Job Description
Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that focuses on improving the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults. They are seeking a Part-Time Research Fellow to support the launch of a Vocational ESOL Resource Center, focusing on research design and evaluation strategies to enhance career-focused English training for immigrants. Responsibilities Lead development and refinement of the overall research and evaluation strategy for this initiative, including developing core research questions, evaluation frameworks, and methodologies for vocational ESOL initiatives Support the development of a basic research strategy for the skilled immigrant recredentialing initiative For both initiatives, identify data collection parameters, including key fields, sources, and standardized definitions Design and implement data collection systems for grantees, built on existing database infrastructure, as well as evaluation tools Establish reporting requirements and evaluation protocols to ensure data quality, consistency, and compliance across providers Maintain clear documentation of systems, definitions, and processes utilized Conduct interviews, focus groups, field visits, and consultations with grantees, training participants, and external research partners Provide direct technical assistance to grantees on data collection, reporting, and evaluation expectations Build strong working relationships with program staff and partners to support effective implementation of evaluation practices Analyze participant outcomes using CommCorp’s data systems, including completion, credential attainment, job placement, and wage outcomes Synthesize findings to identify high-impact VESOL models, key program design features, and cost-effectiveness Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights and reports to inform program effectiveness, areas for improvement, and potential for future investments Skills Experience conducting applied research or program evaluation in workforce development, adult education, or related social policy fields Experience with mixed-methods research, including qualitative data collection and quantitative analysis Experience preparing research memos, briefs, or concept papers for internal and external audiences Ability to design and implement participant-level data collection tools and protocols and ensure data quality and consistency across providers Ability to conduct interviews, focus groups, and consultations with providers, ESOL learners, employers, and subject-matter experts Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects forward with limited oversight Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including the ability to translate ambiguous questions into clear research approaches and actionable insights Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize findings for diverse audiences (funders, grantees, policymakers) Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners, including subject matter experts and program grantees Ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations for program and policy decisions Company Overview Building skills for a strong economy. It was founded in 1996, and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is