Research Associate Program and Policy Analyst (39132) (EXTENDED)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Research Associate Program and Policy Analyst (39132) (EXTENDED)

Classification Title Research Associate Position Number 00039132 Open Date 01/03/2023 Close Date Priority Review Date 02/15/2023 Business Unit Description SPS Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Temporary FLSA Exempt Job code 1620 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Education Systems Center College/Unit P20 Initiatives Network Division Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv Location SR 100 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https: // celfe.org/

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Center for Early Learning Funding Equity (CELFE) was established to develop and promote research- and data-informed strategies to transform funding of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs for children ages 0-5. Housed in Northern Illinois University's Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development (OERD), CELFE works in collaboration with academic, data and research partners across the NIU system through the Research and Data Collaborative (RDC).

CELFE began its work focused primarily on Illinois' ECEC system, in which our Director, Theresa Hawley, Ph.D. has spent almost 30 years in as a researcher, advocate, and government systems change leader – working to improve ECEC polices with children and families at the center. Now, CELFE is building on that experience and the passion for systems-change held by the diverse and skilled team of five (and growing) to focus more deeply on the funding adequacy and equity of the ECEC system. The scope and reach of CELFE is expanding to include all states and municipalities interested in transformation. CELFE is currently engaged in projects with Massachusetts and Colorado and Illinois.

CELFE is in start-up mode and has the need to quickly scale-up our internal capacity to meet the growing need of states and clients interested in understanding how to transition their own ECEC systems through an equity lens, with children and families remaining at the center. As such, we are hiring a Program and Policy Analyst to support current projects and those under development.

Position Summary

This position includes a hybrid set of responsibilities to include support of the overall work of the center, with a specific role to support the Executive Director with project development, workflow management and preparation of products, including research papers, public presentations, and project plans. The second half of the position is a dedicated to policy analysis, project support and contributing to the communication of philosophy, research and data findings, and the important role of effective programs on children's development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate projects and help the ED meet deliverables and deadlines, including calendar and meeting management, client communication and more

Fluency in project management platforms/technology, including Asana, MS Teams, etc.

Contribute to the ‘ideation' of innovative and transformative ECEC policy and funding strategies to support children ages 0-5 and their families

Capture and develop project and product ideas, including writing outlines for papers, sketching out and managing project plans, ensuring deliverables are met, and ensuring appropriate stakeholders are engaged

Support the coordination and integration of CELFE work-streams to align with and support the mission, vision, values and help to realize the business goals of CELFE

Policy and background research to support project and product development, including web-based and academic research

Track and maintain (for CELFE) new/emerging research relevant to the work of CELFE to use in blog posts, link to through CELFE's website and/or inspire potential partnerships and complementary projects

Work closely with the Communications Manager in the development of papers, policy briefs and PowerPoint presentations to meet client expectations and further the work of CELFE

Support the Deputy Director in grant writing and meeting deliverables, including reporting and data collection.

Help develop, support, and promote the work of CELFE as opportunities arise and are needed

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) Specialty Factors (Civil Service) Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

1. Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree preferred) in social science, education, public policy, or related field, with basic coursework in research methods and analysis

2. Minimum 3-5 years of work experience, preferably in education-related field

Additional Requirements (SPS)

Attributes 1. Strong commitment to equity 2. Passion for early childhood education and care with children and families at the center 3. Comfortable with a start-up environment and flexibility to adapt to uncertainty and changes in work priorities 4. Willingness to ask questions, learn from others and share ideas and talents with your colleagues 5. Can manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet client-driven deadlines and needs 6. Ability and willingness to travel for in-person meetings, attend and present at conferences and/or client-related meetings

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

1. Ability to manipulate, translate and communicate data to inform and support ECEC policy and program development/innovations 2. An understanding of ECEC policy and programs; including federal and state funding structures and mechanisms 3. Interest in and demonstrated ability to write policy memos and briefs, project outlines and summaries, and other products that help manage and communicate the ideas and work of CELFE 4. General (high) comfort level with using technology-based platforms for project management, basic research and data analysis, communication and presentation of information. 5. Knowledge of public policy, ECEC systems and programs, publicly funded program structures, and data analysis/analytics 6. Strong project management experience and skills 7. Meeting planning and facilitation skills, interest, and comfort with presenting work publicly, to a variety of audiences 8. Problem-solver with strong initiative to keep work moving; helping to establish clarity of goals and purpose if it doesn't already exist 9. Good communicator in person as well as in a virtual work environment. 10. Bilingual Spanish/English a plus 11.Willingness to support fundraising, activities, including proposal and reporting development

Physical demands/requirements

Basic office work; some travel

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Salary $55,000 - $75,000 Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,291.67 - $3,125 Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Applications submitted by January 31, 2023, will receive priority review. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

Application materials include: Resume Cover Letter Three Professional References

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https: // employment.niu.edu/postings/68087 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services 230 [email protected] 815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at [email protected]

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.

Read the Fire Safety Report. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ().