Child Welfare Senior Research Associate

The Senior Research Associate (SRA) leads, trains, and mentors a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research and evaluation team and provides deep knowledge in specific subject areas. This increases the capacity and performance of the project and team to fulfill goals and meet contract deliverables within budgets and deadlines. The SRA directs study design and implementation, research and evaluation policies and procedures, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and completion of reports and other communication vehicles (e.g., infographics). The SRA presents research results both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences. With a continued commitment to excellence, the SRA mitigates implementation issues, cultivates long-term relationships with existing clients/partners, seeks out potential new relationships, and secures new business where possible.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Provides direction, strategic leadership, and thought leadership for research and evaluation projects, tasks, and business development opportunities Provides expertise and direction in research design, methodology, data analysis, and reporting Directs and ensures accountability to ethical guidelines in research designs and methodologies, contractual requirements, and high-quality, contract deliverables Directs, monitors, and ensures accountability to efficient and effective use of project or task resources (e.g., budget, expenditures, staffing, equipment), proactively mitigates potential issues, and directs and monitors tasks and deliverables for contract compliance Trains, develops, and mentors employees' research and project skills, knowledge, and abilities; supervises project staff; builds high functioning research and evaluation teams Directs literature reviews and information synthesis Directs data collection instrumentation and protocol development including the creation of surveys, qualitative interviews, data abstraction tools, quality assessment tools Directs the development of data collection databases (e.g., survey administration through Alchemer) including programming logic and validation Directs the implementation of quantitative and qualitative data collection protocols including monitoring (and addressing if low) data collection response rates Directs the preparation of data for analysis including designing and implementing data cleaning protocols, assessing, and addressing data quality; stays abreast of advanced data wrangling processes for use when indicated Directs data analyses Quantitatively: Directs cleaning, harmonization, and merging of datasets, variable creation, advanced statistical analysis including statistical modeling and simulation (using SPSS, SAS, R, Stata, Python), and development of data visualizationsDirects survey sampling approaches and the calculation of advanced sampling weights Qualitatively: Directs codebook development, data coding, qualitative data analyzes (using ATLAS. Ti, Dedoose, or other qualitative software), and data visualizations Seeks opportunities to share best practices with other projects Directs and prepares client-ready written materials (e.g., issue briefs, case studies, and other materials to convey study findings, best practices, and recommendations) designed to communicate information clearly in a manner tailored to the intended audiences. Directs the creation of IRB and OMB submission materials Leads and participates in capture planning and business development activities to align with Center and Corporate strategic goals and initiatives Cultivates long-term relationships with existing clients/partners and seeks out potential new relationships Serves as JBS' representative and outward facing for client communication CHILD WELFARE PROJECT-SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS Directs and ensures the inclusion of disproportionality and disparity data and goals in capacities to complete readiness assessment, root cause analysis, and data capture and analysis Directs and ensures the inclusion of family and youth centered practices in data collection and review and state and federal processes Directs jurisdictional consultation to select, implement, and monitor the use of risk and safety assessment tools and protocols Directs quality assurance and continuous quality improvement (CQI) protocols and activities including but not limited to:Overseeing a jurisdiction's data collection process and toolsOverseeing the development and support of a jurisdiction's CQI self-assessment process, project management plans, and teaming structures in preparation for federal reviewLinking quality-relevant findings with data collection process improvement Developing a jurisdiction's performance improvement plans based on review findingsSupporting the implementation of improved data collection processes based upon performance improvement plans and federal review findings MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education and Experience: PhD and 10 years of post-graduate school experience comprising of 7 years of focus experience. Skills: Ability to direct large, complex, research and evaluation projects (and history of directing large, complex, research and evaluation projects) Ability to manage subcontracts and subcontractors when applicableAbility to meet contract deliverables within budget and timelinesAbility to write clear and concise copy with attention to detail and target audience focusAbility to develop, monitor, and manage budgetsAbility to build high-functioning research and evaluation teamsExcellent organization and time management skillsStrong problem-solving, analysis, and communication skills Knowledge: Advanced statistical analysesQualitative and/or quantitative software (e.g., ATLAS.ti, SPSS, SAS, R, Stata, Python)Quality assurance and CQI Language: English fluency (oral and written) Software Proficiency: Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) LOCATION: Remote or hybrid if within 50 miles of North Bethesda or San Mateo office Physical Requirements Ability to sit forprolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation. Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse. Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy. Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone. Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues. Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks. PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Skills:
Ability to lead business development activities Knowledge: Child welfare state systems and laws (project specific)Child welfare risk and safety assessment tools (project specific)SQL data analysis (project-specific)Data scienceBusiness development processes (e.g., capture planning) Language: English fluency (oral and written) Software Proficiency: Smartsheet, Jira, Monday.com or other project management softwareATLAS.ti, SPSS, SAS, R, Stata, Python, or other analytic programs LOCATION: Remote or hybrid if within 50 miles of North Bethesda or San Mateo office SECURITY and OTHER CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Public Trust Clearance

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position. APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.