The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center aims to be the go-to resource for actionable evidence for state policy leaders as they develop and implement the most effective policies that ensure children get off to a strong start and thrive. Through original and rigorous research and analysis, the Research and Evaluation team at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center builds the evidence base of the most effective policies and strategies for young children and their families, with a focus on implementation factors and equity. We seek an energetic and experienced person to provide support for multiple policy-focused research studies and evaluations to build the evidence base for effective prenatal-to-3 policies.

General Notes:

This position reports functionally and administratively to the Research Manager. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. Candidates must be local to the Nashville area. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule that includes both remote and in-office work.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the position include:

Project management and leadership:

• Support the development of project plans and timelines for successfully completing research projects

• Routinely document project goals, deliverables, and timelines

• Ensure project deliverables are completed on time, through an equity lens, and to the highest quality possible

• Demonstrate ownership of project timelines, analysis, and all work products

• Communicate and work collaboratively with other staff to ensure organizational goals are met

Research, analysis, writing, and client/stakeholder engagement:

• Contribute to study design and development of evaluation plans

• Synthesize and communicate relevant background research for a research area

• Develop survey and focus group instruments with substantial input and feedback from supervisor

• Observe focus groups, take notes, and synthesize findings

• Execute survey data collection processes and testing, contribute to the development of the analytic plan and timeline for project analysis(es)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the “shape” of data and how datasets can be used to answer research questions

• Demonstrate the ability to conduct simple analyses (e.g. cross tabs, counts, means, tests, etc.) in Stata to support the research projects

• Demonstrate excellence and clarity in writing project reports, policy briefs, and memos

• Prepare presentations for clients that you or supervisor will deliver

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Required/Essential qualifications:

• Master’s degree with major coursework in the field of assignment, plus two years of related experience or Bachelor’s degree with four years of experience in the field of assignment is required; Additional related experience may substitute for required education on a year for year basis

• Experience in program evaluation, policy research, research management, analytic methods used for evaluation, and/or writing products for diverse policy audiences

• Excellent project management skills, strong critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, tenacity about details and organization

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts clearly and concisely;

• Able to come up to speed on new topics quickly, multi-task effectively, and produce high-quality work under time constraints; flexible and able to adapt to changing timelines and circumstances when needed

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a team environment

• Demonstrated understanding and support for key concepts in diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Preferred skills:

• Knowledge of early childhood field

• Knowledge of effective state policies

• Proficiency in Excel, Stata, and Qualtrics

• Spanish language fluency

Writing Exercise Requirement:

As part of the selection process, competitive candidates will be asked to complete a 2-hour writing exercise. This test will assess your ability to think critically and write clearly and concisely about statistics and policy issues relevant to our work. To complete the exercise, candidates will need access to a computer with word processing software and the Internet.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.