Research Associate

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Overview

National Louis University is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What You Will Do

The Research Associate at the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood (MIEC) supports research projects focused on how to best meet the needs and elevate the importance of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) profession, while also researching the development and needs of ECEC leaders. Additionally, the Research Associate supports program evaluation efforts across the Institute. Key functions of this role include data management, statistical analysis, report writing, and project coordination. Relying on a strong background in early childhood education, the Research Associate utilizes advanced research skills as they assist the Research Director in all aspects of enacting the McCormick Institute's Research Agenda. This role is responsible for supporting data collection and analysis, conducting and overseeing comprehensive literature reviews for pertinent studies, supporting the development and delivery of conference presentations, and publishing research manuscripts. This position offers opportunities to collaborate with university faculty, research staff, trainers, and external partners across local, national, and international projects, providing valuable experience in research, partnership development, and policy engagement.

Essential Responsibilities

• Research and Program Evaluation Support

Contribute to the design and implementation of research studies and evaluation projects that assess the effectiveness of programs, initiatives, and leadership models within the early childhood sector.

Lead and support primary data collection efforts through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation.

Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to synthesize current research, emerging trends, and gaps in early childhood education leadership and workforce development.

Support the writing of research reports, policy briefs, and scholarly manuscripts for academic journals, funding agencies, and public dissemination.

Assist in managing project timelines, work plans, and deliverables.

Work with university faculty, internal staff, and external partners to design and implement collaborative research projects.

Qualifications

NLU Inclusion Statement

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us : they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

Compensation And Benefits

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here .

The salary range of the grade for this position is $50,453 to $73,157 annually. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to : budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge / skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.

Application Instructions

Please Include The Following Along With Your Application

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