Maine Children’s Alliance Job Description Research & Policy Assistant Title: Research & Policy Assistant Position Type: Part-time (24 hours/week) Reports To: Executive Director, Maine Children’s Alliance Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Location: Office in Augusta, but ability to telecommute for a portion of the work exists Summary: The Research and Policy Assistant is a part-time position that provides a high level of coordination and organizational project support to the Maine KIDS COUNT and Early Childhood Programs at the Maine Children’s Alliance. Duties include, but are not limited to: assisting with the design, development and dissemination of project products and reports, such as the Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book; assisting with project data collection activities; conducting literature reviews to support project activities; maintaining databases to support project activities; managing the logistics of and coordinating content development for meetings, conferences, trainings, and other project-related events. Duties: Administrative A. Assisting project directors with the development and implementation of project work plans and assisting in the operational needs to facilitate project implementation. B. Attending meetings, taking minutes, drafting correspondence, collecting and compiling information, and serving as liaison between project directors and workgroup members. C. Assisting project directors with meeting and event logistics and participant communications including agendas and material development, production and dissemination. D. Developing and maintaining Excel/Access databases to support project activities including databases to collect information, survey results, focus group recruitment, and other information to meet project needs. Program: E. Assisting project directors with planning, designing, developing, editing, producing, and disseminating project products and reports, including public outreach materials (data books, brochures, newsletters, flyers, posters, etc.), public testimony, training materials and guides, project reports and presentations and other project information and communication. F. Conducting literature reviews (searching and locating appropriate prior research related to project content and methodology; abstracting articles for literature review, writing drafts of project report sections related to prior research). G. Assisting with data collection activities (collecting, organizing, and analyzing project data, research information related to project or proposal content and methodology; presenting information in appropriate format to support project/research objectives; writing section of proposals and reports; preparing and distributing special reports requested by funders). H. With assistance from project directors, respond to requests for data and public policy information. Communications:  Maintaining communication with project staff and committee or workgroup members.      In collaboration with key staff, coordinate MCA social media activities and website: o Coordinate, update and supplement materials on website, as requested o Update social media sites (e.g., Facebook, twitter, MCA blog) With other MCA staff, organize media events including: o Organizing the space; speakers; press kits; determine and monitor embargo times o Assist in identifying speakers – this may include confirmation, provide speaking points and assist with preparation, as needed o Assist in the preparation of materials for press conferences including media advisory, press release; back ground information, and related issues Assist in writing press releases Write a quarterly submission for MCA electronic newsletter Complete other editing/writing projects, as requested Job Requirements Knowledge:  Demonstrated organizational, work management, and group process skills, ability to take initiative to identify and propose new tasks and procedures.  Demonstrated experience in working on multiple priorities consecutively and sequentially and meeting quality standards for accuracy, attention to detail, and timeliness.  Highly proficient user of MS Office products (Excel, Word, Access, Publisher & Outlook); understanding of issues impacting child well-being (poverty, education, health); and being an effective team member. Skills:  Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as demonstrated data gathering, organization, and analysis capabilities.  Ability to proofread and edit for punctuation, grammar, spelling, and clarity.  Ability to function effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Ability to participate in team planning and decision-making.  Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a diverse group of staff, public and professionals.  Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks, producing quality products within tight time constraints.  Some travel required, including to national conferences. Physical Demands: The ability to sit and write, to operate a computer and printer, fax machine, photocopier, and use telephone communication devices. Must be able to drive a car to attend external meetings. Must be able to able to do light lifting. Work Environment: The primary location of this position is a typical office environment. However, the responsibilities may require running errands, traveling to meetings, conferences, trainings, etc. that require an individual to be in various public places. Degree/experience required: Minimum of a BA/BS in a field requiring research methodology and some public policy coursework. (BA/BS in another field when combined with work-related experience).