Program Assistant

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization that works to mobilize social science knowledge for the public good. It advances interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and related disciplines through a wide variety of research programs, publications, workshops and conferences, fellowships and grants, and scholarly exchanges.

Measure of America (MOA) is an initiative of the SSRC dedicated to stimulating fact-based public debate about issues of well-being and access to opportunity in the United States. Through reports, interactive online tools, and evidence-based research, Measure of America breathes life into numbers, using data to identify areas of need, pinpoint levers for change, and track progress over time. We measure what matters for human well-being and develop tools for understanding opportunity and inequality in America. Our work informs decisions made across the United States, has guided the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in public and private funding, is used as the foundation for community policy discussion and action, and shapes public debate in the highest-profile media outlets in the nation. More information about the program is available at

Measure of America is seeking a Program Assistant to join our high-impact team. The Program Assistant supports the production of various publications and data tools; conducts quantitative and qualitative research; contributes to the program’s outreach and communications; spearheads the program’s social media efforts and updates the website; handles expense tracking and invoicing; coordinates program logistics; and approaches all tasks with exceptional attention to detail and conscientiousness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on topics in American social policy, poverty, demography, education policy, public health, economics, and related fields
• Contribute to new research initiatives on issues central to well-being, perform statistical research, and contribute to innovative written and visual presentations of the outputs of these projects
• Obtain, compile, and clean datasets from diverse public and private sources to prepare them for analysis, primarily from the US Census Bureau and public health authorities
• Create and ensure accuracy of data visualizations for reports and data tools
• Perform geospatial analysis and production-quality map generation
• Administer the program’s finances, including liaising with funders, processing all expenditures and reimbursements, managing invoicing, and monitoring the program budget
• Manage relationships with vendors and consultants, including report designers, web developers, editors, media professionals, and others
• Maintain organized and accurate records of program projects, activities, and meetings
• Implement and monitor the program’s social media strategy and online presence, including administering its website and social media platforms
• Support day-to-day and special-event logistics
• Draft a range of materials, including correspondence, grant reports, and portions of reports and articles
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a social science (political science, sociology, economics, anthropology, geography, international relations, or an interdisciplinary or related field).
• One–two years’ work experience in an office environment preferred but not required; relevant internships a plus
• Demonstrated research skills, familiarity with principles of social scientific inquiry, and the ability to work with data
• Strong writing/communication skills and ability to communicate research findings and technical concepts to nontechnical audiences
• Natural attention to detail and drive for order that yields accuracy and reliability in the data and analysis you work with
• Conscientiousness, follow-through, and a strong inclination to learn, adapt, and suggest improvements
• Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, professionalism, critical thinking, humility, and independence
• Skill with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required
• Familiarity with the following tools and work is preferred but not required—an authentic desire to learn and achieve proficiency in the tools and systems we use is more important.
• Statistical software, ideally R; GIS tools and techniques; data visualization design software
• Website and social media content creation and analytics; HTML, CSS, and CMS (we use WordPress)
• Adobe Creative Suite or other visual design/editing & publication layout software

Terms, Salary, and Benefits

Annual salary is $50, 000 – 55,000. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, life, and gym reimbursement; annual tuition and/or student loan reimbursement; pension plan and tax savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and more.

Location terms: Candidates should be present in the New York metro area upon start of employment and have the ability and desire to work in-person at the SSRC office in Midtown three days per week.

Application Information

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample that demonstrates your research abilities in the social sciences (1,800 words maximum, including any tables or figures). Along with your writing sample, please include your answer to the following question: Which Measure of America project interests you most and why, in 250 words maximum.

Final-round interviews will be in-person and require travel to the SSRC’s office in Midtown New York; travel costs will be reimbursed for candidates residing outside of the New York Metro area.

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 nondiscrimination 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, 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