Policy Analyst, Behavioral and Policy Sciences

Job Type:

Diversity at RAND

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential operating principles at RAND. We are committed to maintaining a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff, where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. This commitment is guided by an organization-wide framework for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and paired with significant investments to sustain and center these principles in leadership, research, and community and stakeholder engagement. An advisory council comprised of staff at all levels provides critical feedback and perspective on the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion plans and activities. Employee Resource Groups are staff-driven grassroots communities that seek to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at RAND by facilitating community, connection, and a greater sense of belonging and well-being among colleagues. In our recruitment and retention efforts, we seek unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook.

Position Description

Policy Analysts work closely with project leaders to provide project management and research support on a range of policy topics, including topics related to health and healthcare, behavioral health, substance use/abuse, public health preparedness, military manpower, personnel, and training, K-12 education, higher education, public safety, and national security. Project management tasks may include developing and maintaining budgets, establishing timelines, tracking project deliverables, keeping the project and its members on task and schedule, and working with other groups within the organization to ensure smooth project progress. Research support may include conducting literature reviews, job analyses, interviews and focus groups, supporting quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and preparation of draft documents and presentations.

Analysts are expected to work independently commensurate with their experience and tenure, while under the direction of research leaders. Analysts simultaneously work across a variety of projects and thus require strong time management skills; however, analysts are also provided opportunities to develop new areas of expertise by applying their technical skills to new topics and projects.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in conducting research that is policy relevant

• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research (data collection, data entry, analyses, etc.)

• Strong methodological research and analytical skills (e.g., experience using a data analysis platform like Dedoose, SAS, STATA or R)

• Experience with project management, including developing timelines and meeting agendas, notetaking, budget management, and/or keeping team members on task and schedule

• Experience with data management, including recruitment and tracking

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences

• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team

• Strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity

Education Requirements 

MA/MS/MPH/MPP/MPA or equivalent (BA or BS and 10+ years of related experience) in anthropology, psychology, public administration, public health, public/health policy, or related fields required.

Experience

Master's level candidates with 1 to 5 years of relevant experience; Bachelor's level candidates with at least 10 years of related experience.

Location

Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Boston, MA

A hybrid work arrangement, involving a combination of work from home and on-site from RAND offices, is available. Fully remote work may be considered

Salary Range: $52,000 - $143,900

Analyst I: $52,000 - $71,500

Analyst II: $62,400 - $85,800

Analyst III: $88,000 - $121,000

Analyst IV: $99,200 - $143,900

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Application Materials

• CV/Resume, cover letter, and writing sample are required (PDF documents are preferred).

• Three (3) references will be required upon request.

Application Deadline
Review of applications will be ongoing through September 30, 2024.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet