Director, Education Research Center (ERC)

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S07057P Position Title Director, Education Research Center (ERC) Functional Title Department Economic Political & Policy Salary Range $83,000, Commensurate with education and experience Pay Basis Monthly Position Status Regular full-time Location Richardson Position End Date (if temporary) Posting Open Date 05/26/2026 Posting Close Date 06/01/2026 Open Until Filled No Desired Start Date 08/01/2026 Job Summary

The University of Texas at Dallas - Texas Schools Project

UT Dallas seeks a Director for its Education Research Center (ERC), one of three state-authorized centers established by the Texas Legislature to facilitate research using longitudinal education and workforce data.

The UT Dallas ERC provides researchers with access to deidentified, individual-level administrative data spanning P-12 education, higher education, and workforce outcomes. The dataset includes more than 1.5 billion observations dating back to 1990 and is drawn from the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the National Student Clearinghouse.

About the Role

The Director leads the day-to-day operations of the UT Dallas ERC, ensuring the center fulfills its legislative mandate to support high-quality research that benefits education in Texas. A central responsibility of the role is guiding researchers through the ERC proposal process from initial intake and data feasibility assessment to proposal development, submission to the ERC Advisory Board, and post-approval compliance. The Director also manages extension requests and additional data requests, oversees data security and confidentiality protocols, and represents the UT Dallas ERC to the Advisory Board and state agency partners.

The Director oversees fee-for-service research support offerings, including proposal development assistance, custom dataset construction, metrics computation, and statistical analysis. The position also involves maintaining and expanding relationships with researchers across universities, state agencies, school districts, and other education stakeholders.

This is a grant-funded position. Salary will be dependent on experience and qualifications. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related progressive experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in public policy, education policy, economics, or a closely related field
• Experience working with large-scale administrative education data
• Experience with Texas education data systems, including TEA, THECB, and TWC
• Experience managing research operations or a data center
• Record of published research utilizing administrative education data
• Preference will be given to internal applicants

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with state and federal data privacy requirements, including FERPA
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with researchers, policymakers, and state agency staff
• Knowledge of quantitative and econometric methods used in education policy research

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the operations of the UT Dallas ERC, including staff supervision, budget management, and strategic planning
• Guide researchers through the proposal submission and review process, providing substantive feedback to strengthen proposals for ERC Advisory Board consideration
• Serve as a liaison to the ERC Advisory Board, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Workforce Commission
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, state data confidentiality requirements, and ERC security protocols
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of research-ready, standardized datasets
• Manage fee-for-service research support engagements with external partners
• Facilitate researcher onboarding, including IRB documentation, FERPA training verification, and execution of confidentiality agreements
• Represent the UT Dallas ERC at conferences, legislative briefings, and stakeholder meetings

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong leadership and operational management capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and agency partners
• High attention to detail, particularly in ensuring data security, compliance, and accuracy
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and guide research development effectively

Physical Demands and Working Conditions Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information

Work will be performed on-site and in person.

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

Special Instructions Summary Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Please describe any/all experience related to this position.

(Open Ended Question)

• Please indicate your highest degree level:
• None
• Associate's
• Bachelor's
• Master's
• Juris Doctor
• PhD or equivalent

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214