Research Associate, IFF CDFI - Chicago, IL

Research Associate
IFF CDFI - Chicago, IL

Title: Research Associate Reports to: Managing Director of Research Department: Research Department The Organization IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive by creating opportunities for low-income communities and people with disabilities. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Social return can coincide with financial return. Across the Midwest, we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, housing developers, and grocery stores. Our staff of over 70 professionals works from our Chicago headquarters, and we also serve the Midwest from four regional offices: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; St. Louis, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Detroit, Michigan. We are a U.S. Department of the Treasury certified community development financial institution (CDFI), a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and the Opportunity Finance Network, and a past recipient of the $5.5 million Wells Fargo NEXT award for Opportunity Finance. IFF is the largest nonprofit CDFI in the Midwest and one of only a few nationally to earn the CARS AAA+1 rating. Since 1988, we have made over $506 million in loans, leveraged $1.6 billion in community investments, and grown our total managed assets to $308 million. The Research Department produces high-impact applied research to inform, guide and influence decision-making of state, regional, municipal and nonprofit organizations. Staff contributes its extensive business experience with an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF and the nonprofit clients it serves. IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work it does and can demonstrate their creativity, detail-orientation, diligence, efficiency, enthusiasm, flexibility, organization, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor. Basic Job Function The Research Associate completes research consulting projects to guide non-profits, foundations and government entities in strategic planning--including the allocation of resources, public policy and practice. The Research Associate will work independently and as a member of a team in planning and executing research projects: collects, compiles, validates, interprets and analyzes data and trends. Compiles, merges and aggregates data using statistical software (SPSS); designs and produces maps using Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) software; and prepares documents, reports, briefs, charts, and graphs that describe and interpret findings. The current position will have a content focus on early childhood education and care, and K-12 education. Job Duties and Responsibilities Uses standard practices and techniques to execute qualitative and quantitative research-consulting projects. Researches, procures and analyzes policy relevant to applied research-consulting projects; and large and small public, proprietary and subscriber datasets relevant to IFF initiatives. Presents findings visually, orally and in writing, as appropriate, and contributes visual and written materials to reports, publications and proposals. Designs and produces maps, charts and graphs that describe and interpret findings, and efficiently and effectively reveal spatial and statistical relationships. Designs and produces maps for internal and external audiences, for IFF initiatives and IFF clients, and for reports and proposals, as needed. Writes portions of reports, briefs and analysis that describe and interpret findings. Clearly communicates knowledge and findings of research projects to internal and external clients, and represents the Research Department and IFF in a professional manner. Manages client relationships. Participates on staff inter-departmental teams to complete multi-disciplinary research projects that provide solutions to internal IFF initiatives and to clients. Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings. Develops and completes annual professional development plan--in consultation with supervisor. Performance Measures Successful completion of project support according to the goals set forth at the beginning of each project and department’s policies and procedures. Completed projects meet quality standards. High level of IFF department and client satisfaction with respect to services provided and reports produced. Internal meetings are facilitated in an organized way and are meaningful to the participants. Outcomes of these meetings are analyzed and well-presented. Written drafts, outlines, analyses and reports are complete, accurate and clear and allow for the implementation of recommendations. Oral presentations are clear, well-organized, comprehensive and persuasive. Appropriate supporting material and visual aids are well-utilized and enhance the presentation. Position Qualifications Education:  Bachelor’s Degree required. Advanced Degree in urban planning, public policy, community development, economics or a social science strongly preferred. Previous Experience:  At least five years relevant experience in a research-related economic or community development, public policy, nonprofit or think-tank position required. Special Knowledge & Skills:  Background in and content knowledge of early childhood education and care, or K-12 education or both required. Demonstrated ability to analyze descriptive and inferential statistics, including demographic, healthcare, educational, housing or economic data. Familiarity with major issues in the fields of housing, public education, community development, food access, community assets, social and human services and healthcare, and specialized knowledge in one or more areas. Ability to focus on details and data concurrent with analysis of systemic and organizational implications of research projects. Advanced critical thinking skills, exhibited by the ability to take information from a wide variety of sources and synthesize/analyze the information in the context of a research project. Demonstrated advanced proficiency in IBM SPSS Statics including ability to write complex syntax and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite required; and intermediate to advanced proficiency in ArcGIS and knowledge of Python preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of research principles and applied research design. Ability to communicate research findings visually, orally and in writing to diverse and varied audiences. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Unusual Requirements: Minimal regional travel may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Application Instructions To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements with “Research Associate” in the subject line. Required experience: relevant experience: 5 years 5 days ago -  save job » Apply Now Please review all application instructions before applying to IFF CDFI. Apply Now