EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Health Promotion, Practice, and Innovation portfolio in the US division has an opening for a part time Research Associate (I), reporting to the Project Director in Waltham, MA. This position is to be located in Waltham, MA or via remote home office. EDC is currently remote through at least June 2021. The Research Associate I will work on an award from the National Institute of Justice to examine legal, ethical, and practical barriers and facilitators to communication between mandated reporters of elder abuse and Adult Protective Services (APS). Over a two-year period, EDC will conduct an environmental scan of policies and practices related to APS and reporter communication across each of the United States and an in-depth case study in Massachusetts to assess perceptions of 2017 policy changes on this issue. The environmental scan will include review of federal and state regulations and telephone interviews with state APS leaders (N=50). The case study in MA will include review of administrative data to describe trends in reporting before, during and following policy changes and in-depth interviews with APS agency staff and mandated reporters (N=30) to assess perceptions of the effectiveness of the policy changes and to identify the most useful strategies. The ideal candidate will have an interest in elder abuse research and experience in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The current position is 50% Full-time equivalent (20 hours/week) for two years with the potential for additional coverage pending additional funding and applicant fit with the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

Under general management guidance, the Research Associate (I) provides support to complex or multiple qualitative &/or quantitative investigation efforts, including:

• research & analysis, using established methods and independent judgment
• documenting & cataloguing
• maintaining records
• preparing recommendations
• drafting, revising plans
• writing, editing materials
• developing presentations
• disseminating information
• drafting proposals and coordinating proposal development

The Research Associate (I):

• Coordinates administrative and logistical tasks
• Coordinates quality assurance
• Facilitates project teamwork and feedback exchanges
• Collaborates on troubleshooting complex problems, proposing initiatives and recommending or negotiating solutions
• Trains and provides guidance or administrative direction to junior staff; may supervise junior or support staff; may coordinate the work of less experienced staff
• May lead parts of a project or coordinate sections of larger projects
• May travel

This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education & experience
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred
• With Bachelor’s degree, 5–8 years related research, education, public health or administrative coordination, requiring solid experience with computer applications (including databases), psychometric or statistical measurement techniques, and Internet research
• With Master’s degree, 3–5 years related experience (as above)
• Some prior project leadership or supervisory experience preferred

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume. The cover letter should be a succinct statement of interest to include highlights of relevant qualifications and experience for the role desired. Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to provide writing samples and/or participate in exercises to demonstrate skills and experience. Note: applications without requested items will not be considered.