Associate Policy Analyst

Chapin Hall is seeking an experienced Associate Policy Analyst to join our Implementation Collaborative team. This role requires a high degree of autonomy, strong independent judgment and exceptional project management skills to manage complex deliverables, competing priorities, and cross functional partnerships with minimal day-to-day direction.

The Implementation Collaborative team consists of national experts in child welfare, juvenile justice, homelessness and mental health services dedicated to collaborating with state and local jurisdictions to integrate the best available evidence into system transformation strategies. The team works across five interconnected domains of capacity building and systems change, including: data analytics and evidence use; leadership, governance and strategy; practice and implementation supports; policy and alignment; and continuous quality improvement.

This position will report directly to a Senior member of the Policy Team, and allows for remote work and periodic in-person travel to the east and/or west coast depending on project needs. The Associate Policy Analyst will be expected to independently drive project coordination, manage workstreams and serve as a proactive partner to project leads-requiring both substantive knowledge and the organizational discipline to execute without significant oversight.

JOB FUNCTION--SCOPE

The Associate Policy Analyst's main contributions include supporting Chapin Hall's body of work around child welfare system transformation with an emphasis on development and/or implementation of practice models, functional assessments, and evidence-based practices, as well as macro level system assessment, strategic planning, readiness for transformation and implementation of key organizational strategies. This role will also carry some focus on Motivational Interviewing (MI) across their initial project portfolio, supporting the integration of MI principles and practices within child welfare system transformation efforts. The position is focused on preparing child welfare jurisdictions for the implementation of the federal Family First Prevention and Services Act.

Chapin Hall embraces a Work from Anywhere approach, offering flexible remote work from anywhere in the United States. Our fully remote model is grounded in trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to high-quality work and collaboration, regardless of location. To get a glimpse of what this looks like in practice, we invite you to watch a short video featuring Chapin Hall staff working from home and across the country: Watch here

While our work is remote, we intentionally create opportunities for connection and belonging. We offer in-person opportunities for staff to build (1) relationships and connection, (2) team cohesion and creativity, and (3) a strong sense of belonging to the organization. Staff are expected to participate in occasional work-related travel, including attendance at in-person All Hall Convenings, which emphasize shared learning, collaboration, and community. Reasonable accommodations are made for those who require modifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management and Coordination

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  Independently manage project workplans, timelines, and deliverables across workstreams with minimal direction-proactively identifying gaps, and opportunities.

  
  
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  Serves and the primary point of coordination for project related meetings with external partners-developing result-based agendas, synthesizing meeting notes, tracking action items, and integrating outputs into overarching workplans.

  
  
• Create and maintain SharePoint sites and project management tools (Smartsheet, MS Office) in service of substantive deliverable and workplan management.
• Develop and maintain internal and external communication structures that keep project teams aligned and accountable to timelines and goals

Data, Evidence, & Analysis

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  Conduct thorough reviews of relevant policy and literature, synthesizing findings using both peer-reviewed journals and grey literature to inform project strategy.

  
  
• Support development and implementation of continuous quality improvement processes, systems change initiatives, and evidence-based practices.
• Assist in the translation of data and research findings into practical decisions and ultimately, policy and practice change.
• Independently produce work products that reflect an accurate understanding of the client implementation stage.

Writing and Material Development

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  Independently develops PowerPoint presentations, briefs, memos, reports, tools, surveys instruments and item guides, implementation plans, presentations, and other products for internal and external audiences.

  
  
• Develops workforce supports and training materials related to human service system transformation, redesign and implementation.

General

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  Actively participates and provides substantive contributions in meetings with external stakeholders.

  
  
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  Manages competing priorities and requests from multiple team members and client partners across a cross-matrix environment, exercising sound independent judgment to prioritize appropriately and keep workstreams moving. Works collegially and collaboratively with colleagues across policy, research, and administration to share information, responsibility, and resources

  
  
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Job Specialization

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  Demonstrated experience independently managing complex project coordination functions, including maintaining internal and external workplans, tracking deliverables and timelines, and managing competing priorities across multiple workstreams. The ability to apply project management tools (SharePoint, Smartsheet, MS Office) purposefully in service of substantive workplan and deliverable management is expected.

  
  
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  Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and exercise sound independent judgment, proactively driving workstream progress, identifying risks, and recommending solutions without significant day-to-day direction from project leadership.

  
  
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  Demonstrated ability to develop plans, tools, and materials calibrated to the client's current stage of implementation within a human services or child welfare context ,reflecting an accurate understanding of where the client is in the implementation process.

  
  
• Experience supporting facilitation of virtual collaborative workgroups or learning collaboratives with multiple external stakeholders, including preparing agendas, synthesizing proceedings, and tracking action items toward implementation goals.

