Research Project Manager, Employer Alignment

Strada's Employer Alignment focus area is driven by the belief that all individuals should have access to postsecondary programs that lead to quality jobs and mobility. Through initiatives like the State Opportunity Index, Strada leverages actionable research, policy solutions, and strategic partnerships to help states and regions align educational pathways with real-world workforce needs.

We are looking for a Research Project Manager who will serve as an operational and analytical support for the Employer Alignment team contributions to the Strada's State Opportunity Index. This unique role blends the organized workflows of a project manager with the inquisitive nature of a data analyst. Working at the intersection of process and insight, you will ensure that key deliverables stay on schedule while helping uncover and translate meaningful labor market and educational data.

This position is ideal for an early-career professional or someone stepping up from an administrative or junior coordination role who possesses strong technical data skills, exceptional organizational discipline, and a passion for connecting postsecondary education to quality career outcomes.

• A bachelor's degree in data analytics, economics, statistics, business, communications, or a related field. Applicants with experience that strongly aligns with the roles and responsibilities without a formal degree in these specific fields are highly encouraged to apply.
• 1 to 3 years of professional experience conducting quantitative data analysis on structured datasets, paired with project management or administrative coordination responsibilities.
• Foundational proficiency in querying and manipulating data using SQL, Python, or R, along with advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated experience building organized tracking systems, managing project timelines, and keeping complex initiatives running smoothly.
• Strong writing and communication skills, including the ability to write clear correspondence, draft briefing reports, and distill dense data findings into plain-language summaries for diverse stakeholders.
• An active curiosity for educational outcomes, state workforce data, labor market dynamics, and public policy.

• Experience working with education, government labor, or workforce development datasets (e.g., BLS, IPEDS, Census data)
• A proven track record of successful project management
• Comfort exploring or utilizing generative AI tools to streamline administrative workflows and data synthesis

• Collaborative and direct: you enjoy working in a team environment, value open communication, and provide straightforward, real-time updates
• Detail-oriented and meticulous: you take pride in accuracy, thorough follow-through, and ensuring administrative details do not fall through the cracks
• Deep commitment to Strada's mission of strengthening pathways between education and employment, particularly for underserved populations

Strada Education Foundation is a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the connections between education and employment — with a particular focus on people who've faced the greatest barriers to economic opportunity through postsecondary education and training. Our strategic plan centers on five priorities: clear outcomes, quality coaching, affordable postsecondary education and training, work-based learning, and employer alignment.

We partner with education and training providers, employers, policymakers, and peer organizations, and we bring philanthropy, research, advocacy, and communications together to advance equitable pathways to opportunity. We invest in our people the same way — with real learning and professional development opportunities, inside the organization and out.