Practitioner-Researcher, Hope Center for College, Community and Justice

Posted by Temple University on June 9, 2020

The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, at Temple University is seeking a Practitioner-Researcher to join our growing team. As a mission-driven organization we take seriously the importance of rigorous research, engagement and communication activities, and advocacy. Our diverse team is committed to communities that demand affordable, accessible, high-quality education from high school through higher education and beyond. Our teammates demonstrate why #RealCollege matters: we have collectively lived the challenges of navigating government bureaucracy and cash-strapped colleges, experienced the trauma and perils of living without financial stability, and experienced marginalization along nearly every possible line.

Helping research create impact requires deep knowledge and meaningful activities in the areas of both research application and community engagement. The Hope Center aims to mitigate challenges undermining college attainment and our practitioner-researchers are responsible for contributing to that effort by ensuring that the challenges are accurately identified, understood, and addressed.

The practitioner-researcher will possess significant experience working to address students’ basic needs in a public university setting. Drawing on that experience, they will work to ensure that the Hope Center’s research and communications efforts are tightly connected to the needs of public universities and their students. Their projects will build awareness and impact positive changes with regard to the challenges facing vulnerable populations, such as former foster youth, returning citizens, and student-parents, as well as broader challenges such as affordable housing, food, transportation, childcare, and mental health. The practitioner-researcher will create practitioner-focused materials, including toolkits and explainers, policy briefs, and other deliverables.

The practitioner-researcher will also contribute to the planning and visioning for community engagement roles across multiple research projects. In addition, they may represent the Hope Center via national speaking engagements, media engagement, and in interactions with communities. Performs other duties as assigned.

It is an exciting and difficult time to be working on creating significant social change. We seek teammates who are committed to our mission and capable and comfortable with working effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Required Education & Experience:
Master’s degree in social science or education required, plus at least 2 years of experience working on higher education issues as a practitioner at public university. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills & Abilities:
*Deep practitioner-based knowledge of one or more of the following areas: food insecurity, housing insecurity, financial aid, foster care, returning citizens, student-parents, and undocumented scholars
*Knowledge of research practices and experience conducting research
*Quantitative literacy (i.e., comfort using and interpreting basic statistics)
*Ability to manage projects with multiple partners from varying backgrounds
*Demonstrated ability to communicate with a diverse set of stakeholders including college presidents, faculty, students, administrators, policymakers, and practitioners
*Experience and ability to work effectively across difference—to engage authentically across cultures, identities, races, life experiences, and knowledge systems
*Excellent writing and communication skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
*Ability to take creative feedback, execute, and iterate quickly and efficiently
*Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
*Demonstrated ability to effectively and collaboratively work as part of a cross-functional and interdisciplinary team
*Demonstrated commitment to the goals and values of the Hope Centers’ mission to address the challenges that inhibit college attainment among vulnerable populations

Learn more and apply: https://temple.taleo.net/careersection/tu_ex_staff/jobdetail.ftl?job=20001298&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York