Careers at RFA
Join Our Team
Do you want to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment? Do you want your research to make a difference?
If so, RFA may be the place for you. Please see our job openings below. To apply for a position, please read the instructions below. Click on the job title for a detailed description. If you have any difficulties, please contact us at HR@researchforaction.org.
Make sure to check back frequently for new opportunities.
Full Time Openings
Research Director
Research For Action (RFA) is looking for two Research Directors to build and lead two newly restructured and collaborative education research departments that apply a wide range of culturally responsive and community-informed research approaches in education to identify, explore, support, and evaluate initiatives that aim to promote systems change for the advancement of racial equity and social justice. The Research Directors will be responsible for developing and overseeing a portfolio of mission-aligned education research projects within their departments, spanning pre-K through postsecondary, and for leading a collaborative team of diverse researchers in its execution through human-centered and equitable management practices. They will provide day-to-day leadership for their department and project teams.
Reporting directly to the Chief Research Officer (CRO), Research Directors are key members of RFA’s leadership structure who actively contribute to developing organizational strategies that further advance RFA’s mission internally and externally and serve as a critical liaison between research team members and leadership. The Research Directors will play an integral role in refining the goals and strategy of their new departments through a highly collaborative and inclusive process. Candidates for these positions thrive in dynamic environments and are able to capitalize on the opportunities that come with uncertainty. They bring a strong commitment and toolkit to apply critical and equitable approaches to research, a strong asset-based approach to management, and a complementary set of research skills and expertise. Click here to learn more and for application instructions.
Director of People and Culture
Research for Action (RFA) is looking for a highly collaborative and human-centered Director of People and Culture with demonstrated proficiency in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). This is a management position in the organization and serves as the lead designer and implementer of RFA’s human resource enterprise. The Director will develop, direct, and implement the full scope of human resource functions at RFA, with primary emphasis on people and DEIB: building and reinforcing culture, developing equitable systems and processes for staff engagement and continuing education, recruiting and retaining talent, training/upskilling/reinforcing equitable management practices, and ensuring a positive full cycle experience for all staff members. The Director will report to RFA’s Chief Operating Officer. They will also lead and contribute to strategic organizational initiatives, including building internal systems to support staff engagement, and engage other organizational activities as appropriate. The Director will manage external vendors who will process payroll and administer benefits, allowing the Director to prioritize internal culture-building and DEIB. Click here to read more about this opportunity.