Policy Research Analyst

Summary

Join ZERO TO THREE's Policy Center as a Policy Research Analyst and contribute to a research-based agenda focused on the developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Reporting to the Policy Research Director, you will conduct policy research, analyze data, and create engaging content to inform policymakers and advocates. Your work will involve using various data tools and formats to present actionable insights and recommendations. You will collaborate with colleagues and external partners to ensure alignment with organizational priorities. This role requires strong analytical, communication, and writing skills, along with experience in policy research and data analysis. ZERO TO THREE offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Analyze complex data, identify trends, and communicate meaningful insights
• Have a minimum of 3 years prior work experience in policy research, program evaluation, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and persuasive writing
• Possess strong knowledge of early childhood development and familiarity with the current policy landscape
• Be proficient in quantitative, qualitative, and community-engaged research methods, including protocol development, data collection, statistical and thematic analysis, and data visualization, including use of relevant software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or R; Nvivo or ATLAS.ti; Tableau, PowerBI, or Salesforce)
• Have strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and thoroughness
• Possess a curious, creative, and inquisitive nature, with the ability to apply rigorous thinking to the body of research and evidence
• Analyze and synthesize complex documents, policies, and proposals and translate them into informed, thoughtful, and persuasive recommendations
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to make research findings, policy recommendations, and complicated/technical information understandable and accessible to a variety of audiences
• Work effectively in culturally diverse environments and demonstrate a deep understanding of how different forms of oppression operate on interpersonal, institutional, and structural levels
• Be highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to maintain accuracy and thoroughness in research and analysis while managing multiple projects and shifting priorities and deadlines
• Be self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work independently and as part of a team committed to excellence
• Encourage and practice critical thinking
• Be self-reflective and empathic
• Recognize the influence of workplace relationships on outcomes and results
• Maintain a respectful and accepting approach to others
• Be aware of the influence of the larger context on individual behavior
• Collaboratively and creatively support the work efforts of colleagues at all levels and in all areas of the organization
• Have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, including public policy, childhood development, social science, or a related field OR a Bachelor’s degree in a research-focused field and at least 5 years of related experience working in social science research

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and maintain current knowledge of the policy landscape, legislation, research, data, and other information relevant to ZERO TO THREE’s policy agenda
• Apply a racial equity lens to create high-quality work supporting and advancing ZERO TO THREE’s policy priorities
• Conduct comprehensive policy issue research and analyze multi-sector data and evidence to strengthen existing projects and recommend new policy approaches
• Collate and synthesize large bodies of research and data to extract meaningful quantitative and qualitative insights, identify and recommend best practices, and draft content advancing new ideas and policy solutions
• Serve as a thought partner to colleagues and remain current on the state of literature and research to identify new sources of data and insights
• Conduct novel analyses across public-use, administrative, and internal datasets
• Create and maintain databases of collected policy research and data using current data tools
• Develop equity-centered, well-reasoned, and evidence-based policy research that translates data insights, emerging best practices, and innovative thinking into actionable policy recommendations
• Draft persuasive high-quality content to deliver analysis and recommendations using various forms and mediums, including reports, policy briefs, and other written materials
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Policy Center, ZERO TO THREE, and external partners to ensure that work products are aligned with organizational priorities and reflect real-world applications
• Create products tailored to a wide variety of audiences with different needs and levels of understanding, including legislators, policymakers, families, early childhood professionals, and the private sector
• Work closely with the Communications team to ensure content clarity, accessibility of language, and to maximize the versatility of the content
• Support time-sensitive media opportunities and other policy events
• Work with colleagues to develop proposals for both public and private funding opportunities on various topics using innovative study designs
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the Policy Center

Preferred Qualifications

Experience cleaning and analyzing public-use data

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, HRA, retirement contributions, generous leave benefits