Program Assistant

About the Organization

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization that mobilizes social science knowledge for the public good. It advances interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and related disciplines through research programs, publications, workshops and conferences, fellowships and grants, and scholarly exchanges.

Measure of America (MOA) is an SSRC initiative dedicated to stimulating fact‑based public debate about well‑being and access to opportunity in the United States. Through reports, interactive online tools, and evidence‑based research, MOA uses data to identify areas of need, pinpoint levers for change, and track progress over time.

The Program Assistant supports the production of publications and data tools, conducts quantitative and qualitative research, contributes to outreach and communications, spearheads social media efforts, oversees the website, handles expense tracking and invoicing, coordinates program logistics, and maintains detail‑oriented, conscientious work.

• Conduct research on topics in American social policy, poverty, demography, education policy, public health, economics, and related fields.
• Contribute to new research initiatives, perform statistical research, and produce innovative written and visual presentations.
• Obtain, compile, and clean datasets from diverse public and private sources, primarily the U.S. Census Bureau and public health authorities.
• Create and ensure accuracy of data visualizations for reports and data tools.
• Perform geospatial analysis and production‑quality map generation.
• Administer the program’s finances, including liaising with funders, processing expenditures, managing invoicing, and monitoring the budget.
• Manage relationships with vendors and consultants such as report designers, web developers, editors, and media professionals.
• Maintain organized and accurate records of program projects, activities, and meetings.
• Implement and monitor the program’s social media strategy and online presence, including website administration.
• Support day‑to‑day and special‑event logistics.
• Draft a range of materials, including correspondence, grant reports, and portions of reports and articles.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a social science (political science, sociology, economics, anthropology, geography, international relations, or an interdisciplinary or related field).
• One‑to‑two years of office work experience preferred but not required; relevant internships are a plus.
• Demonstrated research skills, familiarity with principles of social scientific inquiry, and ability to work with data.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with ability to explain research findings and technical concepts to nontechnical audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and a drive for accuracy.
• Conscientiousness, follow‑through, and a strong inclination to learn, adapt, and suggest improvements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, professionalism, critical thinking, humility, and independence.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with the following tools is preferred but not required: statistical software (ideally R), GIS tools, data visualization design software, website and social media content creation and analytics, HTML, CSS, CMS (Word Press), Adobe Creative Suite, or other visual design/editing and publication layout software.

Annual salary: $50,000 – $55,000. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, life, and gym reimbursement; annual tuition and/or student loan reimbursement; pension plan and tax‑savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and more.

Candidates must be present in the New York metro area at the start of employment and be able to work in person at the SSRC office in Midtown three days per week.

To apply , submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample (maximum 1,800 words, including any tables or figures). Include an answer to the following question…