Education and Policy Research Associate

Apply Now

Position Summary

Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) is seeking a full-time strategic and collaborative researcher to join our team. This role is integral to advancing and developing key partnerships with education policy-makers and leaders across California. The researcher will manage and contribute to research topics and initiatives focused on strengthening state policies and structures that support PK–12 education systems, with an emphasis on producing actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.

Working in a highly collaborative environment, the researcher will help ensure PACE’s research efforts are timely, rigorous, and responsive to the needs of California's educational system. The role requires an individual who brings a high degree of emotional intelligence, strong analytic skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build trust with a wide range of partners.

This position is an appointment with Stanford University, where PACE’s office is located. Consideration will be given to a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite) because the position requires regular travel throughout California. Candidates should submit a cover letter and CV addressing their interest in and qualifications for the position. Applications should be submitted through the Stanford University Careers application portal. Initial review of applications will begin on April 16, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Please note: The official Stanford posting refers to this position as a "1-year fixed term appointment." This position is funded by external grants (and, as a result, is not affected by the Stanford staff hiring freeze). We expect to renew this appointment annually; this posting is to replace someone who has held the position for over 5 years.

About Us

Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) is an independent, nonpartisan research center that bridges academic research and education policy in California. Founded in 1983, PACE is a collaboration between Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA, and USC, and is housed at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). It plays a critical role in providing high-quality research and evidence-based policy recommendations to improve education in California. PACE’s unique position as a collaborative effort of leading universities provides it with unparalleled credibility and access to expertise across the state.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and manage research partnerships with external collaborators, including state-level and district-level leaders, policymakers, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis aligned with PACE’s research agenda.
• Translate research findings into accessible and actionable deliverables for diverse audiences, including policymakers, superintendents, and other education stakeholder groups.
• Represent PACE in public presentations, convenings, and seminars across California and at times nationally.
• Adapt quickly and build a working understanding of existing research to meet new research and policy needs as priorities shift based on funding, legislative timelines, or field interests.
• Collaborate with internal team members and external partners (e.g., faculty, consultants, other education experts) to ensure timely and high-quality project execution.
• Flexibly contribute to PACE’s broader research and policy agenda as needed.

Qualifications of the successful applicant:

• Professional experience in PK–12 education, ideally as a teacher, school leader, or district administrator.
• Demonstrated knowledge of education policy, systems change, and the political landscape shaping California’s public education system.
• Exceptional communication skills across academic, practitioner, and policymaking audiences.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly, candidly, and with respect to the audience’s context and needs.
• Comfort operating without formal authority in high-stakes settings; strong influencing skills.
• Experience designing and understanding how to manage research studies, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Master's or higher degree in education, public policy, or related field.
• Grasp of existing research related to systems change and improvement.
• Understanding of current CA educational context and historical underpinnings.

Key Skills for success:

• Builds trust-based relationships with partners and navigates spaces with political and positional power imbalances.
• Analyzes and synthesizes information with attention to detail and nuance.
• Maintains a learning stance, demonstrating openness to feedback, reflection, and real-time adaptation.
• Takes initiative, follows through reliably, and contributes with a team-first mindset in a small, mission-driven organization.
• Manages time effectively and balances multiple priorities.
• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence and cultural competence.

Working conditions:

• This position is in-person or hybrid, with periodic in-person travel in California (roughly 20% time) expected to meet with partners, attend conferences, and participate in internal team retreats or convenings.
• Schedule flexibility is required to accommodate partner availability and travel demands.
• The role reports directly to the Director of Strategic Partnerships and is part of a small, highly collaborative team.

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to): the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

If this sounds like a fit for your professional interests and goals, please apply here.

Why Stanford Is for You

Stanford’s dedicated 16,000+ staff come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy and improve lives on a global scale. We provide market competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our unique perks align with what matters to you. We pride ourselves in being a culture that both encourages and empowers you.