Director of Research

  Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization

Job Description: Director of Research

CLLARO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Our mission is to empower Latinos in Colorado through leadership, advocacy, and research. Formerly, the Latin American Research Service Agency (LARASA – one of the first Latino serving 501(c)(3)s in the country), we are embarking on a new endeavor that returns to our roots in providing original research for Latinos by Latinos through the formation of a new Research Institute. The Research Institute will fill an unmet need in Colorado by collecting data about issues facing the Latino community in education, health, workforce and business development, criminal justice, economic security, among others. Research and analysis will include state and local laws or policies that impact the Colorado Latino population. The research will play an integral role in supporting the Leadership and Advocacy work of CLLARO.

Position Description Summary:

The individual will serve as a key member of CLLARO’s leadership team, working closely with the Board of Directors, President, and other senior management to develop and oversee the implementation of the organization’s agenda, operations, and strategic direction. We seek an experienced researcher with strong skills in data analysis and research methods; the ability to manage a research team and to collaborate with university and other research organizations; and the capacity to communicate and disseminate research findings to the broader community.

 

The Director will report directly to the President and CEO and will work closely with CLLARO’s Research and Policy Committees of the Board of Directors to establish priorities for the organization and support board engagement.

Areas of Responsibility:

•   Research and analyze a wide range of public policy issues as described above and consistent with CLLARO’s mission. Research should produce new and original findings and policy recommendations that advance the interests of the Latino community. Supervise and mentor research team members, including a Research & Policy Analyst.

•   Develop, secure, and sustain research funding through independent and collaborative grants, as well as the creation of revenue generating research products. Identify and develop resources and capacity building efforts; funding opportunities, and support completing proposals and reports for related grants.

•   Develop and maintain relationships with multiple university partners, individuals and organizations involved in areas of policy focus and represent CLLAROs in strategic coalition efforts as appropriate.

•   Assist the President and CEO in developing CLLARO’s policy agenda and the research, plans, and projects needed to support that agenda. With the President, provide the board with regular information regarding policy projects and emerging issues.

•   Develop a consistent stream of public-facing findings and proposals that dramatically impact policymakers, advocates, and the public. These products are not limited to written reports and briefs but could also include testimony, public presentations, opinion pieces, infographics, and social media content.

•   Monitor the larger public and private dialogue of issues affecting the Latino community and anticipating emerging developments and trends.

•   Advocate for CLLAROs vision and values before the Colorado legislature, coalitions, executive branch agencies, funders, community partners, the media, and the broader public.

•   Oversee, draft, and distribute by social media and via CLLARO’s monthly newsletter, and/or electronic means, action alerts and updates to inform the Latino community and public about CLLARO’s accomplishments.

Qualifications:

•   Four to six years of policy research and data analysis, and an academic background in a policy-related field. Post-graduate training and professional experience with multidisciplinary public policy analysis (integrating economic, statistical, mathematical, organizational, political, sociological, and legal analytic methods) is strongly preferred. A doctorate in a policy-related field and/or relevant lived experience and expertise is also preferred.

•   Experience with statistical analysis and research methods, in particular work with administrative data sets (such as state tax and budget data or US Census). Experience conducting research on a variety of policy-related topics described above.

•   Experience in conducting research from an intentional equity lens; strong understanding of the impact of structural racism, sexism, and other systemic issues on economic mobility and policy.

•  Experience in project management and proven ability to develop and execute project plans, including management of staff, timeline, budget and content to deliver major reports and projects on deadline and budget; Available for statewide travel, as needed. High level of flexibility and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

•   Excellent writing, editing, public presentation, and persuasion skills in a variety of formats and contexts (e.g., policy briefs, editorials, research summaries, web posts, email blasts, social media posts, tweets, or other products).

•   Experience analyzing the impacts of legislation and governmental and private sector policies, including communicating complex issues and data to diverse audiences, including legislators, community groups, nonprofits, and the public.

•   Familiarity with University Faculty research structures and environment.

•   Proficiency: Zoom, Facebook live streaming, Twitter, Instagram, Google, PowerPoint.

•   Honesty, integrity, reliability, loyalty to CLLARO’s organizational mission, and ability to collaborate and work well with others are required. Ability to work independently while remaining part of an overall team.

•   Bilingual. Spanish language fluency is preferred.

 

Terms:

This is a full-time at-will position based in the Denver Metro Area. The annual salary range is $90,000-$120,000 depending upon experience. The benefits package includes health insurance, a flexible work schedule, in addition to paid vacation and sick leave.

CLLARO: The CLLARO vision for the future is a State of Colorado where Latinos achieve their fullest potential. CLLARO prepares new civic leaders to seek equal opportunity and social justice for all Coloradans, primarily through the Capitol Fellowship Leadership Program. Other projects include promotion of Latino participation in the U.S. Census, voter registration and participation, publication of a directory of other Latino organizations in Colorado, and organization of a new public policy network of Latino organizations in Colorado. More information is available at https://www.cllaro.org/.

CLLARO is an equal opportunity employer that values workplace diversity. We strive to be an inclusive organization, and as such take affirmative action to insure that discrimination does not occur against an employee or application on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual identity, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, disability or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, writing sample, and resume to [email protected] by January 30, 2023. Position open until it is filled.

 

CLLARO