Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 4166)

Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers perform some or all of the following duties:

• do quantitative and qualitative research, produce reports and manage education or post-secondary education policies and programs
• evaluate program curriculum and recommend improvements
• develop the structure, content and objectives of new programs
• do statistical analyses to determine the cost and effectiveness of education or post-secondary education policies and programs
• provide ongoing professional development, training and consultative services to teachers and other professionals throughout the public and private sector
• deliver presentations at conferences, workshops and symposia
• may supervise the work of other education policy researchers, consultants or program officers
• may administer specialized testing and assessment programs
• develop teaching materials and other resources for program delivery

Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers usually work in an office setting with regular working hours And possibly some overtime.

These professionals may work individually or as part of a research team. Travel may be required to gather information or to attend meetings, workshops or conferences.

Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers use computers, so they need to be aware of the stresses placed on the neck, back and shoulders while at their workstations.

Job openings in the coming years will result from new job creation and the need to replace retiring workers.

Most job openings will likely be found in consulting firms, professional associations, research institutes, educational institutions and non-government organizations. Industry sources expect more work opportunities to be either part time or contractual, with self-employment becoming more common.

There may be regional differences in demand for workers in this occupation because of difficulties with recruitment and retention in rural areas. Industry sources also report that employers have difficulty filling some senior-level positions because of a shortage of experienced workers.

Job prospects are best for those with advanced degrees.