Senior Researcher

Chapin Hall seeks a Senior Researcher to join the Center for State Child Welfare Data team. Our work is focused on child well-being within the context of child protection services and foster care. We are especially interested in researchers with experience in econometric modeling and causal inference. The successful applicant will demonstrate a track record of excellence in project design and execution, dissemination of research findings to a range of audiences including refereed journals, effective business development, intellectual leadership, and partner relations.

The Senior Researcher will collaborate with the Center's researchers and policy staff to advance and translate evidence with a focus on well-being. The Senior Researcher is expected to contribute to current work and develop new lines of work that advance basic and applied science. Interaction with federal, state, and local policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders is expected.

Chapin Hall embraces a "Work from Anywhere" approach which offers flexible remote work from anywhere in the United States. Chapin Hall also offers in-person opportunities for staff to build: 1) connections, 2) team cohesion and creativity, and 3) a sense of belonging to the organization. All staff are expected to travel to and engage in a minimum of two annual 2-day "All Hall Convenings" featuring shared learning, teamwork, and fellowship. Reasonable accommodations are made for those who require modifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, direct, and sustain a funded portfolio of research projects that address contemporary policy and practice issues, with a specific focus on micro-economic theory and its application to the welfare of children as broadly defined.
• Contribute to and lead the development of scholarly reports and articles using contemporary outlets.
• Identify and articulate (orally and in writing) how research findings inform national and state policy debates; take a strategic role in the dissemination of research findings.
• Manage proposal development, project management, and project finances.
• Engage in formal supervision of staff and contribute to the professional development of junior colleagues.
• Engage with Center leadership as a thought leader and steward of the Center's mission.
• Performs additional duties as assigned including internal committee service.

• Ph.D. in economics is strongly preferred or a Ph.D. in a related social science discipline with relevant experience.
• A minimum of five years of experience carrying out a research program on child welfare, child protection, and child well-being.
• A minimum of five years of experience supervising junior staff or colleagues with a documented record of strong mentorship.
• Knowledge of and experience with econometric models, randomized clinical trials, and quasi-experimental designs.
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of state administrative data including integrated data that brings sources of public and private data together in a person, place, and time structure.
• Demonstrated facility with both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Track record of partnerships with public and private agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the desire and ability to contribute positively to the culture and intellectual life of the Center.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate and convey complex concepts and study findings in oral and written form.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks.
• Highly flexible problem-solving and analytic skills.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Demonstrated judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex relationships.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.
• Must be able to travel locally and out of state occasionally.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall positions. Chapin Hall approaches background checks with respect and fairness, ensuring that every applicant is given equitable review and opportunity. Chapin Hall's background check process complies with Section 2-103.1 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. Accordingly, a conviction will only be considered disqualifying if it has a substantial relationship to the job, or if hiring the individual would pose an unreasonable risk to workplace safety. If you have any questions, please reach out to HumanResources@chapinhall.org.

Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only. A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact Human Resources by calling (773) 256-5157, or by sending an email to recruiting@chapinhall.org.

Chapin Hall is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity orexpression, citizenship, citizenship status, pregnancy ormaternity, nationalorigin,statusasanindividual with disability, ancestry,protectedveteranstatus, oranyother statusprotected by law. Per U.S. Department of Labor regulations, Chapin Hall offers visa sponsorship in limited instances for hard-to-fill specialty occupation roles. If you have questions about visa sponsorship at Chapin Hall, please reach out tohumanresources@chapinhall.org

Regarding the salary range:

Chapin Hall adheres to a competitive market-aligned salary structure for all its administrative, policy, and research roles. Starting salaries within posted ranges are determined by the Chapin Hall Human Resources Department using a consistent, rigorous, and equitable review process.

Benefits

Chapin Hall provides a strong benefits program that addresses the diverse needs of our staff. The Chapin Hall Benefits Program offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options that allow you to design your own plan, to balance individual needs with affordability and support long-term financial stability for staff and their family. Our benefits include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, sick time, parental leave and retirement options. For more information on our benefits visit our Chapin Hall Website.