Job Description

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This position reports to the Policy Manager, who reports to the Policy Director. 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. This position can be performed remotely, and hybrid remote-work opportunities are available.

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. We seek an energetic and experienced person with expertise in equity, diversity, and inclusion, research, and state policy to support the Policy Impact Center\'s Equity Initiative, which aims to advance greater equity in state policies to support infants, toddlers, and their parents.

The Policy Impact Center\'s Equity Initiative includes extensive equity-focused evidence reviews of state policies to better understand the historical foundations of the policies and how the policy features can advance equity or maintain inequalities, as well as the whether the impact of the policies lead to reductions in disparities in outcomes. The Senior Equity Research Associate\'s work will also require connecting directly with state policy leaders, advocates, and individuals with the lived experience of the policies, to identify the policy choices states can make to promote greater equity.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the position include:

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

• Serve as a subject-matter expert in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the economic and family support policy area.
• Conduct rigorous, equity-focused evidence reviews to better understand the historical and theoretical context and the racial and ethnic impacts of early childhood policies
• Identify the administrative and structural barriers that limit the fair and just access to opportunities for young children to thrive using an equity lens
• Conduct interviews with key stakeholders to identify and illustrate the policy levers that states can implement to promote more equitable access, use, experience, and outcomes for families of color
• Identify states who are leaders or lagging behind in promoting greater equity through early childhood policies by (1) working collaboratively with state leaders and other experts in policy research and racial/ethnic impact assessment and (2) analyzing and drawing on available national- and state-level quantitative data
• Serve as a resource to state-level policy makers by sharing relevant research and best practices in equitable policymaking
• Produce high-quality technical written products including synthesizing research findings for diverse audiences
• Contribute to the production of annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap

Project management and leadership:

• Take a leadership role in developing project plans and timelines to advance the Policy Impact Center\'s Equity Initiative, providing guidance to states on how they can implement effective policies to promote greater equity among infants, toddlers, and their families
• Take a leadership role in ensuring that team work products are completed on time, through an equity lens, and to the highest quality possible
• Demonstrate ownership and routinely document progress on project goals or deliverables
• Communicate and work collaboratively with other staff to ensure organizational goals are met
• Contribute to developing and improving processes and procedures
• Assist in hiring and onboarding staff and graduate research assistants, training and supporting new staff in learning team processes; and support the professional development of research staff and students
• Monitor and supervise research staff and students to effectively contribute to team work products

Please Note: All applicants must include a cover letter and resume/CV with application.

Qualifications

• Master\'s degree with major coursework in the field of assignment (e.g., public policy, public administration, child development, social work, public health) is required, plus at least three years of related experience; Additional related experience may substitute for required education
• Expertise in conducting policy research and writing products for diverse policy audiences with a specific focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Expertise in research methodology and experience in primary qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis, including familiarity with large, national datasets
• Knowledge of state policies in the following focal area: economic and family supports (e.g., paid family leave, state earned income tax credits, home visiting)
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, tenacity about details and organization
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts clearly and the ability to write about research methods for different audiences
• 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 and experience

• Expertise in a focal policy area, economic and family support
• Experience conducting research on topics related to the prenatal-to-3 period
• Direct work experience in public policy, such as with state legislatures or advocacy organizations
• Experience providing supervision and guidance to other staff
• Spanish language fluency

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. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

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.

About Us: Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

At , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of \xe2\x80\x9cAmerica\'s Best Large Employers\xe2\x80\x9d as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.



Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.

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