PLEASE NOTE: SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS ROLE. APPLICANTS MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.

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. The Data and Analysis Team at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center conducts robust and rigorous data analysis to support the Center’s goals to build the evidence base for effective and equitable policymaking, track state progress in building a more effective and equitable system of care, and shape policy development in states through targeted assistance and support.

We seek an energetic and experienced person to provide data management and analysis expertise to projects across the Center, including 1) conducting original research and evaluation to build the evidence base in key areas related to the impact of state policy choices on outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families; 2) policy analysis for the annual State Policy Roadmap, including a microsimulation called the Policy Impact Calculator; and 3) development of an internal data warehouse.

General Notes:

This position reports functionally and administratively to the Director of Data and Analytics. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the position include:

Data analysis, research, writing, and client/stakeholder engagement:

• Manage the design and execution of survey data collection processes and testing, the development of the analytic plan and timeline for project analysis(es), the design of analytic datasets

• Acquire, manage, and work with large and raw datasets, including administrative datasets from state agencies, national longitudinal data collected such as Census and Vital Statistics data, and other state-level longitudinal data (e.g., merging datasets)

• Manage the process of obtaining administrative data, planning administrative database architecture, data cleaning processes, and rigorous data analysis

• Interpret data, analyze results using statistical techniques, and provide ongoing reports

• Conduct analyses of data to measure state variation and generosity in policy adoption and implementation, state-level indicators of child and family wellbeing, state-level demographic characteristics of the prenatal-to-3 (PN-3) population, and the impact of state policies on outcomes for families

• Contribute to and/or lead the production of written products and academic publications summarizing results of policy research and analysis

Project and data management:

• Manage data processes including data collection, management, and analysis; data security protocols; and data retention plans

• Monitor compliance with data security and data retention policies

• Coordinate with clients and stakeholders, as necessary to obtain and manage administrative datasets

• Ensure quality of data analysis by reviewing staff’s work and providing guidance and feedback

• Ensure projects are completed on time, through an equity lens, and to the highest quality possible

• 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 students to effectively contribute to projects

Supervisory Relationships:

This position supervises students and does not have staff supervisory responsibility.

Coding Test Requirement:

As part of the selection process, competitive candidates will be asked to complete a 2-hour coding test. This test will assess your proficiency in coding, analyzing, and interpreting data. To complete the exercise, candidates will need access to a computer with R or Stata software.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with major coursework in the field of assignment, plus at least three years of related experience is required; Additional related experience may substitute for required education.

• Expertise with data management, manipulation, cleaning, and analysis, specifically with large, national datasets

• Strong skills in Stata or R.

• Exceptional analytic and critical thinking skills

• Excellent project management and organizational skills, strong problem-solving abilities, tenacity about details and organization

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts clearly and concisely

• Ability 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 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:

• Experience providing supervision and guidance to other staff

• Experience with data visualization software and platforms (e.g., Tableau, Infogram)

• Experience with data visualization software and platforms (e.g., Tableau, Infogram, R Shiny)

• Experience conducting data management, cleaning, and analysis using original survey data

• Experience with survey data tools (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics)

• Knowledge of and familiarity with topics related to early childhood and/or social policy

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.