Part-Time Research Fellow

Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that focuses on improving the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults. They are seeking a Part-Time Research Fellow to support the launch of a Vocational ESOL Resource Center, focusing on research design and evaluation strategies to enhance career-focused English training for immigrants.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and refinement of the overall research and evaluation strategy for this initiative, including developing core research questions, evaluation frameworks, and methodologies for vocational ESOL initiatives
• Support the development of a basic research strategy for the skilled immigrant recredentialing initiative
• For both initiatives, identify data collection parameters, including key fields, sources, and standardized definitions
• Design and implement data collection systems for grantees, built on existing database infrastructure, as well as evaluation tools
• Establish reporting requirements and evaluation protocols to ensure data quality, consistency, and compliance across providers
• Maintain clear documentation of systems, definitions, and processes utilized
• Conduct interviews, focus groups, field visits, and consultations with grantees, training participants, and external research partners
• Provide direct technical assistance to grantees on data collection, reporting, and evaluation expectations
• Build strong working relationships with program staff and partners to support effective implementation of evaluation practices
• Analyze participant outcomes using CommCorp’s data systems, including completion, credential attainment, job placement, and wage outcomes
• Synthesize findings to identify high-impact VESOL models, key program design features, and cost-effectiveness
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights and reports to inform program effectiveness, areas for improvement, and potential for future investments

Skills

• Experience conducting applied research or program evaluation in workforce development, adult education, or related social policy fields
• Experience with mixed-methods research, including qualitative data collection and quantitative analysis
• Experience preparing research memos, briefs, or concept papers for internal and external audiences
• Ability to design and implement participant-level data collection tools and protocols and ensure data quality and consistency across providers
• Ability to conduct interviews, focus groups, and consultations with providers, ESOL learners, employers, and subject-matter experts
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects forward with limited oversight
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including the ability to translate ambiguous questions into clear research approaches and actionable insights
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize findings for diverse audiences (funders, grantees, policymakers)
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners, including subject matter experts and program grantees
• Ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations for program and policy decisions

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