Director of Research, Education Rights Institute, School of Law

R0066650 Director of Research, Education Rights Institute, School of Law

The Education Rights Institute (ERI) at the University of Virginia School of Law seeks a dynamic and collaborative Director of Research. This is a new position that will work under the direction of and closely with the Institute’s director, Professor Kimberly Jenkins Robinson.

Launched in 2023, the ERI aims to expand the opportunity for every student in the United States to enjoy a right to a high-quality education that empowers them to be college and career ready and engaged civic participants. ERI accomplishes this goal by advancing the following strategic priorities:

• Producing scholarship and commentary that engages public debate and support for legislation or litigation guaranteeing a federal right to a high-quality education;
• Producing reports videos and webinars that help school districts understand their obligations to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and engaging with school districts to support their understanding and compliance so that all students can enjoy equal educational opportunity;
• Amplifying research about educational opportunity gaps and their impact on individuals, families, communities, democracy and our economy through digital and other modern communication strategies to increase public awareness of these gaps; and,
• Serving as a catalyst that expands the capacity of school districts to better utilize federal laws, regulations, policies, research and assistance that can increase access to high-quality schools and close opportunity gaps so that more students are college and career ready and engaged citizens;
• Hosting invitation-only and public convenings and events about the above topics.

The Institute does not represent individual clients in legal proceedings.

The Director of Research will partner with the Director and the ERI team to produce and promote high-quality scholarship regarding education opportunity gaps and a federal right to education. The Director of Research will assist with developing a strategy for increasing school district, school board members, educators understanding and utilization of federal laws, policies, research and assistance to expand their capacity to deliver a high-quality education. The Director of Research will also assist raising awareness about these issues for students, families and community members.

The Director of Research’s responsibilities include:

• Write and publish research regarding educational opportunity gaps and a federal right to education in collaboration with the Director and the ERI team.
• Guide the Institute’s approach to the review and synthesis of education literature and potentially original data collection.
• Collaborate with the Director and the Director of Programming to create and implement a strategic plan for the Institute’s goals and operations.
• Assist with the creation and implementation of a plan to organize, amplify and communicate existing research and data on educational opportunity gaps, particularly socioeconomic, racial, national origin and geographic (rural and urban) gaps, including through social media, and by writing and publishing reports, editorials, etc.
• Manage a plan for social media engagement for the Institute in conjunction with the Director and the Research and Policy Associate.
• Contribute to the development of a plan to increase district compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including research and publications regarding policies and practices that have a disparate impact on the basis of race, color or national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and how districts can remedy such violations of federal law.
• Support invitation-only and public convenings and events about the Institute’s priorities.
• Supervise the Research and Policy Associate(s).
• Support and collaborate on the overall work of the Institute with all of its staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Education, Education Policy, Research/Statistics/Evaluation, or related field.
• 1+ year post-graduate relevant experience.
• Understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.
• Understanding of large-scale data analysis or longitudinal studies.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other professionals to achieve common aims.
• Ability to work diligently, efficiently and independently in a fast-paced, detail-oriented and highly flexible work environment.
• Ability to travel and attend conferences and meet in person with the Institute’s intended audience.
• Strong ability to make large and small group presentations.
• Proficiency with standard office software to include Microsoft 365.

Preferred Experience:

• J.D. from an ABA approved law school or foreign equivalent.
• Strong record of publications in academic journals, reports, or other outlets.
• Experience translating complex social science concepts for consumption by the general public.
• Experience managing research projects and teams.
• Experience working in K-12 schools.
• Experience applying for, receiving and implementing proposals for grant funding.

This is a full-time Academic University Staff position with benefits. 

This is a gift funded restricted position contingent on funding and performance.

This position is eligible for remote work consistent with Law School policies, with a preference for the ability to work in-office.

The anticipated start date is Summer 2025.

To Apply: 

Apply online at http://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0066650/Director-of-Research-Education-Rights-Institute-School-of-Law. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete the application, and upload the following:

• Cover letter
• CV/resume
• Writing sample
• Names and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate.

*** Please note that ALL REQUESTED documents MUST be uploaded in the resume submission field, and you can combine documents into one PDF. *** 

***Applications that do not have all the required documents will not receive full consideration.*** 

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Kimberly Robinson, Professor of Law, at krobinson@law.virginia.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter at hjv5vm@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia School of Law is consistently recognized as one of the top law schools in the country. The environment at the Law School is both active and supportive, with a strong sense of collegiality among students, faculty, and staff and a commitment to excellence and service.

The School of Law is located in Charlottesville, VA, a college town setting with natural beauty and significant historical relevance in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville is a wonderful place to live with an extraordinary quality of life, often ranked among the best places to live in the United States.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.