Vice President of Research - Colorado Children's Campaign

Colorado Children's Campaign is seeking a Vice President of Research!

WHAT WE DO

We advocate for the development and implementation of data-driven public policies that improve children's well-being in health, education, early childhood, and family economic prosperity.

As the leading voice for Colorado's children at the state Capitol and in communities across the state, the Children's Campaign has been at the forefront of hundreds of policy wins for kids. Among the numerous laws and programs, we've helped establish are the Colorado Preschool Program, Child Health Plan Plus, the Great Teachers and Leaders Law, and the creation of the new state Department of Early Childhood.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Vice President of Research advances the Colorado Children's Campaign mission by managing research strategies and initiatives. This role involves analyzing and communicating research on child and family well-being in Colorado, providing public policy thought leadership, and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders. Key responsibilities include producing the annual KIDS COUNT in Colorado! report and serving as the data and research resource for policy activities. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, data, policy research, and writing skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

Our work design is hybrid, with a minimum of two days attendance in our downtown Denver office expected.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

This role will be responsible for a series of tasks that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Research & Data

• Develop and lead the Colorado Children's Campaign research efforts in the core issue areas of child and family health, youth success, early childhood learning and development, and family economic prosperity.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate data effectively to educate state leaders and the public about child and family issues and to advance the Colorado Children's Campaign's policy initiatives.
• Identify and obtain data from federal, state, and local data sources.
• Provide clear and effective analysis of data to identify trends, key themes and issues relevant to child well‐being in Colorado. Must have the ability to synthesize information and compare data state‐to‐state, county‐to‐county and region-to-region.
• Develop and write the annual state KIDS COUNT in Colorado! report with county-by-county information.
• Develop and write additional research products such as white papers, children's budgets, and other reports.
• Maintain the KIDS COUNT database on the Children's Campaign's website and in the national Kids Count data system.
• Respond to data requests from policymakers, the media, funders, partners, and the public.
• Collect data, conduct analysis and draft reports on other key research and data issues emerging from the KIDS COUNT reports or as assigned.
• Provide presentations on the KIDS COUNT report and data to diverse audiences.
• Represent the Colorado Children's Campaign's in the national KIDS COUNT network.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Children's Campaign's policy, communications, outreach and development staff to ensure that research, data, and KIDS COUNT is an integral part of the Children's Campaign's policy agenda and advocacy activities.
• Work closely with the Vice President of Communications, Policy Team, and other Team Members to oversee research, data analysis, and prepare and present KIDS COUNT in Colorado! data and other research and publications to the Board of Directors, staff members, communities, state legislators, funders, and other interested parties throughout Colorado.
• Support the Development Team by providing research and program information and ideas for grant proposals and reports and, in partnership with relevant staff, fostering relationships with funders and donors.
• Collaborate with internal strategic teams to ensure data-driven practices and advance data advocacy efforts.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team.
• Supervise and mentor other members of the Research Team.
• Coordinate research initiatives with Communications and Policy Teams.
• Develop and implement overall organizational research vision and strategy.
• Develop and execute new strategies to position the Colorado Children's Campaign as a recognized innovator and leader in its field.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO OUR ORGANIZATION

• 4-year degree required in a social science or related field. Master's degree or higher preferred. Relevant experience considered in lieu of degree.
• 5-7 years of practical experience in working with, analyzing, and communicating about public data sources and research.
• 3 years of experience leading and mentoring a team of professionals.
• Experience with budget management and working in a nonprofit preferred.
• Creative individual with experience in understanding and using data to promote and evaluate public policy.
• Experience in collecting and analyzing data, including U.S. Census data.
• Strong communication skills including demonstrated ability to write effectively for a broad range of audiences, to analyze and describe data accurately, and to present data analysis in public presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and visualize data effectively.
• Experience with data mapping tools and data visualization software.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Experience using or developing an organizational style guide.
• Ability to set and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to serve as an organizational and community leader with a commitment to children in Colorado.
• Understanding of, commitment to, and ability to communicate about the importance of equity in research and internal processes.

WHAT OUR ORGANIZATION IS PROVIDING

• Expected annual salary range of $95,833 - $115,000 based on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match of 100% of the first 3% employee contribution
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays
• 12 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Hybrid work environment with commuter benefit

Colorado Children's Campaign provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements. Colorado Children's Campaign complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Colorado Children's Campaign will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants for failing to disclose wage rate history in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Children's Campaign expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Colorado Children's Campaign employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.