Research Jobs in Massachusetts

Overview:

This is a limited term position ending June 30, 2027.

The Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life prepares students in all fields of study for lifetimes of active citizenship, promotes new knowledge in the field, educates Tufts students and beyond for a life of active citizenship, and applies our research to evidence-based practice in our programs, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts. Tisch College's work is central to Tufts University's mission. Tisch College offers several opportunities to engage Tufts students in meaningful community building and other civic and political experiences, explore personal commitments to civic participation, and take on active and effective roles in public life and to engage faculty in expanded active citizenship research and teaching. Tisch College also seeks to influence higher education in the US and abroad to embrace active citizenship mainly through its work via the National Study of Learning Voting and Engagement.

CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement) is a research-based think tank that studies how young people in the United States develop knowledge, skills and dispositions for effective democratic engagement. CIRCLE's work covers a broad range of disciplines and fields, from K-12 civic education, youth voting, youth organizing, youth and civic media, to community characteristics that promote civic development. CIRCLE currently works on major initiatives in partnership with organizations that focus on low-income youth. Although CIRCLE studies civic development and engagement of all youth, the central focus of its work is on expanding access to civic learning and engagement opportunities especially for marginalized youth from various backgrounds. CIRCLE is an influential force and a premier source of information — facts, trends, assessments, and practices — related to youth civic engagement. CIRCLE reaches both academic and practitioners audiences through both academic and popular media, including a large number of features in major news outlets. Founded in 2001, CIRCLE has been part of Tisch College since 2008 and CIRCLE staff are fully integrated into the organizational life of Tisch College and Tufts University, offering CIRCLE staff a number of opportunities to develop skills in and outside of research.

What You'll Do:

The Researcher, in collaboration with a broad array of professionals, contributes to the development and execution of all phases of research & evaluation projects and technical assistance activities, including survey design, review of research, implementation, data preparation, analysis, report preparation and dissemination activities. The researcher will work on multiple projects simultaneously and support CIRCLE's overall operation, and will support management of project timelines and deliverables. Some travel (10-15%) is expected for this position as this researcher will be involved in work-related 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 design of both the formative and summative evaluation tools.
• Works with colleagues to develop and maintain databases for various reporting purposes such as youth voter turnout and civic engagement rates by various age, and demographic groups, and tracking of laws relevant to youth civic engagement using data from various sources such as the Census Current Population Survey, American Community Survey, Catalist (voter files), IPEDS, and other survey and policy datasets such as ANES, NAEP, etc., ensuring accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Coordinates with clients, partner organizations and leaders on collaborative inquiries and capacity-building activities. Meets with clients to outline parameters of the research study.
• Investigates, researches, gathers, analyzes, and summarizes data about various aspects of youth civic engagement in support of information and research needs of practitioners, policymakers, journalists, students, the general public and others who request information in written reports, blog posts and oral presentations to various audiences regarding youth civic engagement and learning.

What We're Looking For:

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: 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 communications capacity especially an ability to synthesize research information for diverse and inclusive audience types.
• 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.
• Keen attention to details 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

- 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.

Salary Range: Minimum $60,000.00, Midpoint $75,000.00, Maximum $90,100.00