The SouthWest Metro Intermediate District #288 has an opening for a Director of Research, Assessment & Evaluation at Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee, Minnesota.

SouthWest Metro serves students in 11 member districts and 8 associate member districts across the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area with programs in Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Care & Treatment, Adult Education, and Alternative Education. We invite you to embrace your own value, potential, and ability at SouthWest Metro, while empowering others to discover theirs. We work to empower ALL learners to realize their self-worth through personalized educational instruction, connection to resources, and access to a supportive learning environment.

Description
Director of Research, Assessment & Evaluation, 8 hours a day for 260 Contract Days, Year Round

Job Summary
The Director of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation leads the development, implementation, and oversight of the district's research agenda and evaluation systems to support data-driven decision-making. This role is responsible for designing and managing comprehensive research and evaluation strategies to assess educational programs, initiatives, and policies, ensuring alignment with the district's strategic goals and priorities. By translating complex data into actionable insights, the Director directs the district's data collection and analysis systems to support continuous improvement and student achievement. 

Research & Program Evaluation

• Design and lead program evaluations and impact studies of district initiatives, instructional programs, and interventions.
• Develop and maintain a district-wide research agenda and established calendar to assess program needs and effectiveness.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Review and approve internal and external research proposals in accordance with district policies and privacy requirements.

Accountability & Assessment Leadership

• Direct statewide and district assessment programs in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Monitor performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to student achievement and organizational effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate test results and findings to district leadership, the school board, and community stakeholders.
• Coordinate the administration of all federal, state, and local mandated assessments, including training staff on proper handling of secure materials.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Partner with academic, accountability, curriculum, and technology teams to ensure seamless integration of evaluation efforts and data systems.
• Ensure ethical and legal compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., FERPA) and district policy in all research and evaluation activities.
• Provide training and consultation to staff on best practices in research design, data interpretation, and program evaluation.
• Supervise research staff or contractors as needed and perform other comparable duties as assigned.

Other Duties

• Continue professional development through seminars, workshops, research, and professional meetings;
• Support district and school operations as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree required in business administration, educational leadership, or related field; Doctoral Degree strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in educational research or program evaluation, preferably in a school district or educational agency.
• Licensure: Minnesota teaching license required; Minnesota administrative license preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of research design methodologies, statistics, and data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata, or similar).
• Abilities: Exceptional ability to translate complex data into clear insights, maintain a growth mindset, and establish effective professional relationships.

Pay & Benefits
The pay range for this position is $125,000-$144,500 annually. A competitive and comprehensive benefit package available:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options
• Dependent Care FSA
• Vacation and Sick Time
• Personal Time Off
• Basic Life Insurance and AD&D
• Voluntary Life Insurance and AD&D
• 403(b) with a District dollar for dollar match
• TRA/PERA (Pension Plan)
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance

Application Procedure
Apply Online at swmetro.k12.mn.us/employment_opportunities

Selection Procedure
Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately until the position is filled. Those selected for interviews will be contacted.