Work at MPI

Research Assistant/Associate Policy Analyst, National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank dedicated to the study of national and international migration policies, seeks a Research Assistant/Associate Policy Analyst (title will be determined based on prior experience) to support its work on early childhood education and care (ECEC) and K-12 education policies. The position’s primary functions are to produce qualitative and quantitative analyses of ECEC and K-12 issues, policies, and programs affecting Dual Language Learners (DLLs), English Learners (ELs), and children from immigrant and refugee families. Areas of focus include strengthening access to high-quality early childhood services, addressing the impacts of trauma and mental health on child development, promoting meaningful parent engagement, and analyzing academic success of ELs and immigrant students in K-12 public schools. The Research Assistant/Associate Policy Analyst will also support various stakeholders in understanding and addressing associated challenges and opportunities.

The position is housed in MPI’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy (NCIIP). Through policy research and analysis and technical assistance, NCIIP supports state and local community leaders, elected officials, researchers, state and local agency managers, and others in identifying and promoting policy solutions that support immigrant and refugee families.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and write policy briefs and reports, background papers, and background memos for external and internal audiences, analyzing policy barriers and solutions affecting the wellbeing and outcomes of immigrant and refugee families with young children, as well as the academic success of ELs and immigrant students in K-12 schools
• Conduct data analyses for diverse audiences, including policymakers, government agency managers, and community stakeholders, drawing out key trends and producing data visualizations and fact sheets
• Provide support to NCIIP research and technical assistance efforts focused on strengthening policy and programming for immigrant and refugee families with young children and educational success for ELs and first- and second-generation immigrant students
• Interact with external scholars, policymakers, and community stakeholders to coordinate program events and activities.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework and 3-6 years of experience involving social service coordination for immigrants/refugees, policy analysis, and/or qualitative and quantitative research in the NGO, public policy, and/or government sectors; OR master’s degree with relevant coursework and 1-3 years of experience
• Superior writing, editing, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to understand and synthesize complex policy provisions and their implications for service provision at the state and local levels
• Ability to work independently and in a team and handle multiple assignments and projects
• Commitment to NCIIP’s mission and general interest in immigrant integration issues.

Preferred

• Knowledge of federal and state policies relevant to ECEC and K-12 immigrant integration, including, but not limited to: early childhood programs, two-generation and parent-focused programming, trauma-informed care, EL policies and programs, language access, and refugee resettlement
• Research experience, including familiarity with federal and state demographic and program-performance data
• Project management experience.

Salary and Benefits:

This position comes with a competitive salary and generous benefits package.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and short writing sample to hr@migrationpolicy.org. Please reference “Research Asst Feb2020- NCIIP” in the subject line and include a line telling us how you heard about this position. No phone calls, please. No additional emails to staff.

Hard copies may be sent to:

Human Resources
Migration Policy Institute
1400 16^th St NW Suite 300
Washington, DC  20036

Applications are due by close of business on April 30, 2020. However, we encourage all candidates to apply as early as possible. Due to the large number of applicants, only those being considered for the position will be contacted.

The Migration Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual or gender orientation, religion or physical ability. 

View job openings in the MPI Europe office in Brussels.