Lead Economist

Department: Education & Social Policy
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Job Summary:

Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, in partnership with the Research and Innovation for Social Equity and Inclusion (RISEI) Lab, invites applications for a Lead Research Analyst position. We are seeking experienced candidates with strong analytical and project management skills from fields such as economics, data science, or related disciplines. Candidates should have proficiency in R, Stata, and/or Python and be experienced in working with complex datasets.

The RISEI Lab is dedicated to advancing social equity and inclusion through rigorous research and innovation. As a Lead Research Analyst, you will contribute to the lab's mission by leading research proposals and studies in social and economic policy. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide critical analysis for the development and evaluation of interventions and policy options.

Applicants should have a strong interest in applied, policy-oriented research, and the ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences. The ideal candidate will demonstrate analytical creativity, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are essential.

In this role, you will also manage data analysis teams, oversee multiple complex datasets, and ensure data integrity, quality, and timely reporting of results. This position offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to projects that drive social change and policy innovation.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about data-driven research and advancing social equity, we encourage you to apply.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Provide research and analytical support and task-level leadership for major grant research, implementation, and evaluation projects.
• Support project teams in developing and carrying out the work, manage small teams under the leadership of Principal Investigators to ensure the timely completion of all deliverables within budget, and with high quality research standards that meet grant requirements
• Provide guidance on appropriate data management, methodological issues and statistical analyses for teams, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborates with team members develop and pursue new research ideas.

Administration

• Responsible for conceptualizing the vision for this work; providing support for project teams in developing and carrying out the work; and following sound project management practices to ensure the timely completion of all deliverables within budget, and with high research quality standards that meet grant requirements
• Design and lead data/analysis for various research studies and tasks.
• Designs and prepares documentation for data management and/or data analyses.
• Writes manuscripts, technical reports, policy briefs or other publications in collaboration with the team.
• Attend conferences to presents research findings and assist with other dissemination activities.

Development

• Develop conceptual frameworks and research designs using rigorous empirical methods
• Determines appropriate sources of data based on requests and develop data MOUs for data access.
• Develop data management plans and processes for the team
• Apply appropriate quantitative techniques to collect and analyze data

Performance

• Develop research and evaluation plans
• Lead and supervise staff to prepare databases and conduct analysis
• Prepare reports and other deliverables and presenting findings to stakeholders and the public

Supervises

• Mentor junior research analysts, sharing approaches to solving concrete problems, and providing feedback on the work of others.
• Recommends staff hires/terminations.
• Manages projects ensuring timelines and deliverables are met and meet expectations.

Miscellaneous

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• PhD in economics, statistics, data science, educational evaluation, or other related fields in an accredited college or university;
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication, with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Preferred Qualifications, Education, Experience, and Expectations

Education:

• PhD in economics, statistics, data science, educational evaluation, or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred. Candidates with a master's degree and substantial experience in relevant areas will also be considered.

Experience:

• Research Experience: Candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading or contributing to research projects in fields such as social policy, economics, labor economics, disability employment, education policy, or related disciplines.
• Data Management & Analysis: Strong experience in managing, cleaning, and analyzing large and complex datasets. Proficiency in using statistical software such as R, Stata, and/or Python for data analysis is essential.
• Project Management: Experience in managing or leading projects, with a proven ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and coordinate with team members and stakeholders.
• Publication Record: A track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, producing reports, and/or contributing to policy briefs is highly desirable.
• Policy Engagement: Experience working on policy-oriented research and engaging with policymakers, practitioners, or other non-academic audiences is a plus.

Skills:

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to think critically and creatively about complex research questions, with an emphasis on applied, data-driven research.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds. The ability to write, produce concise summaries, and deliver high-level briefings to both technical and non-technical audiences is required.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. The ability to work independently as well as within a collaborative environment is key.
• Attention to Detail: A strong commitment to accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work, including data analysis, report writing, and project coordination.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and maintain a high level of organization in fast-paced environments. Demonstrated success in overseeing research teams, ensuring the timely and high-quality completion of project deliverables.

Other Expectations:

• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing project needs, timelines, and feedback, while maintaining focus on quality and achieving project goals.
• Commitment to Social Equity: A demonstrated interest in and commitment to advancing social equity and inclusion through research and policy initiatives, in alignment with the mission of the RISEI Lab.
• Mentorship: Willingness to mentor junior team members, graduate students, and interns, contributing to their professional development and capacity building within the research team.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• PhD in economics in an accredited college or university;
• 1-3 years' experience with labor or education program or policy evaluations

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication, with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong writing skills, including conceptualizing, organizing, drafting, and managing written deliverables such as reports, memos, PowerPoint presentations, or other client-facing materials

Target hiring range for this position will be between $100,000 - $115,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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