Researcher - CIRCLE, Tisch College

Overview

This is a limited term position ending June 30, 2027. The role is with CIRCLE, a research‑based think tank that studies how young people in the United States develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective democratic engagement.

The Researcher collaborates with a broad array of professionals to contribute to the development and execution of research & evaluation projects and technical assistance activities, including survey design, data preparation, analysis, report preparation, and dissemination. The researcher works on multiple projects simultaneously, supports project timelines, and may travel (10‑15%) for capacity‑building and dissemination activities.

• Identifies and reviews measurement tools; designs quantitative and qualitative research tools for data collection (e.g., survey instruments, interview or focus group protocols, and structured field observation tools), including both formative and summative evaluation tools.
• Works with colleagues to develop and maintain databases for reporting purposes such as youth voter turnout and civic engagement rates by age and demographic groups, tracking laws relevant to youth civic engagement using data from the Census, American Community Survey, Catalist, IPEDS, ANES, NAEP, and other datasets.
• Coordinates with clients, partner organizations, and leaders on collaborative inquiries and capacity‑building activities; meets with clients to outline research parameters.
• Investigates, researches, gathers, analyzes, and summarizes data about various aspects of youth civic engagement to support information and research needs of practitioners, policymakers, journalists, students, and the general public. Produces written reports, blog posts, and oral presentations to diverse audiences.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 3 years of related experience or demonstrated competencies in relevant skills.
• Basic competency in using a statistical software package such as R, SPSS, SAS, or STATA, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Very strong oral and written communication abilities, especially the ability to synthesize research information for diverse and inclusive audiences.
• Ability to compose accurate and clearly written reports, blog posts, and documents.
• Strong desire to connect with and learn from diverse stakeholders with relevant experience and expertise.
• Attention to detail and demonstrated ability to manage multiple project deliverables and timelines.
• Passion for using research to achieve equity in civic learning opportunities through systemic changes.
• Knowledge of logic models, research design, basic statistical analysis, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work on several projects simultaneously and meet demanding timelines.
• Work independently within basic guidelines and parameters.
• Gather and analyze available data and draw logical conclusions.
• Establish and maintain effective collaborative working team relationships.
• Engage in proactive problem solving and critical thinking/analysis.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders of varied educational and professional backgrounds and perspectives.

• Direct experience with community engagement through community organizing, national service, etc.
• Direct experience with young people in diverse communities.

This is a part‑time position at 17.5 hours per week and salary will be pro‑rated accordingly.

Minimum $60,000.00, Midpoint $75,000.00, Maximum $90,100.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.