Chief Statistician, Measure of America
SUMMARY
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923 devoted to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and related disciplines through a wide variety of fellowships and research grants, workshops and conferences, summer training institutes, scholarly exchanges, and publications. Working with partners around the world to link research to practice and policy, our work strengthens individual and institutional capacities for learning and enhances public access to information. For more information, please visit our website: www.ssrc.org.
Measure of America (MOA) is an initiative of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), an organization that works to mobilize knowledge for the public good. We measure what matters for human well-being and provide tools for understanding opportunity and inequality in America. Our work informs decisions made at all levels of government, is used as the foundation for community discussion and action, and shapes public debate in the highest-profile media outlets in the nation.
We are seeking a Chief Statistician to join our dynamic, high-impact team. The successful candidate will be a creative, independent thinker committed to the highest standards of statistical excellence. Attention to detail is absolutely vital to this role. This position leads MOA’s quantitative work, manages nearly all data analysis tasks, and is an integral part of leading MOA’s team.
Responsibilities
Data analysis
- Obtain, compile, and clean datasets from public and private sources to prepare them for analysis and supervise the work of others doing these tasks.
- Perform basic statistical analysis of large datasets, including but not limited to descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing, in support of MOA research on human development and related topics.
- Calculate and report unique indicators and indices, primarily using established methodologies. Must be proficient in R.
- Contribute to new measurement development initiatives on several issues central to well-being and perform statistical research and develop innovative data presentations on these projects.
Mapping and visualization
- Create maps (using ArcGIS or QGIS) and data visualizations for reports and other materials produced in-house.
- Work collaboratively with a design firm on visuals for reports designed externally.
- Build and maintain interactive data visualization websites.
- Manage and coordinate a web developer, in-house IT staff, and designers to maintain and upgrade MOA mapping and data visualization tools.
- Contribute to the development of external advocacy products that require interactive data visualization and mapping.
Leadership
- Contribute to the goal of maintaining Measure of America’s reputation as a source of reliable and pioneering quantitative research related to well-being, human flourishing, and access to opportunity, as well as other social justice and multidimensional poverty topics.
- Lead research and data analysis for MOA projects in collaboration with MOA’s director and program manager.
- Contribute to the production of select MOA products through research, statistical analysis, data visualization, and writing.
- Present MOA’s research and data tools to external audiences in advisory committees, trainings, and other presentations.
- Contribute to brainstorming and discussions on various aspects of select MOA projects, including concept notes, drafts, grant proposals, and more.
- Ensure that the highest standards of methodological rigor are used in MOA research, and review all MOA products to ensure that all data, sourcing, and attribution are accurate and precise.
- Manage an ongoing internship program consisting of one to three undergraduate and graduate students.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in a social science with a quantitative focus, statistics, or economics;
- At least four years of work experience;
- Demonstrated experience compiling and analyzing quantitative data, including analyzing large public datasets;
- Demonstrated project management skills;
- Proficiency with R, ArcGIS/QGIS, and Excel;
- Proficiency in database management, Adobe Illustrator, and d3.js a plus;
- Strong writing skills;
- Enthusiasm for and facility with public speaking;
- Ability to work as part of a team in highly iterative, collaborative processes;
- Conscientiousness, follow-through, and a high level of detail orientation;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, professionalism, critical thinking, and independence; and
- A commitment to social justice.
Terms, Salary and Benefits
Annual salary is in the $70,000 to $85,000 range, depending upon experience and credentials. Comprehensive benefits include health and vision insurance; disability and life insurance; gym reimbursement; annual tuition and/or student loan reimbursement; outstanding professional development, retirement plan, and tax savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and more.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and answer to the following question: which MOA project interests you most and why, in 250 words max using the following link. https://grnh.se/0bd295482us
The Social Science Research Council is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are dedicated to equal employment opportunity and to cultivating and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. SSRC maintains a policy of non-discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. All aspects of employment with the Council are made on the basis of competence, skill and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity or expression, national origin/ancestry, ethnicity, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital or domestic partner status, medical conditions (including pregnancy and/or genetic information) or physical or mental disability, citizenship status, or any other categories prohibited by law.