PPA Careers | Public Policy Associates

Public Policy Associates (PPA) recruits diverse and talented researchers who are passionate about public policy, and highly skilled in analyzing information and developing innovative solutions to meet clients’ needs.

Every staff member at PPA plays a critical role in the success of projects and of the firm. They take a deep, personal responsibility for their work and play active roles in shaping their day-to-day activities while meeting the needs of our clients.

At PPA, we embrace diversity. We recognize that a diverse staff provides broader insights and perspectives and enriches both our workplace and our work product.

Part-Time Research Associate I

About PPA

Public Policy Associates (PPA) provides clients with the evaluation, research, and strategic consultation they need to make smart public policy decisions that improve lives, enrich communities, and strengthen institutions. PPA assists clients in the areas of education, healthy communities, justice, and economic and workforce development. We work nationally; so far, our projects have taken us to 38 states and Puerto Rico. Our work involves a wide range of data-collection methods, implementation evaluation, cost analysis, quasi-experimental and experimental designs, facilitation of diverse cross-sector groups, and policy briefs, among other approaches and deliverables.

Position Overview

We are seeking a part-time Research Associate (approximately 20 hours per week between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday-Friday). This position will contribute to a major study of a state’s educator workforce, with roles in other projects and business development activities as assigned. The work may include:

Qualitative data collection (e.g., site visits, interviews, surveys, focus groups)
Data coding and descriptive statistics
Literature review
Supporting meetings
Data visualization
Summarizing findings for diverse audiences

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Qualifications

Values collaboration, creativity, equity, excellence, and integrity.
Demonstrates skill in data collection, management, and analysis.
Experience working with diverse populations and examining data using an equity lens.
Ability to work well with others and independently.
Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Communicates effectively verbally and in writing.
Is well organized and detail oriented.
Ability to concisely summarize data findings.
Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and able to adapt quickly to other software.
Carefully adheres to human-subject protections and data security.
Knowledge of contemporary education workforce issues helpful but not required.
Has a master’s degree in relevant field and at least one year of relevant work experience, or possesses a bachelor’s degree in relevant field, is actively pursuing a master’s degree, and has at least two years of relevant work experience. Relevant fields of study include sociology, history, economics, cultural studies, political science, public administration, public policy, education, public health (non-clinical), social work (non-clinical), and criminal justice.

Work Environment

PPA’s office is in Lansing, Michigan. This position is eligible for 100% remote work within the United States, although occasional travel to Lansing is required. Other travel within Michigan and around the country may also be required.

Compensation

PPA offers an hourly wage commensurate with experience. Benefits for part-time staff include prorated paid leave, professional development, select paid holidays, and the opportunity to share in company profits.

Application

Applicants should submit a cover letter, the PPA application, a resume, and a writing sample of no more than 10 pages to andiecreamer@workwithhrm.com. The position is targeted to begin in fall 2022. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

PPA is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

PPA Job Application

Senior Research Associate

About PPA

Position Overview

We are seeking a full-time Senior Research Associate to contribute substantially to statistical analysis of privately held and public education and workforce data sets. This position will work on a major study of a state’s educator workforce, with roles in other projects and business development activities as assigned. The work will include:

Method selection
Quantitative data collection
Data merging and management
Literature review
Descriptive and inferential statistics, including but not limited to significance testing, regressions, and trend analysis
Data visualization
Summarizing findings and policy implications for diverse audiences

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Qualifications

Values collaboration, creativity, equity, excellence, and integrity.
Demonstrates skill in data management, quantitative analysis, synthesis from multiple sources, and interpretation.
Experience working with diverse populations and examining data using an equity lens.
Ability to work well with others and independently.
Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Communicates effectively verbally and in writing.
Knowledgeable of contemporary education workforce issues.
Ability to explain statistical concepts and data findings to lay audiences in addition to articulating designs and analytical approaches to team members.
Proficient in Stata, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and able to adapt quickly to other software.
Carefully adheres to human-subject protections and data security.
Ph.D. in a relevant field and at least five years of experience conducting research and data analysis.

Work Environment

Compensation

PPA offers an annual salary commensurate with experience. Benefits for full-time, overtime-exempt staff include health insurance, 401k contributions, three weeks’ paid leave per year in addition to 10 paid holidays per year, professional development, and the opportunity to share in company profits.

Application

PPA is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

PPA Job Application