Flood Center Research Coach & Professional Learning Specialist

About the Dudley Flood Center

The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity is a statewide program dedicated to expanding educational opportunity across North Carolina through leadership development, research, coaching, technical assistance, community engagement, and systems change.

Named in honor of Dr. Dudley E. Flood, the Center serves as a statewide hub that connects educators, communities, policymakers, researchers, and partners to strengthen public education through collaboration, innovation, and shared leadership.

Our work is grounded in the belief that meaningful and lasting change occurs when research informs practice, leaders are supported, communities are engaged, and organizations work together toward a common purpose.

Summary/Objective:

In collaboration with leadership, the Research, Coaching & Professional Learning Specialist serves as the Center's primary architect for translating research, evidence, and best practices into meaningful learning experiences that strengthen educators, leaders, schools, districts, and partner organizations.

This role ensures that the Flood Center's work is informed by research, responsive to community needs, and implemented through high-quality coaching, professional learning, technical assistance, and evaluation.By connecting research to practice, this position strengthens the Center's statewide impact while helping educators and organizations improve outcomes for students and communities.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions: 

1. Advance Research and Learning

• Develop and implement the Center's research agenda.
• Identify emerging research and promising practices that inform the Center's work.
• Translate research into actionable tools, resources, and learning experiences.
• Collaborate with universities, researchers, and partner organizations.
• Build systems for capturing and sharing Center centered learning.
• Support staff in using evidence to inform decision-making.
• Contribute to publications, issue briefs, and thought leadership.

2. Design and Deliver Coaching & Professional Learning

• Design professional learning aligned with Center priorities.
• Develop coaching models that support sustained implementation.
• Facilitate learning experiences for educators, school leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
• Customize learning experiences based on participant needs.
• Ensure learning experiences reflect adult learning principles.
• Monitor participant engagement and learning outcomes.
• Continuously improve learning experiences using participant feedback.

3. Lead the Framework for Change

• Lead implementation of the Framework for Change.
• Adapt the framework for diverse audiences and contexts.
• Develop supporting tools, facilitation guides, and resources.
• Train staff and partners in effective implementation.
• Evaluate implementation fidelity and outcomes.
• Refine the framework based on learning and evidence.

4. Strengthen Learning Networks and Technical Assistance

• Design and facilitate learning networks.
• Provide technical assistance to districts, schools, nonprofits, and partners.
• Support collaborative problem-solving.
• Build communities of practice.
• Connect organizations with resources and expertise.
• Promote peer learning and knowledge sharing.

5. Lead Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Develop evaluation plans for center initiatives.
• Design data collection tools.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative findings.
• Prepare evaluation reports for internal and external audiences.
• Use evaluation findings to inform decision-making.
• Support grant reporting requirements.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in K–12 education, coaching, or education policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and educational justice.
• Experience designing and facilitating equity-focused professional learning.
• Strong applied research skills, including data collection, analysis, and synthesis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff or fellows.

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree or higher in education, public policy, or a related field
• Experience working in or with North Carolina schools or education-focused nonprofits.
• Familiarity with state-level education policy and school improvement frameworks.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy, restorative practices, or systems change models.

Skills and Capabilities: 

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills required; communicate and be committed to the organization’s mission, vision and principles.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize work, multi-task and be detail oriented
• Strong project management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to turn abstract ideas into fully developed plans - able to translate theory into action
• Ability to be flexible and willing to change directions easily
• Strong team player and willing to help others across the organization
• Self motivated
• Volunteer experience in other organizations
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of individuals, proactively communicate to mitigate questions, concerns and so all parties feel heard.
• Proficient technological skills in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, Tableau, & WordPress

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 5 -15 pounds at times

Travel required: 

• Up to 25% of responsibilities for this role includes statewide travel 
• This is a hybrid role and the Research, Coaching & Professional Learning Specialist is required to be in the office once a week, in addition to select meetings and events. Background check required for employment.