2022-64: Research Analyst

Description

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of people with low incomes, being part of a multidisciplinary staff, turning research findings into better public policies, and having hands-on involvement in building better programs, then consider an opportunity with MDRC to be involved in the cutting edge of social research methodology.

MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization that works to find solutions to some of the most difficult problems facing the nation-from reducing poverty, promoting fairness and efficacy in public welfare and justice systems, and bolstering economic well-being to improving public education, college graduation, and pathways to meaningful employment. We design promising new interventions, evaluate existing programs using the highest research standards, and provide technical assistance to build better programs and deliver effective interventions at scale.

MDRC is seeking a Research Analyst to join its Center for Applied Behavioral Science (CABS) to conduct program evaluation and technical assistance activities. CABS combines MDRC’s policy and evaluation expertise with insights from behavioral science. Since launching the first major project to apply a behavioral research lens to human services programs that serve low-income families in the United States, CABS has expanded and developed numerous projects in child support, child welfare, welfare-to-work, workforce development, K-12 education, and higher education.

Responsibilities:

MDRC is seeking candidates who have a background in behavioral science and/or design thinking, experience conducting applied research, a strong interest in education and social policy, skill in project management, and a desire to work in small teams to foster social innovation.

• Travel to research sites and collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to diagnose choice architecture of programs.
• Design creative and behaviorally informed solutions and implement rigorous evaluations.
• Develop, lead, and deliver technical assistance and program-related support to service providers.
• Train staff on applying behavioral insights and conducting research activities.
• Disseminate results to policymakers, practitioners, and social scientists.
• Manage projects, including timelines, staffing, work plans, and budgets.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in behavioral science, as well as in the technology and methodology of intervention design and evaluation.
• Develop relationships with government agencies, education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to participate in program evaluation and technical assistance projects.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience) in cognitive psychology, social psychology, organizational psychology, design, marketing, or another relevant discipline/social science.
• At least two years of experience applying behavioral science or design to government or nonprofit programs.
• Knowledge of and experience with behavioral economics and psychology; social or education policy issues; human-centered, multidisciplinary, service, or a related design discipline; random assignment evaluation; and qualitative research techniques.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to conduct research and technical assistance in diverse communities and the ability to relate to program management staff, site staff, community residents, and program clients.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, desire to work in a team-oriented environment, and ability to collaborate with many levels of a diverse staff.
• Strong organizational skills, including an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, pay attention to details, and meet deadlines.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit under Social Policy Worker United (SPWU) – Local 57 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Timing: Please see “What to expect from MDRC’s recruitment process” for more information.

Compensation and benefits: Salary range is $72K – $75K and will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance offered. Some on-the-job training will be provided.

Location: The position will be based in MDRC’s New York City office.

Instructions: When submitting your application, please include:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that the health and safety of our employees and candidates is very important to us and that interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. As a Federally Contracted employer, MDRC is in full compliance with all applicable regulations including, but not limited to, recent changes that require vaccination of employees of federal contractors. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have sought and received an exemption from this policy due to a disability or other medical condition, or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodations are granted in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Applicants must submit proof of vaccination or request and submit an applicable request for accommodation during the offer stage.

MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. No qualified applicant, employee, intern, volunteer, or apprenticeship trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of his, her, or their race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin (including physical, cultural or linguistic characteristics), marriage to or association with persons of a national origin group, tribal affiliation, membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group, name that is associated with a national origin group, accent, language use, immigration status, citizenship, possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their lawful presence in the United States, and other definitions under California or other states’ laws, ancestry, creed, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), age, citizenship, veteran and/or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, gender transitioning or perceived gender transitioning, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, protected medical leaves (requesting or being approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act) or similar state family medical leave laws, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. Legal work authorization is required. To request a reasonable accommodation during any stage of MDRC’s employment process due to a disability, please contact …@mdrc.org.

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