Research Associate

Job Title: Research Associate DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORT TO: Chief Knowledge Officer SALARY RANGE: $75,000 - $85,000 CLASSIFICATION (FLSA): FULL-TIME, EXEMPT LOCATION: Puerto Rico (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements) The Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud (IDJ) is the only organization in Puerto Rico committed to advocating policies to reduce child poverty. Through research, advocacy, mobilization, and strategic communications, we open pathways to families' economic mobility.

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Research Associate will play a critical role in designing and implementing high-quality research initiatives that aim to reduce child poverty and promote economic mobility in Puerto Rico. You will lead research projects, analyze data, and provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions that positively impact families and children. You will also work with IDJ leadership in procuring funding for research activities. This position offers significant growth opportunities for individuals who excel in both technical expertise and team leadership.

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Key Responsibilities: Research Design and Execution • Develop and execute research strategies addressing child poverty and enhancing Puerto Rico's economic mobility of families with children.

• Ensure research projects adhere to valid scientific methodologies and use historical or baseline data for rigorous and accurate analysis, ensuring comprehensive research reports are prepared with depth and breadth of technical, social, and economic policy knowledge.

Data Management and Analysis • Oversee all aspects of data management, including conceptualization, collection methods, instrument development, analysis, processing, and quality control.

• Assess data sources for reliability and usability, ensuring research accuracy, relevance, and alignment with IDJ's agenda of assessing policy impacts on poverty and generating evidence about programs and practices for creating pathways to economic mobility for low-income families in Puerto Rico.

• Perform statistical analyses, ensuring the validity, efficiency, and accuracy of methods employed.

Reporting and Dissemination • Present research findings through diverse formats, including tables, graphs, policy briefs, presentations, fact sheets, and written reports tailored to multiple audiences.

• Collaborate with the Communications and Advocacy teams to ensure research products are aligned with outreach and policy goals.

• Participate in public speaking engagements, serving as a spokesperson and advocate for the organization's agendas. Represent IDJ, delivering presentations and engaging with the media to promote the organization's research and policy positions.

• Provide timely reports, including metrics and strategic analyses aligned with organizational objectives.

Policy Advice and Recommendations • Offer evidence-based advice and recommendations on policies related to child poverty, workforce development, social safety nets, and anti-poverty programs.

• Participate in cross-functional discussions and consultations to drive initiatives that promote economic mobility and social equity.

• Contribute to the strategic planning process and oversee the implementation of the strategic and research plans. Play a key role in developing the organization's long-term vision, setting objectives, and monitoring progress toward achieving them.

Leadership and Collaboration • Lead, mentor, and guide a team of analysts, ensuring the production of high-quality research outputs and fostering an atmosphere to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse team of outstanding researchers and evaluators. Your role includes creating an environment that supports the successful recruitment, retention, and development of researchers who excel in their fields.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the impact and visibility of research projects and build relationships to advance the organization's mission to support IDJ's research and policy agenda, including presentations, meetings with funders, and grant writing.

• Supervise the research team, including but not limited to cultivating organizational talent according to a professional development plan and skills gap analysis. Help consistently align employees to IDJ’s organizational culture, provide support, and mentor using a supportive and collaborative approach. Establish and monitor performance and development goals, assign accountability, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance reviews, administer salary adjustments, recognize and discipline employees, handle complaints, and solve problems.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES: This position offers potential for advancement based on performance, contributions to the organization’s strategic goals and demonstrated leadership in research initiatives.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS • Educational Background: o Ph.D. in economics, demography, sociology, public policy, or evaluation of social programs.

• Professional Experience: o Minimum of +5 years of experience in a related field. o Experience managing research teams, social research methodology, projects, survey design, and evaluation, with emphasis on labor, safety net, poverty, social and economic policies, or other related topics. o Have publications on social policy, evaluation, poverty, or other related topics. o Extensive knowledge about the social and economic context of Puerto Rico, excellent econometric and other quantitative skills. o Proven track record in successfully implementing multi-faceted projects that address the needs of diverse populations, with an emphasis on sustainable outcomes for families. o Experience writing proposals, successful research fundraising and relationships with funders.

• Language Proficiency: o Fluent in both Spanish and English.

• Technical expertise o Proficiency in statistical programs, preferably STATA, and familiarity with NVivo, SAS, R, Dovetail and GIS software is a plus.

• Communication and Relational Skills: o Excellent verbal and written communication skills. o Able to communicate complex concepts and research findings to broad audiences and adapt well to a fast-paced organization. o Exceptional ability to develop, nurture, and manage relationships with various stakeholders, including service providers, community leaders, and external partners. o Experience fostering collaboration and building networks supporting successfully implementing programs and services. o A passion for the organization's mission and the ability to convey that passion to donors and stakeholders.

• Contextual Knowledge: o Understanding of the social and economic context of Puerto Rico. o Deep understanding and experience working with low-income communities, including a sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by these populations. o Proven ability to engage community members actively in program design and execution, ensuring that initiatives are culturally relevant and responsive to community needs.

• Adaptability: o Ability to thrive in a fast-paced organizational environment and adapt to changing priorities. o Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines consistently.

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Experience in developing and optimizing workflows to enhance efficiency and project delivery.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Normal internal office environment. Frequent internal contacts with employees throughout the organization are required.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES: • Commitment to improving the well-being of low-income families.

• Implacable, not give up easily in achieving our goals • Respect for the people we serve • Results driven • Strategic and focused on our mission and goals • Transparency in data and results