Quantitative Research Analyst/Sr. Analyst, Child Welfare

Child Trends is seeking a (Senior) Research Analyst who specializes in quantitative and statistical methods for its Child Welfare research area. (Senior) Research Analysts are expected to work on multiple projects simultaneously as a task leader and individual contributor. 

The Child Welfare Program Area addresses the needs of children who have been or who are at risk of being maltreated, placed in foster care, or adopted. We focus on how child welfare and collaborative agencies are structured, funded, and administered; the policies and services implemented to address families’ needs; and how interaction with child welfare agencies affects the well-being of children and families. Through research and technical assistance, we seek to inform policy makers and improve front-line practice.

This position requires strong writing and quantitative skills, logical thinking, great attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to ethics and equity in research and the workplace. The ideal candidate will have experience and/or interest in a wide range of policy- and practice-relevant child welfare topics such as child welfare data systems and infrastructure, transition-aged youth, adoption, artificial intelligence, and using technology to streamline processes and practices. The ideal candidate will also be knowledgeable about designing and conducting research rooted in equitable principles and working with communities most impacted by the child welfare system. 

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Works on multiple research and evaluation projects simultaneously as a quantitative task leader or analyst. 
• Works both independently and as part of a team to contribute to reports, briefs, and memos.
• Manages a quantitative analysis plan from data cleaning to final results with timeline, scope of work, and budget.
• Contributes to designing protocols for the collection of quantitative data.
• Supports and contributes to data collection efforts, as needed.
• Collaborates with colleagues to develop analytical plans and data management documentation. 
• Analyzes quantitative data using basic and sophisticated statistical methods.
• Conducts research with an equity lens.
• Commits to continuing their own learning and growth to being a more equitable employee and researcher.
• Assists with proposal development.
• Presents findings to clients and stakeholders in public forums.
• Trains and supervises research assistants and support staff.
• Contributes to communications and dissemination efforts.
• Some travel may be required. 

The following is our list of preferred qualifications. If you do not meet our criteria exactly but think you are a good fit for this position, please submit and tell us why in your cover letter.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in research methods, statistics, applied statistics, applied mathematics, biostatistics, applied economics, data science, sociology, psychology, social work, public health, public policy, or a related field plus 2-3 years of experience OR a Bachelor’s degree plus 3-5 years of relevant quantitative experience. 
• Experience with a variety of inferential statistical techniques and research methods including, but not limited to: data cleaning, missing data management, analyses of categorical data and continuous data, and quasi-experimental designs.
• Experience with managing, cleaning, and analyzing secondary and/or administrative data, Examples include: the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) Outcomes and Services file, National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), American Community Survey data.
• Proficiency with statistical software programs: Stata and R.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., formulas, lookups, pivot tables).
• Experience with data visualization (e.g., Excel graphs and figures, ggplot2, Shiny, Tableau).
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex information for general or policy audiences and to compose technical reports.
• Excellent task management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills, including transparent and timely communications, to support a collaborative working environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to both provide and take direction.

Desired, but not required qualifications

• Experience with data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews) and data management, preferably in applied settings.
• Experience contributing to methodological designs and decision-making. 
• Experience with SQL
• Experience with or interest in learning Git and Github
• Experience working with clients (e.g., state administrators, federal or philanthropic project officers).

Candidates will be considered for an analyst level (III) or senior analyst level (IV) roles depending on skills, qualifications, and experience. We encourage candidates across this range to apply and will discuss level placement during the interview process.

Compensation

• This is a salaried position, salary will either be $72,000 or $87,000 depending on which role is offered. 
• This position is eligible for benefits for more info please visit our career page. 

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time position with some flexibility in schedule. Specific needs should be discussed during the interview process. 

Location

Flexible remote; in most states. Child Trends does not yet operate everywhere in the US and may require additional set up time in certain states. We currently do not support work from overseas. All candidates must be authorized to work in the US to be considered.

Background Investigation

Jobs that involve interactions with children and positions that rely on high levels of trust to perform duties are subject to a background check at the time of hire, with roles being offered contingent upon results. We will always conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check and never inquire into an applicant's criminal history until interviews have been conducted and offer decisions are being made. Current employees may also be subject to future background checks depending on the nature of their duties. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate or current employee from employment; however, any convictions related to the responsibilities and requirements of the position may do so.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received through 10/30. Position will be closed once filled. 

How to Apply

Please follow the “apply” link to submit your application. Please upload your resume/CV and cover letter as well as a work samples showcasing your quantitative skills, and three professional references.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Child Trends provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Child Trends does not require or request applicants’ salary. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact recruitment@childtrends.org.