Job Function:
Responsible for conducting research and project management activities of the Children’s Forum under the supervision of the Vice President of Research. Conduct data collection, design and analysis, and reporting for research projects. Provide project management for grant-funded and contractual obligations procured by the Children’s Forum. Participate in the development and execution of new projects and deliverables that support the goals of the Forum in its mission to sustain and enhance the early care and education field. Support implementation of outreach initiatives and facilitate the corresponding training of any assigned special project.

Specific Job Duties:

• Instrument Development: Develop surveys, interview and focus group guides, and other data collection instruments.
• Data Collection: Identify data sources, design data collection protocols, develop data collection plans, and collect quantitative and qualitative data using methods appropriate to the social sciences field and needs of the position.
• Design and Analysis: Design research studies and conduct quantitative and qualitative data analyses (e.g., descriptive statistics, bivariate statistics, multi-variate statistics, content analysis, and case study).
• Reporting: Develop visuals (e.g., charts, graphs, and displays); prepare written research reports; prepare and conduct presentations of research findings; and distribute research reports and materials to wide audiences.
• Research Project Management: Act as project management lead for research projects assigned by VP of Research. Conduct research activities; manage databases; ensure timely and efficient completion of deliverables; coordinate activities of team members; and establish and maintain relationships needed to accomplish the work of the position.
• Special Projects Management: Plan, organize, coordinate, and complete multiple work assignments in a timely manner, with attention to details. Act as project management lead for special projects assigned by the VP of Research. Oversee procurement process for potential special projects such as preparing grants, proposals, and applications as requested. Prepare reports to include data collection, research, original documents, and public dissemination of information. Coordinate activities of project staff. Coordinate with fiscal staff on budgets for assigned projects. Conduct presentations, trainings, and meetings relevant to assigned special projects. Coordinate public awareness efforts, including marketing and outreach.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to organize multiple tasks to complete deliverables accurately and on time.
• Must be able to write, edit, and develop research reports, briefs, and other documents.
• Must have strong qualitative and quantitative research design and analysis skills.
• Must be computer literate, have knowledge of database management, and be proficient in (or willing to learn) Microsoft Office and common statistical packages (e.g., SPSS).
• Must be able to set up and hold meetings via virtual platforms (e.g., ZOOM, MS TEAMS).
• Must be able to travel as needed to fulfill job requirements.

Education and Experience: Must have an advanced degree in early childhood education, research design, statistics, psychology, or other field that relates to the requirements of the position. Must have at least three (3) years of experience with research and project management