Analyst, Research & Evaluation

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Director of Research, the Research and Evaluation Analyst (REA) is responsible for supporting License-Exempt Health and Safety (LEHS) team’s work and broader agency’s research and data analysis needs and initiatives with regard to the license-exempt child care portion of Illinois Child Care Assistance Program caseload. The REA may work with Research Department members to design data collection, data collection tools such as forms and surveys, analyses and reports for purposes of management of the LEHS program and health and safety training, as well as continuous quality improvement and evaluation of the LEHS program and related quality support services. In addition, the REA will support the LEHS program in its data collection, and lead or manage the data analysis and reporting on license exempt child care. The REA will manage cross-departmental and cross-program cooperation necessary to support the LEHS work to monitor and support quality improvement in license-exempt child care programs. The REA will work with managers and staff members across programs and departments in identifying data-related operational needs; and help to promote, implement, and support a sustainable data-informed work culture and operations. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with Company standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

1. Works with Research team to design, develop, and support new and existing data collection, analysis and reporting related to the management, continuous improvement and evaluation of the License-exempt Health and Safety Resources program, health and safety training, and related provider quality support services, as needed. Data include both quantitative and qualitative data. 
2. Manages data using database tools and develops data collection instruments such as forms and surveys, as needed.
3. Learns and uses administrative data sets, such as the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program caseload data, DTP, and Gateways, and internal administrative databases. 
4. Accesses and analyzes Census data at tract level and links these data geographically to administrative data.
5. With the Research team, develops and fields surveys instruments and focus group; analyzes findings. 
6. Writes and co-writes reports that are clear to general reader, technically precise and useful to program improvement and policy formation.
7. Learns and uses suitable data management tools such as Access and statistical tools, such as SPSS and R. 
8. Participates on or leads other program evaluation and research projects and report writing. 
9. Develops and maintains required job skills and core professional competencies.
10.  Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.
11.  Executes Illinois Action for Children’s workplace core values of collaboration, advocacy, respect, excellence and support (CARES).

1. Other Functions: The organization may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree (preferably in a social/human services, policy, or public administration/planning field) and a minimum of two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, including coursework in evaluation and research in education, and / human services. 

A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in providing data support to unskilled staff.
• Experience with data analysis, preferably in a human/social services, research, or similar context. 
• Experience with data analysis applications and tools such as SPSS, R, and related tools is required.
• Experience with data visualization and mapping with ArcGIS are desirable.
• Experience in designing, developing, and maintaining databases. Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Salesforce, and Microsoft Access databases is desirable.
• Strong project management skills are required.
• Familiarity with early childhood services and systems is strongly desired.

Benefits of Working at IAFC:

• Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiased and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
• 401 (k) with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on-35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance

Location:  Chicago, Illinois - Hybrid

IL Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule