School Policy Researcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of education, the focus on School Policy Researchers has never been more crucial.

Education progresses, and with each advancement, the demand for proficient individuals who can investigate, develop, and implement educational policies grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a School Policy Researcher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of school policy research,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable School Policy Researcher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School Policy Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

School Policy Researchers focus on conducting research related to education policies, practices, and systems in order to provide effective recommendations for improvements.

They work closely with educators, administrators, and policy makers to influence the development of educational standards.

The duties and responsibilities of a School Policy Researcher include:

• Conducting research on various educational policies and practices to gather information
• Analyzing collected data to develop insights on the effectiveness of current policies
• Collaborating with educational stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and policy makers
• Providing detailed reports and presenting research findings to relevant stakeholders
• Identifying gaps in current policies and suggesting improvements based on research findings
• Keeping abreast of developments and changes in the educational landscape
• Contributing to policy development and refinement based on evidence collected
• Assisting in the development of strategies to implement new or revised policies
• Reviewing and assessing the impact of implemented policies on schools and education outcomes

 

School Policy Researcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented School Policy Researcher to analyze and develop educational policies.

Your responsibilities include researching various educational policies, analyzing their effects on school operations, and suggesting improvements or new policies where necessary.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the educational system and possesses an understanding of laws and regulations governing education.

Ultimately, the role of the School Policy Researcher is to contribute to the improvement of the educational system through the development of efficient and effective school policies.

 

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze existing educational policies
• Identify and evaluate the effects of current policies on school operations
• Develop new policies and suggest improvements to existing ones based on findings
• Prepare reports and present research findings
• Stay updated on laws and regulations related to education
• Collaborate with educators, administrators, and policymakers to implement policies
• Work closely with educational institutions and organizations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a policy researcher, preferably in the education sector
• Knowledge of research methodologies and data analysis techniques
• Familiarity with laws and regulations in education
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex policy issues
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A Bachelor’s degree in Education Policy, Public Policy, or a related field

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Policy Researcher
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings or consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Education Policy.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Policy Researcher Do?

A School Policy Researcher typically works for educational institutions, government agencies, or independent research firms.

They can also work as consultants on a contractual basis.

Their primary role involves conducting extensive research on various aspects of education policies.

This can include curriculum development, teacher training, student welfare, special education programs, and standardized testing, among others.

School Policy Researchers use a variety of research methods to gather data, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

They then analyze this data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in education policy.

Their findings are often used to influence decision-making processes in education, with the aim of improving teaching practices, student learning outcomes, and overall school effectiveness.

They may also be involved in writing reports and presenting their research findings to stakeholders such as school boards, government officials, and the public.

These reports provide evidence-based recommendations for changes or improvements in school policy.

In addition, School Policy Researchers may work closely with educators and administrators to implement and evaluate the impact of these policy changes.

They may also provide training and professional development to staff members on policy-related issues.

Their work requires a deep understanding of the education system, strong research skills, and the ability to communicate complex findings in a clear and accessible manner.

 

School Policy Researcher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient School Policy Researcher should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the unique needs of this role, which include:

• Exceptional research skills to compile and analyze data relating to school policies, trends, and outcomes.
• Understanding and knowledge of the education system, school policies, and related legal regulations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret complex information and develop meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings and policy recommendations to various stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and policy makers.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when collecting and presenting data and information.
• Good organizational and project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges that may arise during research processes and to provide effective solutions based on research findings.
• Proficiency in using various research tools and software for data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with education professionals, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

 

School Policy Researcher Experience Requirements

School Policy Researchers typically hold a master’s degree or higher in Education, Public Policy, or a related field, gaining a substantial amount of theoretical knowledge in these areas.

Through the course of their educational journey, they may also gain practical experience through internships, research assistant roles, or part-time work in education or policy-related environments.

Such experience can often be counted towards the requirements of entry-level School Policy Researcher roles.

For entry-level roles, candidates may need 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in policy analysis or research, educational administration, or a related field.

This experience can be accrued through internships, graduate assistant roles, or relevant work in an educational or non-profit setting.

School Policy Researchers with more than 3 years of experience have often honed their skills in policy analysis, data collection, and report writing, typically in junior or mid-level researcher roles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often possess leadership experience, having guided policy research projects or led teams of researchers.

These seasoned professionals may be equipped for senior researcher or research director roles, shaping policy direction and strategy at a higher level.

 

School Policy Researcher Education and Training Requirements

School Policy Researchers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, sociology or a related field.

They must have a strong understanding of educational practices, policy creation, and statistical analysis.

Proficiency in research methodologies and data analysis tools such as SPSS, SAS, R, or similar is also often required.

Many positions require a master’s degree or doctoral degree in education policy, educational leadership, sociology or a closely related field.

Such advanced degrees often focus on research methods, educational theory, and policy analysis, preparing graduates for the in-depth research that this role often requires.

Some roles may also require experience in a school or educational setting, providing practical understanding of education policies and their impacts.

In addition, some School Policy Researchers pursue further training or certification in areas such as data analysis, project management or policy analysis to enhance their skill set and career prospects.

A passion for education, strong critical thinking skills, and a commitment to creating policies that improve educational outcomes are key traits of successful School Policy Researchers.

 

School Policy Researcher Salary Expectations

A School Policy Researcher can expect to earn an average salary of $60,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as experience, educational qualifications, the scale of the research project, geographical location, and the funding capacity of the employing educational institution or organization.

 

School Policy Researcher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School Policy Researcher need?

A School Policy Researcher should have strong analytical and critical thinking skills to effectively examine and interpret data.

They should also have excellent research skills to source and comprehend relevant information.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are key, as they will need to present their findings to various stakeholders, including school administrators and policymakers.

 

Do School Policy Researchers need a degree?

Yes, a degree is typically required for a School Policy Researcher position.

Most employers will look for a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, sociology, psychology, public policy, or a related field.

Some positions may require or prefer a master’s degree or higher, especially those involving extensive research or leadership roles.

 

What should you look for in a School Policy Researcher resume?

A School Policy Researcher’s resume should highlight relevant education, including degrees and any specific coursework related to education policy or research methods.

In addition, look for experience in conducting research, analyzing data, and writing detailed reports.

Experience in the education sector, familiarity with current education policies, and knowledge of statistical analysis software can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good School Policy Researcher?

A good School Policy Researcher is detail-oriented and methodical, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their research.

They should be curious and motivated to investigate and understand complex issues in education policy.

Strong communication skills are essential, as they often need to present their findings to diverse audiences.

Additionally, they should be able to work independently and manage their time effectively to meet research deadlines.

 

What are the daily duties of a School Policy Researcher?

A School Policy Researcher typically spends their day conducting research on various education policies, analyzing data collected, and writing detailed reports on their findings.

They may also attend meetings with school administrators, educators, and policymakers to present their research and offer policy recommendations.

Occasionally, they may be required to publish their research in academic journals or present at conferences.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve just revealed what being a school policy researcher truly entails.

Surprise!

It’s not only about conducting research.

It’s about shaping the educational future, one policy at a time.

With our tried-and-true school policy researcher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Take a deeper dive with our job description generator. It’s your roadmap to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every policy researched contributes to a greater educational landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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