Director of Research

At Success Academy, we are redefining what’s possible in public education. Our schools rank in the top 1% in math and top 2% in English Language Arts among all New York State schools, while serving children with an overall poverty rate of 70%. Success Academy Charter Schools are dedicated to academic excellence, character development, and extracurricular achievement with college graduation as an end goal.

Success Academy Charter Schools, a rapidly growing 501(c)(3) organization focused on managing an extensive network of high-performing charter schools, seeks a Director of Research to join its team of dedicated education reformers. Every day, we work together to build and support a network of schools that provides children with a world-class public education. We currently educate nearly 14,000 students across 41 schools, and advocate to change public policy to provide all children with access to high quality public educational opportunities. Our Director of Research will be a key player in the larger Policy Team, and will support furthering the important work of schools, scholars, and the larger organization in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and dynamic environment.

The Director of Research will drive the generation of rigorous, independent research with the aim of identifying the best practices that have enabled Success Academy schools to flip the achievement gap in many of New York City’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. This position will entail: * Developing and implementing a comprehensive, time-bound plan for rigorous internal and external research projects, including a detailed plan to support Success Academy’s federal grant applications and the pursuit of other funding opportunities; * Establishing working partnerships with independent 3rd party research organizations focused on advocacy-based education research; * Drafting, developing, and implementing multiple research proposals focused on topics including, but not limited to, rigorous academics, school culture, non-cognitive factors, demographics of students and school staff, as well as examining the current scaling process of public charter schools; * Proposing potential opportunities and organizing approved events to share out research findings with other schools and education partner groups at national conferences and major think tanks; and * Liaising with Success Academy’s Communications and internal data teams to manage information requests for research projects and advise on how best to share out findings and analyses.

* Significant research experience; * Experience independently driving and managing large, complex research projects; * A strong interest in education or education reform; * Strong research, writing, problem solving, project management, and analytical abilities; * Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment; and * An ability to work well under pressure and keep track of multiple projects/deadlines.