About WestEd
What is WestEd?
WestEd calls itself "a nonpartisan research, development, and service agency" that "works to promote excellence, improve learning, and increase opportunity for children, youth, and adults." Its staff "partner with policymakers, district leaders, school leaders, communities, and others, providing a broad range of tailored services, including research and evaluation, professional learning, technical assistance, and policy guidance."
"Our work began in 1966 when Congress funded regional educational laboratories (RELs) across the country to bridge the gap between research and practice", and the agency has worked "for almost 60 years to improve learning and healthy development at all stages of life." It envisions "a future in which all learners have access to high-quality educational opportunities that position them for success and in which all communities are strong, safe spaces of self-determination and well-being." Its work spans focus areas such as literacy, mathematics education, early childhood and infant/toddler care, special education, English learners, assessment, education finance, and justice and prevention, and its careers page adds health, labor and child welfare.
Where will I work?
WestEd "has multiple offices nationwide, with headquarters based in San Francisco", at 730 Harrison Street. Its postings carry the same notice about where the work happens: "Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee’s convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question." On 2026-10-08 its board listed two roles: a Program Associate on IDEA fiscal systems and accountability, tagged remote, and a temporary Infant Toddler Specialist in Los Angeles paid $50 an hour.
What is the WestEd team like?
Its values are to "Lead With Inquiry", "Create Sustained Impact", "Focus on Access and Outcomes" and "Build Together". The careers page says staff can broaden their skills through "workshops, seminars, conferences, and internal training facilitated by a Training and Development Manager", and that "Strategic Investment Grants" let employees explore "innovative ideas outside their day-to-day work that advance the education field." Open positions are posted internally, and each office holds social gatherings and holiday celebrations. Salary ranges are listed in each job posting, and "hiring typically does not occur at the top of the range."
Work-Life Balance
Paid time off "increases with tenure: employees start with 19 days per year, which gradually rises to 21 days after 3 years, 23 days after 6 years, and reaches a maximum of 25 days annually after 10 years", and "WestEd typically provides 11–12 paid holidays per year." That is at least 30 days off in the first year (31 on the posting's 12 holidays), rising to 36 or more after ten years. Temporary employees accrue paid sick leave, and the benefits apply to full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week.
Perks and Benefits
- 19 to 25 days of paid time off and 11–12 paid holidays
- A 15% employer retirement contribution from the first paycheck, 100% vested, plus 403(b) and 457(b) options
- Four medical plan options, with WestEd paying a significant share of medical, dental and vision premiums
- Dental and vision plans
- Short-term and long-term disability premiums covered in full, and life insurance of up to three times salary at no cost
- A no-cost Employee Assistance Program covering counselling, legal and financial help
- Health and dependent care FSAs and a commuter program
- Professional development and Strategic Investment Grants
- Salary ranges in every posting