Research and Demonstration Associate

Advertising Summary: Join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities. The Research and Demonstration Associate provides training, coaching, and technical assistance to educators and school divisions, develops innovative learning resources, and supports research and statewide initiatives focused on transition services. This collaborative role is ideal for a strong communicator who is passionate about education, capacity-building, and helping transition-age students succeed.

Unit: School Of Education MBU

Department: SOE Spec Ed and DP RRTC

Department Summary: VCU's Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC), School of Education is dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities by supporting educators, school divisions, and statewide initiatives focused on transition services. Through training, coaching, technical assistance, research, and resource development, the team builds capacity across educational systems to help transition-age students achieve successful postsecondary, employment, and independent living outcomes. Working collaboratively with stakeholders, the department promotes innovation, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement to enhance educational opportunities and student success.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Research and Demonstration Associate supports the mission of improving the transition outcomes for students with disabilities through a range of training and technical assistance activities. The role includes coaching division transition leaders on the implementation of research-based practices and high leverage practices, through presentations, facilitating communities of practice, and coaching educators in transition best practices in the field. The position responsibilities also include the conceptualization and development of training materials, such as course scripts, training manuals, and educational resources to support statewide learning on critical transition topics. The position requires working closely with public schools and divisions to build capacity and improve services for transition-age students. The position also requires engagement in research activities including recruitment, data collection, and dissemination. Additional duties include communication and collaboration with external partners including adult service agencies, organizations, and educational entities. The nature of this position requires strong interpersonal, organizational and live-presentation skills, and includes timely responding, a substantial amount of teamwork, and flexibility with regard to changing activities.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Master’s degree in education, rehabilitation counseling or a related field/equivalent training.

Extensive knowledge of evidence-based transition practices that facilitate postschool employment, education, and/or community living for students with disabilities.

Prior experience in training and technical assistance in public school settings.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to travel regionally and overnight.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience in teaching or administration in public school systems.

Knowledge of or experience in working with adult service agencies and organizations that promote transition to employment, education, or community living settings.

Knowledge of employment programs for transition-age youth with disabilities (e.g., Project SEARCH, Start on Success, etc.).

Knowledge of federal, state, and local policies/regulations impacting secondary transition services and post-school outcomes (e.g., Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Perkins V, etc.)

Prior experience developing and implementing live and online training and education.

Salary Range: 85,000-90,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Rank: Instructor

Tenure: Ineligible

Months: 12 months

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Jaclyn Camden
Contact Email:  jlcamden2@vcu.edu