Research Associate

The Fairness Project; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Job summary

Bell Policy Center, based in Denver, Colorado, seeks a Research Associate for a 24-month term. The role centers on policy research for childcare, aging, and financial well-being, with tasks spanning data collection, synthesis, and briefing writing.

The position entails hybrid work with some in-person Denver meetings. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong research and writing abilities, and an ability to present complex topics accessibly to diverse audiences, under the Director of Policy

Qualifications

• Strong research and analytic skills
• Clear writing for diverse audiences
• Ability to translate complex topics for general audiences
• Strong writing, communication and organizational skills
• Equity-focused approach to policy work
• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years policy research experience

Responsibilities

• Conduct research for multiple projects on childcare, aging, and financial well-being
• Collect and synthesize information from diverse sources
• Assist in writing research briefs
• Represent Bell Policy Center at community meetings
• Take and synthesize notes and support meeting logistics

Skills

Research

Policy analysis

Writing

Public speaking

Collaboration

Equity lens

Data synthesis

Education

Bachelor's degree OR 2+ years policy research

Job description

The Bell Policy Center is hiring for a full-time, temporary (40 hours/week, for a term of 24 months) Research Associate to help with several on-going projects related to childcare, aging, and financial well-being. The ideal candidate will have strong research and analysis skills. Additionally, strong candidates will have the ability to write clearly for multiple audiences, and make complex topics accessible. The Research Associate reports to the Director of Policy and Research and may also be called upon to assist other members of the policy team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research for several ongoing research projects, likely related to aging, childcare, and financial well-being
• Collect and synthesize information from diverse sources
• Assist in writing research briefs
• Attend relevant community meetings as a representative of the Bell Policy Center
• Assist with taking, compiling, and synthesizing notes
• Assist with meeting logistics, coordination, and preparation for meetings with leaders and community organizations for assigned research projects

Hours and Compensation

Salary is $45,000 annually ($21.63/hour) for a work schedule of 40 hours/week for a term of up to 24 months (November 2026 - October 2028). Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance (70% paid by employer); life and disability insurance (100% paid by employer); a 401k retirement program with a match after three months of service; and a flexible work schedule, in addition to paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and family and medical leave. This position is available for a hybrid work environment, although attendance at in-person meetings in the Denver metro area will be required.

About the Bell Policy Center

Based in Denver, Colorado, the Bell Policy Center's mission is to ensure economic mobility for every Coloradan. In partnership with the communities most affected by barriers to economic mobility, we use policy research, analysis, advocacy, and communication to advance systems change and equity to help every family and community in Colorado thrive. Recognizing that racism, sexism, classism, and other systemic forms of oppression have prevented generations of Coloradans from enjoying economic mobility, the Bell focuses on key systems and levers for mobility, such as public finance, the care economy, housing, consumer protection and financial empowerment, and family economic security. We are nonprofit and nonpartisan. To learn more about our work, go to www.bellpolicy.org.

The Bell Policy Center is an equal opportunity employer. We know that Coloradans who belong to marginalized groups in society—including people of color, people from working class backgrounds, immigrants, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ people—are more likely to be left out of opportunities for economic mobility. Because we believe these communities must be centered in the work we do, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

Desired Skills and Qualities

• Demonstrated ability to easily collect and synthesize information from multiple quantitative and qualitative sources
• Strong writing skills, with an ability to tailor one’s writing to specific, relevant audiences
• Ability to work well with diverse partners
• Detail oriented and high level of organization
• Approaches work with an intentional equity lens, including an understanding of the impact of structural racism, sexism, and other systemic issues
• Interest in economic mobility, preferably in one or more of the Bell Policy Center's areas of focus (caregiving across the lifespan, aging, housing, consumer protection and wealth building, budget and tax policy, or related issues)
• A bachelor's degree in a related field OR at least two years of demonstrated experience in policy research and analysis
• The ability to work independently while remaining part of an overall team
• Commitment to the vision and goals of the Bell Policy Center.