JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct analyses of SJI programs. Collaborate with co-workers to meet current needs; adjust to changing priorities of the organization.
Organize and facilitate data sharing agreements with external partners.
Develop, design and conduct program evaluation and research projects with external agencies.
Plan data collection methods for specific projects and determine the types and sizes of sample groups to be used.
Evaluate the methodology used to obtain data to ensure accuracy.
Prepare data for analysis by organizing information, checking for any inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
Analyze and interpret data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
Report results of statistical analyses in the form of graphs, charts, and tables to lay audiences with limited understanding of statistical methods.
General/Shared Duties
Conduct research, provide policy analysis and write issue briefs on an array of workforce policy issues that impact low-income and disadvantaged residents.
Conduct research and draft policy reports related to SJI’s low-income policy portfolio, chiefly around labor market/industry sectors, accessible middle-wage jobs, local workforce systems and workforce funding streams.
Design and conduct literature reviews, online surveys, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, site visits and assessments of students’ education and employment outcomes.
Develop and participate in system reform efforts by identifying, developing and assisting in collaborative advocacy and capacity building efforts.
Collaborate with federal, state and local policy makers, community organizations, advocacy coalitions and service providers to develop workforce policy.
Strengthen link between policy and program at SJI, so that programs are informed by sound policy and policy is influenced by program efforts.
Stay informed about emerging trends and practices in Workforce Development.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking to a wide variety of audiences and meeting facilitation skills.
Strong ability to read, analyze in depth, and interpret.
Advanced skills in SPSS (or comparable statistical analysis software), MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills.
Ability to respond quickly to ad-hoc requests for data from a variety of individuals and entities
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Masters of public policy, public administration, economics, or related field that includes a curriculum of economics, statistics, public finance or policy analysis preferred.
Bachelor’s degree and 4 + years public policy experience, preferably in workforce, economic development, and/or income related policy areas or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Knowledge of workforce development theories and best practices as well as community college systems preferred
Experience researching, analyzing and reporting on economic, labor market, and industry sector data at local, state and federal levels.
Experience designing and conducting program evaluations preferred.
Familiarity with commonly-utilized data sources, such as Washington State Employment Security Department, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey.
How to apply
Please submit a detailed cover letter listing your qualifications and interest in SJI and in the position, along with your resume to sjihr@seattlejobsinit.com. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled.