Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Research

at Accelerate: The National Collaborative for Accelerated Learning

🏢 About Accelerate: The National Collaborative for Accelerated Learning

Accelerate is a unique national collaborative that bridges research and practice in K-12 education, partnering directly with states to scale evidence-based interventions. Working here means contributing to systemic change by ensuring that rigorous research informs real-world policy and classroom practice, with a focus on equity and measurable student progress.

About This Role

As Director of Research, you will manage a portfolio of externally-conducted studies, ensuring methodological rigor and alignment with Accelerate's mission. This role is impactful because you will directly oversee the quality of evidence that states use to make decisions about scaling programs that affect millions of students, turning research into action.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing a research partner's interim report for methodological soundness, meeting with a state education agency to align research questions with their needs, and preparing a briefing for the program team on portfolio progress. You'll also troubleshoot data access issues with partners and update project tracking systems to ensure milestones are met.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Accelerate: The National Collaborative for Accelerated Learning

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Accelerate: The National Collaborative for Accelerated Learning Is Looking For

  • Holds a PhD in education policy, public policy, economics of education, or a closely related field, with significant post-doctoral experience in applied K-12 research.
  • Has deep expertise in rigorous research methodologies, particularly RCTs and quasi-experimental designs, and familiarity with implementation science.
  • Proven experience managing external research partners or grantees in a foundation, government, or nonprofit context, including overseeing milestones and deliverables.
  • Strong relationship management skills, able to serve as the primary point of contact for research partners and coordinate with internal program teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Accelerate: The National Collaborative for Accelerated Learning

1

Highlight specific examples of managing external research partnerships, including how you ensured quality and timeliness of deliverables.

2

Demonstrate your knowledge of implementation science by mentioning frameworks or studies you've used to understand program fidelity and scale.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with state-level education policy or partnerships, as Accelerate works directly with states.

4

Include a brief statement in your cover letter about why you are passionate about translating research into practice at scale.

5

Mention any familiarity with Accelerate's work or similar collaboratives (e.g., the National Student Support Accelerator) to show you've done your homework.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to using rigorous evidence to improve educational outcomes, especially for historically underserved students.', 'Specific examples of managing research portfolios and building relationships with external partners.', 'Your understanding of the challenges in scaling evidence-based practices in K-12 education and how your skills can address them.', "Alignment with Accelerate's collaborative, state-partnership model and your interest in working remotely with a national team."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Accelerate's website and recent reports to understand their current research priorities and partner states.
  • → Look into the National Student Support Accelerator and other collaboratives Accelerate partners with to grasp their network.
  • → Read about the evidence base for high-dosage tutoring or other interventions Accelerate focuses on to speak knowledgeably.
  • → Understand the landscape of education research funding and how Accelerate fits into the broader ecosystem (e.g., IES, foundations).
Visit Accelerate: The National Collaborative for Accelerated Learning's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure the quality and rigor of a study conducted by an external partner while respecting their independence?
2 Describe a time you had to manage a research partnership that was behind schedule or had methodological issues. What did you do?
3 How do you stay current with research methodologies like RCTs and quasi-experimental designs, and how do you apply them in practice?
4 Given Accelerate's state partnerships, how would you communicate research findings to non-research audiences like policymakers or educators?
5 What is your experience with implementation science, and how do you think it should inform the design of studies in a scaling context?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not demonstrating specific knowledge of rigorous research methods (RCTs, QED) in your application or interview.
  • Focusing only on academic research without showing how you've managed partnerships or translated findings for practitioners.
  • Overlooking the importance of implementation science; failing to address how you think about program fidelity and context in studies.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Accelerate: The National Collaborative for Accelerated Learning!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →