George Connelly
Policy Research Analyst
Mission of the Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF):
To develop and advocate policies and programs to increase the skills, job opportunities and incomes of low-wage workers and job seekers in Maryland.
Position Description:
The Policy Research Analyst leads the work that supports JOTF’s broader advocacy agenda. The Policy Research Analyst conducts research and writes reports on a wide range of issues facing Maryland job-seekers and employers. Topics include access to education, work supports, job quality, workplace policies and barriers to employment such as transportation and criminal records. The Policy Research Analyst plays a lead role in advancing JOTF’s portfolio of written research and recommending policy and program solutions based on best practices.
Responsibilities:
● Develop JOTF’s research agenda in coordination with internal and external stakeholders
● Conduct topical research and analysis, with a focus on adult education, workforce development including job training, workplace policies and barriers to education and employment.
● Serve as an author and project manager on JOTF research publications, including high quality reports, policy memos, testimony and other advocacy materials for diverse audiences.
● Provide technical research assistance to the JOTF policy and program teams.
● Manage and update JOTF’s online platforms such as Train Baltimore and Past Forward, where appropriate
● Maintain up-to-date knowledge of issues, trends, and best practices within economic justice, including adult education, workforce development and workplace policies, and impacts of incarceration on workers.
● Develop and maintain collaborative research partnerships.
● Organize and represent JOTF at public forums that promote JOTF’s research, program, and policy priorities.
● Convene information-gathering focus groups with key stakeholders who inform and influence JOTF’s research agenda, including local community members, employers, and partners.
● Contribute to grant proposals and reports
● Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
● Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical writing and public speaking
● Ability to research, analyze problems and propose policy solutions
● Good interpersonal skills, and ability to relate effectively with diverse populations
● Familiarity with workforce trends on issues facing Maryland employers, workers, and job-seekers
● Deep understanding of how federal, state, and local systems most effect the conditions and outcomes of low- wage workers and intersecting communities, particularly Black and Brown workers
● Advanced quantitative skills including data analysis and charting
● Ability to capture, contextualize and disaggregate data to comprehend, uncover, and address systemic inequities
● Must be organized, detail oriented and have the ability to work in both a team setting and individually
● Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines
● Experience with fact checking and quick turn-around research
● Master’s degree with proven research experience. A Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of experience in adult education, workforce development, and workplace policy may be substituted for educational requirement.
Position Details:
This is a full-time, permanent position. Until otherwise noted, work will be performed remotely and virtually. Where safe and feasible, work will be based out of our downtown Baltimore office during regular business hours, with some off-site meetings and occasional after-hours or weekend events. The ideal candidate will be able to provide his/her own transportation for travel to meetings around the state, community events and to Annapolis during the legislative session. Downtown parking and reimbursement for business travel are included.
The Policy Research Analyst reports directly to JOTF’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), and works closely with the policy and program staff.
Compensation:
This is a full-time position. Salary range is $60,000-$65,000, commensurate with experience. JOTF offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, matched 403(b) and paid leave.
JOTF strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. JOTF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, religious or political affiliation or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law. Individuals with a criminal background are encouraged to apply.
For background information about the Job Opportunities Task Force, see our website at www.jotf.org.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references, and two (2) short writing samples (no longer than 2 pages each), and type “Policy Research Analyst” in the subject line to res...@jotf.org
Closing Date for Applications: August 26, 2020.
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George Connelly
Programs Coordinator
Job Opportunities Task Force - Baltimore, MD
Organizational Overview:
The mission of the Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) is to develop and advocate policies and programs to increase the skills, job opportunities and incomes of low-skill, low-wage workers and job seekers in Maryland.
Position Description:
The Programs Coordinator is responsible for overall coordination and oversight of JOTF’s programmatic efforts, specifically Project Jumpstart. The Programs Coordinator will be responsible for identifying and developing sector-based strategies that increase industry access for low-skill, low income workers and jobseekers, while supporting JOTF’s efforts to remove policy barriers impacting the workforce. The ideal candidate will be a self-driven, team player with a keen ability to think and act boldly and strategically for the benefit of the organization and its constituencies.
Responsibilities:
§ Oversight and management of Project Jumpstart, including but not limited to program staff supervision, grants management (including budgeting and reporting) and general administration
§ Track overall programs performance, prepare regular reports and recommend modifications where necessary and appropriate
§ Coordination of JOTF program operations
§ Work closely with the CEO, COO, Research Analyst and Programs staff to explore, develop, and implement new sector-based strategies that help low-skilled workers access jobs and/or training
§ Assist in development of training and technical assistance to state and local workforce development agencies
§ Establish and cultivate strategic relationships with the business community, including private and public sector partners, and key program and organizational partners and stakeholders
§ Coordinate support for JOTF’s policy agenda with JOTF’s policy team, program staff and participants
Requirements:
- A keen understanding of the racial and socioeconomic dynamics of underserved communities
- Familiarity with the educational and employment barriers facing low-income, low-skill workers and the workforce needs of employers
- Experience with community organizing and outreach, program management, including program data collection tools such as Apricot, and marketing preferred
- Experience in Construction or Maryland growth industries is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse organizations and populations including community members, employers, policymakers and funders, particularly in the Baltimore metropolitan region
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including writing and public speaking
- Must be organized and detail oriented, and have the ability to work in both a team setting and autonomously
- Must be a self-starter with an entrepreneurial drive and demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines under stressful conditions
- A successful candidate will have an educational background in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience providing case management or job-training services. Mental health and/or trauma-informed training a plus.
- Extensive experience providing case management and/or job-training services to under-served populations of color may be substituted for educational requirement.
- Must have reliable transportation and willing to commute between program sites
- Should have a flexible schedule as program classes run in the evenings and program related events can occur in the evening and on weekends
- Other duties as assigned
Position Details:
Until otherwise noted, work will be performed remotely and virtually. Where safe and feasible, work may be based out of our downtown Baltimore office with regular visits to program locations in Baltimore City. Project JumpStart classes and program related events occur in the evening and, at times, on weekends.
Parking at the Baltimore office and reimbursement for business travel is provided.
Compensation:
Salary offered is $65,000, commensurate with education and experience. JOTF offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, matched 403(b) and paid leave.
JOTF strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. JOTF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, religious or political affiliation or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law. Baltimore City residents and individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references to res...@jotf.org.
For best consideration, please submit application materials no later than August 26, 2020.