Research Assistant, Public Opinion
Seeking candidates who can execute administrative tasks and data analytics for research projects
Chicago, IL 
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Posted 11 months ago
Position No Longer Available
Position No Longer Available
Job Description
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is where your world and the rest of the world meet. The Council is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that empowers more people to help shape our global future. We are adding to Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy team to connect with the next generation of changemakers who want to create a more open and promising world for all. By informing them, inspiring them, and involving them in world affairs, we will support an inclusive community of globally conscious people who want to have a tangible impact. The Council celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2022. Do you want to help shape our next century?

The Role

The primary responsibility of the research assistant is to support the public opinion team in developing and advancing the Council’s research projects in the field of public opinion and foreign policy. This will include a wide range of activities on the administrative and analysis side, including assisting with data analysis, background research, writing reports, assisting with the dissemination of all survey research products and content, and scheduling internal meetings and external briefings.

This role is housed within the Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy. Established in 2018 with a transformative gift from the Crown Family, the Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy is driven by the belief that the public plays a critical role in determining the direction of US foreign policy and that an informed and engaged public is critical for effective policymaking. The centerpiece of the Crown Center is its annual survey of American public opinion and US foreign policy, the Chicago Council Survey, which has been conducted since 1974.

The Research Assistant is a Chicago-based role and requires some in-person attendance at our Downtown Chicago location based on work activities and peak seasons. The Research Assistant will report to the Senior Fellow, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Support the annual Chicago Council Survey of American attitudes on foreign policy under the direction of the Senior Fellow, including relevant background research, developing and managing the Council’s archives and databases of survey questions, trends, and data, supporting questionnaire design, conducting data analysis, and communicating with consultants on project deliverables
  • Draft various pieces including background memos, blogs, briefs, reports, proposals, and other documents for external communication, and copy-edit, fact-check, and proofread survey-related documents, including grant proposals, grant reports, survey briefs, and reports
  • Coordinate logistics and planning for survey-related briefings, in-house meetings, and task forces and study groups, including scheduling, developing invitation lists, tracking invitations, preparing meeting materials, set-up, responding to inquiries, inviting speakers, preparing background readings, and other duties as needed
  • Collaborate with the Crown Center Communications Officer on disseminating research and content by building distribution lists, supervising mailings, obtaining data for infographics, and providing updates for the website and Crown Center newsletters
  • Track constituent engagement in the Council’s Salesforce database, including updating records, creating new profiles, and making custom lists and reports for team review
  • Actively research and maintain a pulse on relevant news, international developments, events, and experts to incorporate into survey planning, analysis, and presentations
  • Supervises intern(s) including selection, training, and ongoing supervision; adapts intern tasks regularly to ensure that they meet the team’s needs
  • Participates collaboratively with the Council’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies
  • Provide support for Council events (virtual, hybrid, or in-person), sometimes requiring early morning or evening hours. Examples may be registrations, ushering, greeting, monitoring social media channels, etc.
  • Performs other duties as assigned


Qualifications
  • BA or equivalent degree in a field related to international affairs, such as economics, history, political science, or area studies; broad understanding of international affairs
  • 1 – 2 years of experience working in a nonprofit organization, academic or research institution, government agency, or business arena, preferably with some connection to international affairs
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including superb attention to detail and the ability to communicate with people at all levels using courtesy and discretion
  • Superior computer skills using MS Office Suite and a statistical software package such as R or SPSS
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Council Benefit Highlights

There are many benefits to working at the Council, including a flexible remote/in-office work environment, half-day summer Fridays, paid parental leave, employer-subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement match, mobile phone stipend, commuter accessible, fitness center membership, and more.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.

To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council


Vaccination Statement 

For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.

 

Position No Longer Available
Job Summary
Start Date
5/1/2023
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Salary and Benefits
There are many benefits to working at the Council, including a flexible remote/in-office work environment, half-day summer Fridays, paid parental leave, employer-subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement match, mobile phone stipend, commuter accessible, fitness center membership, and more.
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
1 to 2 years
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