Democracy Collaborative Offers Research Associate Position

Research Associate Position

The Democracy Collaborative—democracycollaborative.org—is a national leader in equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development through its Community Wealth Building Initiative. This initiative supports a range of advisory, research and field building activities to transform community and economic development, including research, training, policy development, and community-focused work, to promote an asset-based paradigm of economic development and increase transformative strategies among community stakeholders, anchor institutions, and key policymakers.  A key component of this work is documenting and working with place-based anchor institutions, including healthcare systems, to reorient their business practices (including procurement, hiring, and investment) to benefit local neighborhoods and build community wealth for low- and moderate-income families and residents.

This position would support The Democracy Collaborative’s Community Wealth Building Initiative—community-wealth.org—with a primary focus on connecting the fields of community economic development, public health and healthcare. This position offers a unique opportunity to advance innovative, multi-sector policy and best practices that can have a transformative impact on local economies and low-income communities.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide research and logistical support to projects focused on the intersection of community economic development, public health and healthcare institutions. Work to articulate this work from a Community Wealth Building perspective.
2. Write policy memos, briefs, reports, summaries, blogs and other publications.Assist in organizing logistics and planning content for conferences, webinars and meetings of various sizes.
3. Conduct one-on-one and focus group interviews.
4. Update and write new content for the Community-Wealth.org website as is related to this work.Assist with other ongoing projects and research for papers and reports as needed.
5. A willingness to work flexible hours independently with clear deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
6. Willingness to travel (with varying frequency).

Expected Qualifications:

1. Experience and/or knowledge in the fields of community-based economic development and/or public health (or related health care issues).
2. Strongly articulated interest in and commitment to sustainable and equitable development and positive social change.
3. Demonstrated excellence in writing and communication. (Specifically, having the ability to convey relevant information concisely and clearly for multiple, distinct audiences.)
4. Strong interpersonal communication skills and the capacity to work constructively in teams.
5. Demonstrated experience with conducting research and interviews.
6. An ability to work with diverse audiences, including local government, community-based groups, as well as anchor institution, philanthropic, nonprofit and business sectors.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years relevant experience or Master’s Degree plus 2 year relevant experience.
2. Background and understanding of Community Wealth Building.
3. Background and understanding regarding the business practices of healthcare institutions.

If interested, please send a resume, cover letter, and a 3- to 5-page writing sample to

jobs@democracycollaborative.org.  Review of applications will begin December 19, although applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Expected start date is mid-to-late January 2015.

Starting salary ranges between $40,000 and $50,000, commensurate with background and experience. The position also includes a generous benefits package. The position is full time and is based in Takoma Park, Maryland.

The Democracy Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to a diverse workplace. People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

More information regarding The Democracy Collaborative can be found at www.democracycollaborative.org. Information regarding Community Wealth Building can also be found at www.community-wealth.org.