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Poverty Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Fellow

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

While rooted in an understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty, the focus on Poverty Solutions is an action-based research agenda. Poverty Solutions partners with community and policy ...

... poverty law context * Demonstrated ability to work with client groups, community-based groups, and coalitions * Excellent legal research and writing skills * Excellent oral communication and ...

... poverty law context * Demonstrated ability to work with client groups, community-based groups, and coalitions * Excellent legal research and writing skills * Excellent oral communication and ...

Intern

Detroit, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... poverty. As an intern, you'll work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to mission ... Conduct research and prepare reports, presentations, or resource materials. * Assist with event ...

Intern

Detroit, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... poverty. As an intern, you'll work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to mission ... Conduct research and prepare reports, presentations, or resource materials. * Assist with event ...

Staff Attorney (Monroe)

Monroe, MI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and ... providing research, training, and legal information support to all legal aid advocates.

... poverty alleviation in developing countries. In the course, students discuss alternative ... or research experience, and the names of three references. The Ford School's dedication to the ...

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Poverty Research information

What is poverty research?

Poverty research is the systematic study of the causes, effects, and solutions related to poverty. Researchers in this field analyze economic, social, and policy factors that contribute to poverty at local, national, and global levels. They use quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and propose evidence-based recommendations. The goal is to inform policymakers and organizations so they can develop strategies to reduce poverty and improve the lives of affected populations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in poverty research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in poverty research often encounter challenges such as accessing reliable data, navigating ethical considerations when working with vulnerable populations, and translating complex findings into actionable policy recommendations. Addressing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, collaboration with community organizations, and ongoing professional development in research ethics. Building strong interdisciplinary networks and staying updated on data collection methodologies can also help overcome these barriers and enhance the impact of research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a poverty researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Poverty Researcher, you need a strong background in economics, sociology, or public policy, typically supported by an advanced degree such as an MA or PhD. Proficiency with statistical analysis software (like Stata, SPSS, or R), data collection methods, and research design is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity set standout researchers apart in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing rigorous, impactful research that informs policy and addresses complex social issues.

What is the difference between Poverty Research vs Poverty Policy Analysis?

AspectPoverty ResearchPoverty Policy Analysis
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Sciences, Economics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Social Sciences, or Economics
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, think tanksGovernment agencies, NGOs, policy think tanks
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic and research-focused rolesPolicy development and implementation roles

While both Poverty Research and Poverty Policy Analysis involve understanding poverty issues, Poverty Research focuses on gathering data and analyzing trends, whereas Poverty Policy Analysis applies this knowledge to develop and evaluate policies. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their end goals: research vs policy application.

What are popular job titles related to Poverty Research jobs in Michigan?

For Poverty Research jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Poverty Research jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Poverty Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Poverty Research job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 72% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Street Democracy - Staff Attorney - Detroit

Michigan Poverty Law Program

Detroit, MI • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Street Democracy - Staff Attorney - Detroit About Street Democracy

Street Democracy is a small group of justice architects. We use our legal skills to transform the systems that perpetuate poverty into systems of opportunity. We are experts in poverty law, compassion, and client service with a deep belief in the importance of grassroots and community lawyering. Our staff have diverse skills and backgrounds and are encouraged to use out-of-the-box thinking to help people in poverty.

Why Join Us?

Because we are unique. And also, fun. And flexible. We know what we do is heavy and serious, but that doesn’t mean our office has to be. We all believe deeply in the importance and power of the rule of law and your right to have a life outside of it. Whether you need to flex your time for childcare or pickleball--we are ok with it, as long as the work gets done. We ARE not part of your standard non-profit industrial complex, but our pay is on par with a “law office for the poor.” Also, we do not take funding with restrictions on the work you can do, such as traditional State or Federal legal aid funding; we have more freedom to use the law to do what is right.

We are also committed and seasoned non-profit professionals with an average of 18 years of legal experience in various roles and capacities. Our staff have already been organizers, senior attorneys, executive directors, and the members of local and national organizational boards, and have argued before the Sixth Circuit; now we just want to use the law to do good, where we are for as long as we are able. We are also not afraid and understand that silence in the face of injustice is never the answer.

Whether you are a new attorney or a seasoned professional, if you are interested in public interest law and want to be free to do essential and critical work, we are the place for you.

What would you be doing?

As a staff attorney, you'll spend 80% of your time helping homeless folks resolve legal issues that affect their ability to be stably housed. You'll conduct a comprehensive legal screening ("check-up") and handle the traffic, civil, and misdemeanors; landlord-tenant issues; child support and divorce; and debt relief issues that you identify. The remaining 20% of your time will be devoted to poverty-related legal reform projects, including impact litigation and legislation. This will include:

  • Give your clients white-glove, holistic legal services- appear in court and be able to identify and litigate novel issues.
  • Be responsive to community partners and be part of the community of advocates serving our clients
  • Craft and self-direct your legal reform project
  • Pitch in whenever and wherever you are needed
What Qualifications are you looking for?
  • Have a JD, and be able to practice law in Michigan
  • Have 1+ years of legal aid or pro bono experience (student & pro bono clinics count)
  • Be passionate about the work and understand that each casefile represents a person, not a number
  • Be self-directed, comfortable with research, and able to work multiple types of cases, including doing your own issue spotting, research, and drafting.
  • Be able to take advantage of a flexible work environment but self-disciplined enough to keep an up-to-date calendar and get the work done ( off in the morning to sell bagels for the PTA- cool but don’t miss the discovery cut off)
What is the Pay & Office Like?

Pay and benefits are in line with legal services salaries and commensurate with experience. Dress code is informal unless you need to appear in court. Most work is remote, with specific, scheduled in-office meeting times for case discussion and collaboration.

What about DEIA?

We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people with past involvement in the justice system, and people with experience with poverty to apply. This is more than a generic policy statement, as 83% of our board and staff have multiple identities, and all of us have at least one.

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