JOB DETAILS

Associate, Research Senior

CompanyIllinois Action For Children
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 20, 2026
About The Company
Illinois Action for Children is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to quality, accessible early learning and care opportunities for children. With nearly 600 employees representing more than 20 programs and service across four sites, we have championed the cause of quality child care and early education for families and children throughout Illinois for over 50 years. Illinois Action for Children is a state and national leader in the early care and education community, distinguished by its "Strong Families, Powerful Communities"​ approach to child development, preschool education and other family and community supports. This broad approach to supporting children by supporting families is a proven and effective means to address overarching issues of endemic poverty, which are the root cause of the educational failure of America's poorest children. Illinois Action for Children's outreach and work with low-income, hard-to-reach families, has led us to research and implement highly effective and innovative programs and advocacy to ensure that early care and education, and other opportunities, are accessible to the children most in need. Highlights from our programs include: - Public Policy & Advocacy organizing to expand access to child care and early education, and other supports. - Early Learning Programs to make early education available to young children so they will be ready to succeed when they start school. - Resource and Referral Program to connect child care providers, parents, and employers with resources such as child care referrals, professional development, health services and community supports. Our mission is to be a catalyst for organizing, developing and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
About the Role

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Director of Research, the Research Associate conducts program and policy research, program evaluation, qualitative and quantitative data collection and management to support Illinois Action for Children’s program implementation and inform the development of program and public policy. The Research Associate collaborates within the Research and Policy teams and with other departments and organizations to assist or lead in the development and production of data sets, fact sheets, web data, presentations, and reports. Often the Research Associate must work on several projects at once. All work is to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with Company standards.


This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

  1. In collaboration with the Research team, including the Director and the Assistant Director, design, conduct, and report research and evaluation for Illinois Action for Children on its programs, city and state programs and policies, and population of interest. 
  2. Develop or assist in developing qualitative data collection tools, such as protocols for surveys, focus groups, and interviews, and databases.
  3. Follow protocols in collecting and storing data and protecting confidential data. 
  4. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods and tools.
  5. Report research findings in written reports, presentations, webpages, factsheets, and other communications in a style appropriate to Illinois Action for Children’s multiple audiences, including agency staff, the public, customers, parents, child care and early education providers, policy makers, and advocates.
  6. Develop detailed working knowledge of Illinois Action for Children’s programs, and the related programs of their local, state, federal and community partners.
  7. As needed, conduct, and report descriptive quantitative analysis of data sets such as program data sets, census data, and supports research team in this work.
  8. Assist Research team and Public Policy and Advocacy team in designing rigorous and relevant policy research.
  9. Execute our workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities.
  10. Other Functions: The organization may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.


QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:


Minimum Bachelor's degree and five years related research experience and/or training in databases, statistical packages, data visualization. Graduate degree in a relevant field of study or several years of strong research experience is preferred, particularly with survey tools, focus groups, and interviews.



OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to concentrate on research projects and data accurately for extended periods of time. The position might requires effectively manipulating large data sets and being able to check and correct work.
  • Ability to be flexible in adjusting project timelines as circumstances demand.
  • Ability to communicate research to non-specialists at a range of levels, from individual facts and details to high-level planning. 
  • Ability to develop professional understanding of the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program; the referral program and provider database (DTP); the child care and early learning system in Illinois; Illinois Action for Children departments; Illinois, Cook County and Chicago governments; and partners of Illinois Action for Children.


Benefits of Working at IAFC:

  • Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
  • We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiased and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
  • We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
  • 401 (k) with company match
  • Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on-35 days
  • 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • STD & LTD insurance
  • Company-paid Life Insurance


Location:  Chicago, Illinois - Hybrid

IL Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.

Key Skills
Program EvaluationQualitative Data CollectionQuantitative Data AnalysisPolicy ResearchData ManagementSurvey DesignFocus Group FacilitationInterviewingData VisualizationStatistical AnalysisReport WritingPublic Policy Analysis
Categories
Science & ResearchData & AnalyticsSocial ServicesGovernment & Public SectorEducation
Benefits
Health InsuranceDental InsuranceVision Insurance401(k) With Company MatchPaid Time OffPaid HolidaysFloating HolidayTuition ReimbursementFlexible Spending AccountShort Term Disability InsuranceLong Term Disability InsuranceCompany-paid Life Insurance
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Research Associate conducts program and policy research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and management to inform public policy. They collaborate with internal teams to produce data sets, reports, and presentations for various stakeholders.
📋Job Type
regular full time
💰Salary Range
$58,300 - $68,300
📊Experience Level
5-10
💼Company Size
537
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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