based literacy practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Nebraska Residency Required
• Hybrid office arrangements in Omaha and Lincoln
• Flexible schedule including possible evenings and weekends
• Willingness to travel, including overnight stays.