Permanent Commission Seeks Research Coordinator

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission) research team will be led and managed by the Coordinator of Research, who will work to develop thorough, justice-focused research processes and products. The mission of the Permanent Commission in Maine is to investigate and document disparities among historically underrepresented racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations. The Coordinator is in charge of all work associated with this mission. The successful candidate will oversee the Permanent Commission's ongoing qualitative and quantitative research projects, such as community-based data analysis, public opinion research, library development and maintenance, and consultation with the State's data governance program in collaboration with the Secretary of State and Chief Information Officer. In addition, this position includes managing the research design, data collection, and data management for all other at-will and legally required projects of the Permanent Commission. The Executive Director oversees this position, which also regularly works with the Directors of Operations, Community Engagement, Policy, and Communications as well as external research consultants.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Manage the Permanent Commission’s ongoing research initiatives, including community-based data analysis, public opinion research, library development, and data governance consultation with the Secretary of State and Chief Information Officer. 
• Develop (as required), direct, and oversee all research projects conducted by the Permanent Commission to determine the status of racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations, ensuring that research is conducted efficiently, accurately, and ethically, assuring compliance with established Commission principles as well as IRB (as needed).  
• Collaborate with contracted content experts leading at-will and statutorily assigned projects for the Permanent Commission, overseeing and supporting all project aspects that relate to research. 
• Manage all Permanent Commission data, drawing valid conclusions and examples to inform future research, public policy, community engagement activities, and communications. 
• Staff and lead the Permanent Commission’s Research Committee, helping them monitor and support research projects of the Commission. 
• Develop and execute policies and procedures that streamline the functions of the Permanent Commission’s research. 

Specific Duties:

• Manage ongoing research initiatives, including public opinion research, community inquiry data collection, library development, and Data governance consulting with the Secretary of State and Chief Information Officer.
• Consult regarding the integration of racial equity into Maine’s Data Governance Project. 
• Oversee and support research design and execution across Permanent Commission projects and programs, including statutorily assigned research projects, and discretionary projects.  Statutorily assigned research project examples include LDs 1113, 870, 1226, and 1934 of Maine’s 130th Legislature.  
• Staff and direct meetings of the Permanent Commission’s Research Committee, collaborating with the Commission’s clerk regarding public meeting posting, agendas, minutes, and attendance recordkeeping. 
• Control, establish, and define data elements, relationships between elements, and standards for managing the physical structures in order to establish and maintain data consistency and organization
• Direct, design, and coordinate the use of data resources; develop and implement procedures and guidelines for data security, handling, and ownership in order to maintain the integrity of the database. 
• Analyze data gathered, develop information and documentation, and consider solutions or alternative methods in order to recommend organizational and system changes and modifications to public policy. 
• Ensure compliance of all Permanent Commission research with Permanent Commission principles as well as IRB protocols, as needed. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Understanding of data collection and interpretation methods and techniques
• Knowledge of databases
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of public administration, organization, workflow, personnel management, and financial procedures
• Knowledge of IRB boards and the IRB review process. 
• Ability to gather, assemble, calculate and analyze facts and draw valid conclusions 
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
• Ability to negotiate between diverse groups
• Ability to write clearly and effectively
• Ability to develop recommendations based in data for the creation, revision, and repeal of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Minimum qualifications:

5 years of public policy research experience and bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Additional Attributes of Strong Candidates: 

• Exhibit Permanent Commission’s cultural values of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, excellence, openness, and balance.

Preferences:

• Strong understanding of issues impacting marginalized communities.
• Strong ties to a marginalized community.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Hunter Cropsey at hunter.cropsey@maine.gov

Apply:

Apply online at: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0x7q7/