Policy & Special Projects Research Specialist
We are seeking a Policy & Special Projects Research Specialist who will work in the Office of the President to provide in-depth research, writing, and analytical support to senior staff in the form of briefings, memos, literature reviews, presentations and other written materials. The ideal candidate must be able to independently identify issues, verify data and facts, and exercise judgement to distill voluminous inputs into their essentials. S/he must be an excellent researcher and writer, have strong quantitative skills, possess knowledge of public policy and/or related social science research areas, and be able to work quickly with depth and precision. Specific projects will evolve, focusing on a range of policy issues and perspectives in areas such as the changing landscape of higher education; campus democratic and civic engagement; university collaboration with industry and community; and urban social and institutional challenges. The ideal candidate must be a disciplined self-starter who enjoys working in a fast paced and flexible environment.
***For full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume and 2 writing samples that demonstrate high-level experience in policy research, project management or communications.***
Special note, this role is NOT a clinical or laboratory research position.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Conducting in-depth research and original analysis independently.
- Preparing in-depth memos, briefs, presentations, and other written materials for President and senior staff.
- Communicating complex information in clear, precise, and compelling prose.
- Ensuring that materials prepared for President and senior staff are accurate, fact-checked, and proofed.
- Monitoring and analyzing developments and major issues in higher education and other policy arenas to remain informed and proactively address issues germane to ongoing research projects.
- Developing and sustaining contacts with faculty, staff, and other constituents within and outside the university, as necessary to create thorough work products.
- This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent oral and written communications skills with high attention to detail.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Ability to synthesize and analyze information quickly and thoroughly.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data in a social science and policy context.
- Knowledge of grammar usage and academic style guidelines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while balancing competing priorities and managing multiple assignments.
- High degree of flexibility and self-motivation in order to deliver high quality work product.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, History, Sociology, or a related field required.
- Two years related experience in a high-level policy research, project management, or communications environment.
- Additional education may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Candidates with a Master’s Degree or Juris Doctorate are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Experience conducting formal research and writing and drafting memos and briefs.
- Experience providing research support to senior faculty members, policymakers or private sector leaders.
- Experience producing policy briefs/papers.
Classified Title: Research & Policy Analyst
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Policy & Special Projects Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MD
Starting Salary Range: $55,800 - $97,600 Annually (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: Homewood Campus
Department name: President Office of
Personnel area: University Administration