The Contract Director of Data & Research will lead - and directly execute - Vital Network’s strategy for learning, evaluation, and data-informed improvement. This senior-level role combines strategic leadership with hands-on analysis and product development.

You will be the primary person conducting the technical data work - cleaning datasets, running analyses, building dashboards, and producing deliverables - while also shaping the broader learning strategy. This ensures that our data efforts are rigorous, actionable, and aligned with our mission to:

• PROVE our impact with clarity and evidence

• IMPROVE our programs through meaningful learning cycles

• MOVE the field by showing what healthy workplace environments for educators can be

This is a unique opportunity to shape a nationally relevant research and learning agenda while staying deeply connected to the practice of doing data and evaluation work.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Learning Architecture

• Own and evolve Vital’s theory of change, logic models, and impact frameworks.

• Design systems that translate evidence into action for internal teams, school leaders, and partners.

• Maintain a sharp focus on learning questions, mechanisms of impact, and field influence.

2. Data Execution & Technical Leadership

• Personally conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of educator survey data and other inputs.

• Manage and clean datasets; conduct statistical analysis and visualizations using tools such as Excel, R, SPSS, Stata, or equivalent.

• Conduct reliability and validity analyses of our survey instruments.

• Design and oversee the build of dashboards, memos, and reports (internal & external).

• Translate technical findings into accessible, actionable insights.

3. Team Learning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Guide the Learning & Insights Team in continuous learning, while serving as the hands-on lead for data execution.

• Collaborate across the organization to embed data strategy in product, program, and partnership work.

• Build team fluency in interpreting and applying findings.

• Manage and mentor research associates.

4. Evaluation, Research, & Field Contribution

• Lead mixed-methods evaluation strategy design for internal learning and external accountability.

• Execute all aspects of applied research studies, including design, analysis, and synthesis.

• Represent Vital’s insights through thought leadership, white papers, and strategic partnerships.

5. Statewide & Systems Partnerships

• Co-lead data strategy in partnerships with state departments of education and other large-scale entities.

• Align impact measurement with policy and system-level goals.

• Develop tools and processes that make our data relevant and useful at scale.

Key Deliverables

• Annual Insights Report: A flagship publication that synthesizes impact, trends, and strategic learning.

• Updated Theory of Change: Annual revision reflecting learning and program evolution.

• Partnership Dashboards & Memos: Tailored data deliverables for state and district partners.

• Internal Learning Infrastructure: Tools, cadences, and routines that help teams reflect and iterate effectively.

What Makes Someone a Strong Fit

• 10+ years of experience in data strategy, research, evaluation, or organizational learning—ideally in education or systems change.

• Proven ability to independently perform mixed-methods analysis and communicate insights effectively.

• Skilled in statistical analysis, data visualization, and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, R, Python, Tableau, SPSS).

• Expertise in theory of change development, applied research, and mixed-methods design.

• Experience translating insights for diverse audiences—from school leaders to policymakers.

• Skilled at leading cross-functional collaboration with humility, clarity, and systems thinking.

• A passion for equity, adult development, and building healthy institutions.

• Advanced degree in Education, Policy, Economics, or other Social Science 

One Year Contract with Opportunity for Renewal

Time Commitment: 8–10 hours/week; 32-40 hours/month

Compensation: $110–$125/hour
Start Date: September 2025

Reports to: Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Engagement Cadence: Weekly team meetings + quarterly scope reviews

Location: Remote with some in-person meetings; MN-based highly preferred but not required

To Apply

Please complete this application form to apply. Be sure to include a thoughtful cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role, along with your resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Vital Network

Vital Network exists to radically improve the daily work experience of educators so they can thrive - and stay - in the profession. We partner with schools, districts, and state agencies to build healthy workplace conditions that reduce burnout, increase job satisfaction, and strengthen school communities.

Our approach is rooted in systemic change, grounded in educator voice, and fueled by hope and experimentation. We don’t offer silver bullets - we guide a process of inquiry, action, and reflection that helps school systems do the hard, human work of transformation.

Vital is in an exciting growth phase, with national visibility, multi-state partnerships, and a bold vision for reshaping the future of educator well-being.