Poverty Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Job Description

The Senior Director, Research leads the organization in research and evaluation data collection and management, data analysis, report preparation and research-related administrative tasks. Reporting to the Vice President -- Client and Community Impact, the Senior Director will work on both quantitative and qualitative projects in varied areas, including families and children, seniors and housing, basic needs assistance, case management services, domestic violence, immigrant services, organizational capacity building and general implementation research. The Senior Director will build relationships with academic partners and work collaboratively with them on research projects that support CCAC's mission and vision. This position will eventually supervise research staff as the department grows in scope and reach.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Research and Evaluation Projects

• Manage the design, execution and reporting of community-based research and evaluation projects, responsibilities include: conducting literature reviews; designing and implementing surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups; conducting data collection, integration and analysis; completing dissemination activities; and meeting reporting deadlines;

• Develop and maintain qualitative and quantitative data collection materials, research protocols, procedural manuals, and database(s);

• Manage ongoing research project monitoring, quality assurance and evaluation activities, including quantitative and qualitative data analysis and retention in longitudinal projects;

• Utilize statistical software for data entry, monitoring and analysis.

Knowledge and Innovation

• Familiarize and stay current with the latest social science research in CCAC's three core areas of research investment: strengthening families and equipping mothers, addressing immediate needs, and creating connections that promote senior well-being;

• Work with select program leaders to identify and test opportunities for program innovation, including new implementation of emergent best practices;

• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; and participating in professional organizations.

Dissemination

• Produce written, tabular and visual materials for research reports and presentations of research and evaluation findings to multiple audiences;

• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders with varied levels of research and data literacy;

• Represent CCAC at local, state, and national conferences and meetings.

Internal and External Collaboration

• Foster and build partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and peer non-profits to enhance CCAC's research capabilities -- this includes poverty research teams at key universities and peer research teams across the national Catholic Charities network;

• Collaborate cross-departmentally to complete assigned tasks and to achieve study and project goals;

• Coordinate with project staff on data collection and reporting;

• Support development of a culture of learning and continuous improvement;

• Attend, contribute to and/or oversee regular research project meetings.

Team Leadership

• Hire, train, mentor, and supervise assigned staff and consultants; assist in the recruitment and selection of department staff and consultants; create scheduling and job assignments; manage performance and complete and communicate performance evaluations, disciplinary, and other personnel actions in accordance with personnel policies and procedures;

• Provide professional development opportunities and guidance to assigned staff and consultants;

• Oversee the training of research staff and consultants, and the development of training materials.

Other

• For projects led by Research and Innovation, monitor and manage associated budgets;

• Protect organization's value and manage risk by keeping information confidential;

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Team Member Responsibilities

• Exhibit alignment with the team's clear goals that are mission-focused, grounded in Catholic Charities history, and tied to action.
• Contribute to a joy-filled culture built upon respect and inclusion, team pride, and community spirit.
• Collaborate effectively to support excellent process, accountability, and constructive conflict.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth through learning, forgiveness, and reflection.

Living Our Values

• Courageous Compassion: Welcome and serve all with an open heart, empathic listening, and a commitment to radical hospitality.
• Solidarity: Embrace shared humanity by celebrating and giving voice to our differences and choosing the path of collaboration and inclusion.
• Faith-filled Hope and Joy: Uplift each other in times of darkness and celebrate together in times of light, leaning in with humility, humor, and hope.
• Meaningful and Measurable Impact: Meet human need with love, balance immediate action with lasting change, and act with accountability through dialogue, analyses, and reflection.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

• Master's degree in social sciences, social work, public administration or related field

• Minimum 5 or more years social science and/or community-based research

Preferred Education & Experience

• Doctoral degree in social sciences, social work, public policy or related field

1. OR

• 10+ years relevant experience

• Experience working with academic research partners and/or implementing rigorous research protocols

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Experience utilizing social/behavioral concepts and models

• Skilled in data analytics, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, survey construction, and data visualization techniques;

• Skilled in the use of data collection, analysis and visualization software, such as but not limited to: STATA, SPSS, SAS or R; Qualtrics or REDCap; Dedoose, NVivo, or Atlas.ti; Tableau or PowerBI

• Experience managing multiple, concurrent projects;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a variety of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience establishing, leading, and growing teams

• Supervision experience

Minimum Certifications & Licensures

• N/A

Preferred Certifications & Licensures

• N/A

Physical Requirements

X Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day

X Lift up to 25 pounds

X Push and pull up to 25 pounds

X Climb up and down three (3) or more flights of stairs

Additional Requirements

X Background check, including any program specific requirements

Physical examination

Drug Testing

Driver's License and reliable transportation Agency-specified automobile insurance