Position Description

Director of Policy Research supports our policy work by leading our research portfolios on policy issues affecting young adults, most specifically in the areas of higher education, health care, and workforce policy, and financial health. The Director leads our research strategy and contributes to the development of the organization’s policy agenda. The ideal candidate has a sharp analytical mind and a curious disposition and is adept working collaborative teams as well as driving individuals tasks and projects forward. The ideal candidate will have a firm grasp of YI’s policy issues both at the federal level and, broadly, in YI’s five regions.

The ideal candidate must be comfortable with virtual, in-person, and hybrid workplaces. Full COVID-19 vaccination is required. All YI employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You're considered fully vaccinated two weeks after you get a second dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or two weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/ Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Position Reports to Sr. Director of External Affairs

Key Competencies + Duties:

• Develop an overarching research strategy for the organization.

• Shape, lead, and contribute to original policy research products, including issue and policy briefs, major reports, infographics, and partner communications. Ensure they are rigorous and accurate, earn media coverage, drive policy change, inform policymakers, and connect to wider public policy discussions where appropriate.
• Engage in quantitative analysis including microdata extracts of complex surveys using statistical software packages. Conduct cost-benefit analysis and some federal budget analysis.
• Assist with rapid-response activities including fact-checking and policy analysis for development of press releases, external statements.
• Design and conduct surveys of YI’s constituency, as well as coordinate with contractors on commissions of valid sample designs.
• Design qualitative research plans including developing research questions and protocols for focus group and roundtable discussions, as well as conduct focus group sessions and analyze their results.
• Advise on data visualization including designing graphs, charts, and maps to illustrate YI’s data products.
• Identify emerging trends and generate new research project ideas and policy products. Provide content for grant proposals, as necessary.
• Provide research support to YI’s regions and collaborate on in-field research projects.
• Represent the organization to external audiences including top-tier media outlets, present YI’s work to foundation program officers and leadership, as well as to partner convenings and conferences.
• Supervise and mentor interns, part time and full time fellows.
• Engage in effective project management, including content development, timelines and activities, communication with participants, grant deliverables and project oversight.

• Work with YI’s national management team to develop the long-term vision of the organization, help shape internal processes and strategies to improve our work and organization, and implement them across the organization.

Education + Experience

• 6-8 years experience preferred in public policy analysis, statistical analysis, or research fields.

• Skilled in research methods, particularly quantitative analysis. In particular, demonstrated ability analyzing large microdata datasets using statistical packages like R, SPSS, SAS and STATA.

• Demonstrated ability managing high-level relationships and developing, communicating, and advocating for policy positions.
• Familiarity with, and an interest in, the public policy issues YI works on.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent oral, written communications skills and can articulate a clear vision to a team.
• Ability to translate complicated policy materials and concepts into content for the public, media, and policymakers.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Desire to work in an entrepreneurial, non-profit environment.

• A master’s degree preferred in public policy, higher education, public health, education policy, political science, economics, or related field with a statistical background.

How to Apply:

To apply, please complete the job application here:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f558863d-75bd-4729-9a00-389804671479&ccId=19000101_000002&type=MP&locale=en_US.

Applicants will need to provide the following documents and information through the online portal:

• Current Resume
• Any salary requirement
• Three references, including at least one former supervisor. (YI will not contact references without first checking with the applicant.)