Policy and Research Analyst

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

9h

About The Position

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent executive branch agency with oversight and ombudsperson responsibilities, established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2008. The OCA's mission is to ensure that children receive appropriate, timely, and quality state services, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Commonwealth's most vulnerable and at-risk children can thrive. Through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the OCA identifies gaps in state services and recommends improvements in policy, practice, regulation and/or law. The OCA also serves as a resource for families who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, services from the Commonwealth. Office of the Child Advocate | Mass.gov
The Policy and Implementation Team at the OCA works to identify and make recommendations to address systems-level gaps and challenges in the delivery of state services for children and improve outcomes. The team accomplishes this work by conducting comprehensive, mixed methods policy analysis; managing the work of various OCA-chaired task forces and working groups; and developing policy reports and briefs. Additionally, the team collaborates with various partners to pilot innovative programs and services designed to improve the quality of state services for children and youth by supporting pilot program design, implementation, and evaluation. The Policy and Implementation Team also manages legislative relations, communications, and external affairs for the OCA.

The Policy & Research Analyst (PRA) supports the work of the Policy & Implementation Team by conducting mixed methods research -- primarily literature reviews, stakeholder interviews and thematic analysis, basic numerical analysis using Excel, and survey design and analysis – and contributing to the development of key deliverables, such as slide decks, internal memos, and policy briefs and reports. The PRA hired for this role will primarily support the OCA’s work chairing the Childhood Trauma Task Force and co-chairing the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Advisory Council. The PRA will also provide research support related to the work of the OCA’s Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma, and other topics as assigned.

The right candidate for this position has interest and at least some experience in using mixed-methods research to inform policy recommendations. You understand how to use a variety of sources of information – from qualitative interviews to academic literature to statistical analysis to the voices of individuals with lived experience – to develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of public policy problems and analyze potential solutions. You are a critical thinker, a strong writer, and you are open to listening and learning from a range of perspectives. You are detail oriented, and able to work independently, while also working collaboratively on projects with peers, managers, and OCA leadership to advance projects. You are flexible and can work quickly and efficiently on multiple projects. You have a demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusion and addressing disparities in state services and systems. Most of all, you have a passion for improving the lives of the children and youth of the Commonwealth and want to be part of an innovative, growing team of public servants who share that passion.

Requirements

• Knowledge of mixed methods policy/social science research (e.g., survey design, structured interviews, case file reviews, literature reviews) and familiarity with legal and regulatory research methods
• Data analysis skills (data entry, cleaning, and creating data visualizations in Excel) and ability to draw conclusions, connecting data and research to policy and practice
• Strong project management skills: able to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects across various timelines, while demonstrating flexibility to accommodate changes in circumstances or where opportunities emerge
• Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to absorb and summarize complex and highly technical information and adapt writing for multiple audiences
• Ability to develop effective slide decks in PowerPoint
• Some public speaking and public presentations experience
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other commonly used computer software applications.
• Bachelor's degree in public policy/administration, a social science, or a related field
• At least three (3) years of technical or professional experience in research or statistical work

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in public policy/administration, a social science, or a related field

Responsibilities

• Conducts research, collecting and synthesizing information from a variety of sources, including literature reviews, legal and policy reviews, internet searches, surveys, and interviews with experts and stakeholders. Assists in the development and implementation of surveys and other qualitative research tools.
• Drafts data requests. Conducts basic data analysis in Excel to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the results. Develops data visualizations.
• Assists with policy analysis. Proposes policy findings and recommendations for specific projects based on research findings, including needed policy changes, legislation, and program development.
• Drafts and contributes to policy research deliverables, including but not limited to legislative reports, policy briefs, presentations, website content, factsheets, and/or other materials describing research findings and recommendations. Develops process maps, graphs, and other visual aids to convey complicated information. Reviews reports and other written products for accuracy, completeness, and quality of content and presentation. Provides support in responding to requests for policy analysis from Legislature or reviewing proposed legislation.
• Assists with the management of select projects, providing support for project-related meetings, creating workplans, timelines, and mapping project deliverables. Responds to requests for information and project support from the Child Advocate and other senior management staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level