Research Associate, The Civic Federation - Chicago, IL

 

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

The Research Associate will write long-term research reports on public policy and finance issues, monitor state and local government meetings, and communicate research findings to media, elected officials, and key stakeholders. 

Responsibilities

• Analyze state and local government budgetary, public policy, and financial documents, including government revenue trends, appropriations data, personnel data, and pension fund trends; 
• Partner with other staff in composition of annual government budget analyses, other annual reports and blog posts; 
• Act as lead researcher for non-recurring long-term research projects on a variety of government finance, operations, and policy issues; 
• Monitor government legislative meetings as needed, reporting findings back to staff; and 
• Monitor governments by tracking legislation and current events as they pertain to financial and related policy issues or other ongoing research projects; 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Graduate degree in public policy, journalism, public administration, political science, business, economics, law, or related field or 2+ years relevant work experience; 
• Strong interest in government and public policy; 
• Superior writing skills, including summarizing, formatting and proofreading; 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; 
• Excellent critical analysis skills, especially of financial data; 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software; 
• State or local government experience preferred; 
• Strong quantitative skills and statistical expertise preferred; and 
• Takes initiative and is self-motivated. 

Salary and Compensation

Starting salary: $62,500 

Generous vacation and benefits package. This is a full-time position. 

 

To apply, email a resume, cover letter, one long writing sample (20 to 40 pages), one short (2 to 3 pages) summary of an issue or document (e.g.: executive summary, abstract, memorandum), and three references.

Address application to:

Human Resources 

The Civic Federation 

10 N. Dearborn Suite 800 

Chicago, IL 60602 

HR@civicfed.org (no phone calls please) 

Executive Director, Mikva Challenge - Chicago, IL

Mikva Challenge’s board of directors has embarked upon a search for a
dynamic, inspiring, and talented leader to serve as the Chicago Executive
Director.  This is an exciting opportunity to grow Mikva’s Chicago area
footprint and amplify its status as a regional and national model, while
Mikva expands into other markets.  S/he must feel at ease engaging both
C-Suite and city school stakeholders to take part in Mikva’s mission.
This position was created as part of Mikva’s restructuring to accommodate
its strategic expansion blueprint.

S/he will report to the National Director and work on institutional
strategies that promote Mikva’s unique brand and model of programs that
include: the Center for Action Civics, Project Soapbox and Democracy in
Action, Youth Councils, Election Judges, and Campaign Internships.  As
part of Mikva Challenge’s leadership team, the Executive Director must be
a relationship builder, strategic thinker, active in organizing and
executing plans, and possess political savvy.

The Chicago Executive Director must have in-depth knowledge of and
experience working with youth-focused civic or education based
organizations.  The Executive Director must have a strong ethical
leadership style and s/he will act as Mikva’s “public face” by maintaining
and developing relationships with not for profit organizations, public
officials, corporations, schools, media, staff and donors including
networking, meetings, site visits, and public speaking.

S/he is responsible for the stewardship of the Chicago Office that
includes implementing strategic fundraising, programmatic, and operational
goals.

In addition, the Executive Director’s scope of responsibilities and roles
include:


•Collaborate with board and staff to grow and improve Mikva’s cutting edge
action civics programming
•Fundraise from multiple donor sources to support Mikva’s programming in
the Chicagoland area, particularly with Chicago area foundations and
corporations
•Responsible for program evaluation and program results
•Exhibit a strong business acumen to manage expenses and operations for
the Chicago office
•Cultivate current and prospective relationships with stakeholders,
including funders, public officials, government agencies, media, and other
NFP leaders
•Assist in leading efforts to develop annual program goals, budgets, and
communication plans
•Supervise and collaborate with Mikva Challenge Chicago’s dynamic team of
staff members

Desired Skills and Experience

Candidate Profile Requirements
•Belief in the talent and skills of Chicago’s young people and a passion
for developing young leaders and great citizens
•Must have Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s degree preferred or equivalent
experience
•At least 10 years of experience working with a civics or educational
organization
•At least 7 years of previous management and supervisory experience
•Understands the importance of non-partisanship civic education and able
to build relationships with leaders across the political spectrum
•Thoughtful and dynamic communicator with exemplary writing skills
•Proven success and history of fundraising for budgets over $1 million
•Collaborates effectively with others to reach common goals and objectives
•Impeccable integrity, judgement, and discretion along with a professional
demeanor and interpersonal style that elicits trust from leadership,
peers, staff, and board members
•Viewed as a leader by his/her peers/colleagues
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume to
humanresources@mikvachallenge.org.   Potential candidates of interest will
be contacted by Mikva Challenge.  All inquiries and discussions will be
considered strictly confidential.  Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity
employer and we highly value diversity in our workplace. We offer a
competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
Candidates chosen to be interviewed should be prepared to offer three
professional references.  Candidates will be required to complete a
background check in order to work in Chicago Public Schools. This is a
full-time position.  No phone calls will be accepted! Deadline for
application is May 15th, 2015.



Please send a resume and cover letter to:

humanresources@mikvachallenge.org

Reference:  Chicago Executive Director