Associate,Research Senior Job Chicago area,Illinois USA,Research/Development

Research Associate

Under the direction of the Director of Research, the Research Associate conducts program and policy research, program evaluation, qualitative and quantitative data collection and management to support Illinois Action for Children's program implementation and inform the development of program and public policy. The Research Associate collaborates within the Research and Policy teams and with other departments and organizations to assist or lead in the development and production of data sets, fact sheets, web data, presentations, and reports.

Often the Research Associate must work on several projects work is to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

In collaboration with the Research team, including the Director and the Assistant Director, design, conduct, and report research and evaluation for Illinois Action for Children on its programs, city and state programs and policies, and population of interest.

Develop or assist in developing qualitative data collection tools, such as protocols for surveys, focus groups, and interviews, and databases.

Follow protocols in collecting and storing data and protecting confidential data.

Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods and tools.

Report research findings in written reports, presentations, webpages, factsheets, and other communications in a style appropriate to Illinois Action for Children's multiple audiences, including agency staff, the public, customers, parents, child care and early education providers, policy makers, and advocates.

Develop detailed working knowledge of Illinois Action for Children's programs, and the related programs of their local, state, federal and community partners.

As needed, conduct, and report descriptive quantitative analysis of data sets such as program data sets, census data, and supports research team in this work.

Assist Research team and Public Policy and Advocacy team in designing rigorous and relevant policy research.

Execute our workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities.

Other functions:
The organization may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.

Qualification requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or experience:

Minimum Bachelor's degree and five years related research experience and/or training in databases, statistical packages, data visualization. Graduate degree in a relevant field of study or several years of strong research experience is preferred, particularly with survey tools, focus groups, and interviews.

Other skills and abilities:

Ability to concentrate on research projects and data accurately for extended periods of time. The position might requires effectively manipulating large data sets and being able to check and correct work.
Ability to be flexible in adjusting project timelines as circumstances demand.
Ability to communicate research to non-specialists at a range of levels, from individual facts and details to high-level planning.
Ability to develop professional understanding of the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program; the referral program and provider database (DTP); the child care and early learning system in Illinois;
Illinois Action for Children departments;
Illinois, Cook County and Chicago governments; and partners of Illinois Action for Children.

Benefits of working at…

Associate, Research Senior