• Bachelor's degree in sociology, social work, public policy, psychology or another relevant field required. Master's degree preferred.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience with a degree required.
• In lieu of a degree and/or relevant experience, Lived Experience is strongly preferred. People with Lived Experience are those directly affected by social, health, public health, or other systems. This gives them insights that can inform and influence research, policies, practices, barriers, and programs.
• Subject matter familiarity in children's mental health, child welfare, implementation science, program evaluation and/or project management preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge with continuous quality improvement within human service programs or a strong interest in gaining skill and capability in this area.
• Demonstrated experience with Share Point, all Microsoft Office tools, survey tools such as Redcap, as well as other project management tools such as Smartsheet.
• Ability to translate and convey research findings and complex concepts in oral and written communications.
• Strong attention to detail with good organization skills required to include report writing, presentation development, project management.
• Experience working with and supporting large teams remotely.
• Ability to use data and evidence to inform decision making.
• Demonstrated capacity to work in a collaborative policy or research environment.
• Ability to problem solve and manage multiple, concurrent tasks.
• Demonstrated judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive information.

Strongly Preferred

• Familiarity with Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a clinical practice or evidence-based intervention, including knowledge of core MI principles, spirit, and application in human services or child welfare settings. Candidates without MI experience will be considered if they bring demonstrated evidence-based program implementation experience and a documented commitment to developing MI knowledge on the job.
• Experience supporting continuous quality improvement activities, including rapid cycle improvement planning, monitoring implementation progress, or contributing to implementation findings and recommendations.
  
  

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.
• Must be able to travel locally and out of state occasionally.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall positions. Chapin Hall approaches background checks with respect and fairness, ensuring that every applicant is given equitable review and opportunity. Chapin Hall's background check process complies with Section 2-103.1 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. Accordingly, a conviction will only be considered disqualifying if it has a substantial relationship to the job, or if hiring the individual would pose an unreasonable risk to workplace safety. If you have any questions, please reach out to HumanResources@chapinhall.org.

Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only. A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to complete the application process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to recruiting@chapinhall.org. Chapin Hall is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Per U.S. Department of Labor regulations, Chapin Hall offers visa sponsorship in limited instances for hard-to-fill specialty occupation roles. If you have questions about visa sponsorship at Chapin Hall, please reach out to humanresources@chapinhall.org

Regarding the salary range

Chapin Hall adheres to a competitive market-aligned salary structure for all its administrative, policy, and research roles. Starting salaries within posted ranges are determined by the Chapin Hall Human Resources Department using a consistent, rigorous, and equitable review process.

Benefits

Chapin Hall provides a strong benefits program that addresses the diverse needs of our staff. The Chapin Hall Benefits Program offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options that allow you to design your own plan, to balance individual needs with affordability and support long-term financial stability for staff and their family. Our benefits include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, sick time, parental leave and retirement options. For more information on our benefits visit our Chapin Hall Website.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Chapin Hall is an independent policy research center that provides public and private decision-makers with rigorous research and achievable solutions to improve the lives of children, families, and communities. Chapin Hall partners with policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropists at the forefront of research and policy development by applying research, real-world experience, and policy expertise to deliver actionable information, practical tools, and positive change for children, youth, and families. Chapin Hall's partnership mindset is demonstrated in a collaborative and innovative work environment committed to diversity and inclusion in our culture, projects, and workforce. Established in 1985, Chapin Hall's main impact areas include child welfare systems, community capacity building, and youth homelessness. For more information about Chapin Hall, visit www.chapinhall.org or Chapin_Hall. Take a moment to view a video clip of staff on why they enjoy working at Chapin Hall.

In our efforts to create a vibrant workplace and because diversity is integral to designing and conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, and drafting policy solutions, Chapin Hall seeks to recruit, foster, and retain staff who are diverse in terms of their ability, age, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

As part of Chapin Hall's Racial Equity Principles, we especially encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who reflect the experiences and perspectives of families and young people served by child- and family-serving systems and programs.

Our unwavering partnership mindset is also demonstrated in our commitment to employees by fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that is committed to reflecting diversity and inclusion in its culture, projects, and workforce. We embrace diverse backgrounds, diverse perspectives, and diverse experiences in everything we do, in every partnership, and in our workplace. Our inclusive approach to people, partnerships, and communities makes us a better and stronger organization by bringing in innovative, multidisciplinary staff committed to fostering a truly collaborative work environment. We are committed to a respectful and inclusive work environment, work life flexibility, and partnerships that support diversity amongst our staff and within the communities we support.