Research and Knowledge Management Director

New Technology Foundation

 

Formed in 1999 and located in Napa, CA, New Technology Foundation (NTF) is a non-profit organization with a mission to reinvent teaching and learning for the 21st Century. NTF provides innovative techniques to engage their students and provides them with the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.  NTF has developed a model derived from the experience at Napa New Technology High School (NTHS), which opened in 1996 and pioneered these practices and processes. The New Tech model is based on a student-centered, project and problem-based learning approach, integrating not only course content but also 21st Century Skills into a cohesive whole. This new classroom environment is supported by a full suite of technology tools, developed specifically to manage a Project-Based Learning (PBL) classroom for teachers, student and parents alike.  To date, NTF has helped 42 schools replicate the NTHS model and it is widely regarded as one of the most promising new models for high school education today. Best practice from the growing NTHS Network of schools continuously improves the model, the materials and methods.

 

 

Job Description

 

The Research and Knowledge Management Director is a new position at NTF and reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The primary role of the Research Director will be to share knowledge gained and lessons learned from the national network of New Tech Schools to help inform schools within the network as well as practice and policy nationally. This individual will be responsible for documenting, aggregating and maintaining specific outcome metrics across the national network of New Tech Schools. In addition, the individual will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of evaluations and/or related projects at any of the schools by arranging, coordinating and facilitating meetings with evaluation consultants and program staff; developing research and evaluation questions; reviewing evaluation protocols and instruments; assisting in the data collection process as a liaison between school staff and consultants; and reviewing and sharing comments on all interim and final reports.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  Possess a deep understanding of research and evaluation tools and the metrics that are valued in the world of education Ability to creatively determine how to capture data that speak to all aspects of the New Tech model in addition to academic performance that give weight to the innovative practices and processes employed in the New Tech model. Create a research agenda outlining key data components that need to be collected to demonstrate the value of the New Tech model. Develop a consistent approach to both qualitative and quantitative data collection that can be adopted and practiced by all schools in the New Tech Network. Identify and/or develop measurement tools and data collection techniques sensitive to the New Tech model that create minimal administrative burden on practitioners. Assist schools in collecting and reporting data and telling their individual stories that demonstrate their student success. Gather and analyze data and research reported by individual schools from across the New Tech Network. Develop and create reports using individual school and aggregate data that will demonstrate the strength of the New Tech model to state and local decision makers. Work with staff at research organizations and higher education institutions in designing research studies specific to their geography or grant proposal needs Coordinate solicitation of funded evaluation proposals from external experts Coordinate closely with external and internal communication, public relations and cultivation staff on messaging and positioning. Communicate effectively with external parties requesting data, research studies and results, which will include district and State Department of Education staff, state and federal policy analysts, media and the press. Design presentations using the data and reports generated from the evaluation. Publicize, educate inform and answer questions about the effectiveness and the success and challenges of the NTHS Network Schools. Perform other duties/tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position as assigned

 

Job Requiremnets:

  Master’s degree required, doctorate preferred, preferably in anthropology or education (related social science disciplines will be considered depending on experience and interest);  3-5 years of relevant experience and previous publications preferred; High levels of resourcefulness, critical thinking, and creative problem solving skills; Superior analytical, written and verbal communication skills.;  Ability to facilitate meetings and group processes for the purposes of fact-finding, decision making, peer learning and problem solving with both internal and external parties. Experience with project management and negotiating school and district level cooperation Ability to communicate and work cooperatively in collaboration with other schools, businesses and internal staff; ability to both lead and participate on project teams  Excellent listening skills; can convey plans, instructions and details effectively to others High level of proficiency with a variety of software applications, including statistical and software programs Strong organizational and time management skills; able to prioritize work effectively, work well under pressure and adjust to multiple and competing demand  Able to hold the big picture as well as be detail oriented Ability to travel as needed  An entrepreneurial team player, who is detail oriented, able to address a number of priorities simultaneously and is comfortable in a start-up environment with fast growth and flexible roles

    

Responsibility for Errors

 

Client and funder confidence in data collection, analysis, and reporting is critical to NTF’s success. The Data Management, Evaluation and Research Manager must have the job knowledge to determine the correct actions to be taken on a timely basis and must be attentive to detail to ensure complete accuracy.

 

Confidentiality of Data

 

The Research and Knowledge Management Director has access to sensitive and confidential information and is trusted to maintain those files and documents properly. NTF is held to the same standards as all other organizations that have potential access to student data and is bound by applicable portions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.