Research Specialist, Workforce Development - Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development (4611)

Primary Function

OERD employees regularly represent the university and the division on significant issues and policy initiatives. To do this requires excellent communication and highly effective relationship development and management. OERD employees use these skills to engage in direct two-way interaction with NIU’s external communities through the development, exchange and application of research and knowledge for mutual benefit. This type of place-based, public engagement supports both community needs and NIU imperatives, enhancing town-gown and regional collaboration towards common goals and creating value for the university.

As a division, OERD is largely self-sustaining, requiring that employees be skilled at developing funding mechanisms to support people and policy initiatives. OERD hires and evaluates employees based on their demonstrated ability to succeed in a dynamic environment that demands a high level of teamwork, ingenuity, independence, and accountability. The division is also committed to fostering a deeper level of engagement with faculty, staff, and students across the university and increasing integration of the outreach-and-engagement agenda of OERD with other aspects of the NIU mission.

Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

Key Job Characteristics
• Develops multiple research projects that fall within the area of expertise
• Contributes to the design, development and delivery of research projects in consultation/collaboration with colleagues, external partners and clients
• May determine objectives and approach to research projects in area of content expertise
• Presents results and publishes manuscripts for public, private, and professional audiences

• Area of Expertise: Workforce development, Apprenticeship initiatives, Project and grant management

• Multiple research projects that fall within the area of expertise:
o Research and analysis of local, regional, state, and federal education and workforce development laws, regulations, policies, legislation, programs, and practices
o Engagement, partnership, and collaboration of multiple stakeholders for expansion of work-based learning and career pathways
o Develop project management tools to support department activities, address interdependencies, keep to milestones, and provide progress reports where appropriate.
o Policies and best practices for equitable community, economic and workforce development opportunities for targeted populations
o Development, implementation, and promotion of local, regional, state, and federal workforce development policy, practice, and program recommendations
o Research and analysis of employer-led actions and solutions to education and workforce development issues
o Handle requests for information and data.

Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

• BA/BS in business, political science, public administration, or related field.
• 5 years of related research experience
• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of principles, concepts, practices and methods
• Proven knowledge of Workforce Development, Apprenticeship initiatives, Project and grant management

Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

• Master’s in business, political science, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Ph.D. in business, political science, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Professional certification in a related field preferred

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

• Active, successful network of relationships in the area of expertise
• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of principles, concepts, practices and methods

Working Hours
Days, evenings, weekends as needed
Hiring rate/range
Commensurate with experience and internal equity; position includes eligible benefits
Posting Date
12/17/2020
Closing Date

Priority Review Date
01/11/2021
Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit a Resume/Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, and a list of at least 3 References by January 11, 2021 to receive full consideration.

Link to Department Homepage
www.cgs.niu.edu
Physical Demands

General office

EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Is Background Check Required
Yes
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/54803
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. List of at least 3 References

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
2. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
3. Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. Other