Job Posting: Kids Count Research Associate

Kids Count Research Associate

The Michigan League for Public Policy is a statewide advocacy organization that works to promote economic security and well-being for all people in Michigan through the policymaking process using a race equity lens. Kids Count in Michigan, a project at the League, is part of a broad national effort to measure the well-being of children at the state and local levels, and use that information to shape efforts to improve the lives of children and their families. The League seeks to hire a Kids Count Research Associate with strong quantitative and analysis skills and database administration experience, who is also highly organized and very detail-oriented.

The responsibilities of the Kids Count Research Associate include data collection, processing, quality control and management, along with updating and maintaining Michigan’s data on the national KIDS COUNT Data Center. Additionally, the research associate will assist with the development of various policy and data analysis and data visualization products, including data snapshots, issue briefs, infographics and maps. This person will also be responsible for responding to data requests received from community partners, policymakers, media and others. Over time, the research associate will assist with delivering presentations on Kids Count data for local communities.

Qualifications, while no candidate will have every desirable quality, the ideal candidate would have:

  • Strong desire to use data, policy and advocacy to ensure that all children reach their potential.
  • Relevant educational experience (graduate degree preferred or bachelor’s degree combined with relevant work experience).
  • High level of data experience, including conducting quantitative analysis, pulling secondary data, disaggregating data and setting-up, cleaning and configuring datasets.
  • Advanced Excel skills with the ability to link worksheets, utilize formulas and create pivot tables.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of policy issues impacting children and families in Michigan.
  • Exceptional project management skills and highly organized processes.
  • Familiarity with common data sources relating to income, population and demographics.
  • Capability to translate data into meaningful content for broad and diverse audiences.
  • Experience with data visualization tools, such as infographics and/or mapping.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently, but also able to collaborate and work as part of a team and with diverse partners.
  • Values a culture of diversity and inclusion.
  • A passion for economic and social justice.

The position is full-time, grant funded and based in Lansing, MI. Salary will be based on experience. Benefits package included.

To apply, please send 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) brief writing sample preferably demonstrating the ability to use and interpret quantitative data; and, 4) salary requirements to [email protected] with “Research Associate” in the subject line by May 29, 2018.

The League is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and retaining a diverse and inclusive staff and workplace.

The League is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and retaining a diverse and inclusive staff and workplace.