Department
POLIS (IN-POLI-IUINA)
Department Information
The Polis Center is an applied research center at Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Polis makes data actionable for improving community health, equity, and resilience. We build and use information technology and geographically specific data across a variety of domains and sectors to identify and address our community's most pressing challenges. We are a convener and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.
From inception, The Polis Center has been guided by core values that include making a difference, collaboration, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, accountability, integrity, respect, and stewardship. We offer a fun team environment. Our team is passionate about the work we do, and we love working together. The Polis Center places great value on a positive work/life balance.
Job Summary
Department-Specific Responsibilities
- Supports the planning and execution of research projects focused on social, economic, structural, and geographic factors affecting populations and communities.
- Plays a central role at the Polis Center by managing multiple research initiatives.
- Develops work plans and timelines, tracks progress, schedules and facilitates team and stakeholder meetings, and produces agendas and status reports.
- Supports knowledge translation efforts, such as transforming data into policy briefs, visualizations, and other actionable outputs; and works closely with analysts to ensure data products align with project goals and community needs.
- Responsible for coordinating the planning and implementation of assigned projects
- In consultation with project directors or their designee to: creates, executes, and coordinates work plans and work-flow documents; establishes project timelines and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements
- Coordinates with project directors or their designee to: develops agendas for meetings with internal staff and/or clients; facilitates discussion; documents and follows-up on meeting action items
- Serves as the first point of escalation regarding perceived barriers to meeting project milestones and timelines
- Communicates roadblocks and challenges to project directors and coordinates a resolution
- Documents project status and milestones for project directors or designee to share with leaders, stakeholders, and/or project partners
- Participates in, and occasionally leads, meetings with clients to exchange data, resolve questions, and share information about active and pending projects
- Reviews project deliverables prior to delivery
- Represents the Polis Center to stakeholders, clients, and colleagues through conferences, meetings, and presentations as requested by project directors
- Works with analysts to perform analyses as necessary to meet project specifications
- Designs and conducts data analyses across different domains, such as education, criminal justice, public health, healthcare, employment, housing, and economic opportunity
- Collects and analyzes quantitative data from various sources, including surveys, databases, and public records, to identify demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic patterns and trends
- Assists in the design, development, and validation of data indices as needed to support research and analysis
- Conducts qualitative research and analysis, including surveys, literature reviews, interviews, focus groups, and case studies
- Provides guidance to students or other staff on aspects of research and analysis as needed; may provide oversight to student researchers
- Performs quality assurance of research findings (data quality, reports, etc.)
- Writes content for websites, newsletters, journal articles, and other publications to disseminate and share research and analysis findings
- Develops presentations for internal and external meetings and public events, including for in-person and virtual settings
- Collaborates with team members to prepare data visualizations, including charts, maps, and graphics for websites and reports
- Prepares specialized content to communicate the significance of analysis results
- Presents analysis and visualizations to a variety of audiences, including lay audiences
- Supports Polis Center staff in fostering partnerships with external organizations, researchers, and subject matter experts to enhance research capabilities and promote knowledge sharing
- Assists in identifying, coordinating and engaging program and project advisory committees and/or other stakeholder groups, including stakeholder identification and outreach, engagement planning, meeting coordination and facilitation, provision of regular project updates and feedback loops, documentation
- Performs other related duties as assigned at the directors' discretion
General Responsibilities
- Performs complex data collection, data analysis, data management, literature research, technical writing, and reporting in support of research project(s); performs quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
- Ensures quality control of data and reports findings to federal and other agencies
- Consults with faculty researchers and research staff and provides input on research project evaluations and research project designs
- Writes various technical reports, journal articles, and/or develops presentations to disseminate and share research findings
- Performs various analyses to ensures quality assurance of research findings (data quality, reports, etc.)
- Represents the department with regard to related research and participates in professional development activities and programs
- Mentors and/or provides guidance to students, faculty, or other staff working on research project(s) through training in related aspects of research techniques and analysis as needed; may provide daily oversight to less experienced staff or student researchers
- Provides additional research project support as needed
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
- Master's degree (preferably in research-oriented field such as social sciences, public policy, sociology, economics, statistics, public health/policy analysis, etc.)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
- 3 years of experience in a related field
Preferred
- 5 years of experience conducting research and analysis
SKILLS
Required
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills
- Maintains a high degree of professionalism
- Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
- Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
- Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
- Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
- Highly thorough and dependable
- Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
- Strong knowledge and ability to apply qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- Familiarity with and openness to learn new qualitative and mixed methods
- Knowledge and familiarity with various statistical software
Preferred
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Excellent organization and leadership skills
- Ability to communicate research findings to a lay audience
- Familiarity with GIS or other mapping tools for map creation
- Open to learning new methods
- Strong project management skills
- Ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research
- Advanced knowledge and ability to apply qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- Advanced knowledge and familiarity with various statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, STATA) and qualitative research tools (e.g., NVivo)
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Occasional in-state travel will be required.
Additional Information
This position is grant-funded with expected annual renewal. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds.
Work Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule (mix between 2 days remote and 3 days in-person work), subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs.
Advertised Salary
$55,000 to $75,000, depending on experience
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Health savings account with generous IU contributions
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Basic group life insurance paid by IU
- Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
- Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
- Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
- Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
- 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
- Generous paid time off plans
- Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Research
Job Family: Research Data Analysis
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Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
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