Research Fellow

Chapin Hall seeks a translational scholar to lead a multi-year, equity-centered research and policy project on community-based prevention of child maltreatment and child welfare involvement. We seek to hire an individual who shares our core values and standards for advancing evidence-based solutions that strengthen families and promote well-being through community-based strategies that act to enhance families’ protective factors and children’s well-being. Chapin Hall seeks to address racial inequities, inform decision making at the federal, state, and local levels; support the design and testing of interventions; and enable faithful implementation and adaptation that focuses on community-based prevention.

The successful applicant will bring research experience in community-based prevention and translation of findings into actionable policy and practice frameworks. This leader will oversee project vision, methodology, and deliverables from inception to implementation; be well versed in community-based prevention, particularly as it applies in child welfare and other human service system contexts; have appreciation for the role of policy and practice in systems change; have experience in leading and coordinating complex projects; and have demonstrated success in designing and conducting qualitative research or mixed-method studies. The successful applicant will also have a demonstrated record of leading and collaborating with internal and external partners (e.g., community leaders, and other implementers, public and private funders, policymakers), of securing funding, and the ability to translate findings into actionable policy and practice frameworks.

This individual will lead Chapin Hall’s portfolio of research in community-based child welfare prevention and lead or collaborate in other community-based research initiatives. Additionally, the Research Fellow will seek and maintain an active, positive role in contributing to the organizational culture through formal and informal engagements, mentoring, and service.
Chapin Hall embraces a “Work from Anywhere” approach which offers flexible remote work from anywhere in the United States. Chapin Hall also offers in-person opportunities for staff to build: 1) connections, 2) team cohesion and creativity, and 3) a sense of belonging to the organization. All staff are expected to travel to and engage in a minimum of two annual 2-day “All Hall Convenings” and/or key team meetings featuring shared learning, teamwork, and fellowship. Reasonable accommodations are made for those who require modifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Direct a rigorous, multi-year, equity-centered applied research project focused on community-based child welfare prevention.
• Guide design and implementation of original actionable research.
• Guide collaborative meaning-making with community members and policymakers.
• Lead synthesis of findings into actionable policy frameworks, and toolkits,

Partnership and Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, policymakers, and funders.
• Align research with equity, diversity, and community-engagement goals.
• Ensure that the research aligns with racial equity and community-based priorities.
• Represent the project at convenings, conferences, and in media.

Capacity-Building Areas of Focus

• Supervise and mentor multidisciplinary project staff, fostering professional development and succession.
• Pursue new business opportunities, grants, and contracts to sustain and grow the portfolio.
• Contribute to Chapin Hall’s organizational strategy, growth, and positive culture through leadership, collaboration, and service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A doctoral degree in social work, public policy, public health, sociology or another relevant field.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the design and implementation of research and evaluation in child welfare, community-based prevention, or related human services field.

• Demonstrated ability to lead equity-centered, participatory research.

• Strong policy analysis skills and familiarity with federal/state/local prevention policies.

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience working with culturally diverse communities and scholars of color

• Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff

• A track record in securing funding from multiple sources, i.e., an established, funded portfolio of translational research, including grants and contracts from public (federal, state, jurisdictions) and private (foundations, other sources) sources is preferred.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.
• Must be able to travel locally and out of state occasionally.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall positions. Chapin Hall approaches background checks with respect and fairness, ensuring that every applicant is given equitable review and opportunity. Chapin Hall’s background check process complies with Section 2-103.1 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. Accordingly, a conviction will only be considered disqualifying if it has a substantial relationship to the job, or if hiring the individual would pose an unreasonable risk to workplace safety. If you have any questions, please reach out to HumanResources@chapinhall.org.

Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only. A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodation to complete the Application process should contact Human Resources by calling (773) 256-5157, or by sending an email to recruiting@chapinhall.org.

Chapin Hall is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Per U.S. Department of Labor regulations, Chapin Hall offers visa sponsorship in limited instances for hard-to-fill specialty occupation roles. If you have questions about visa sponsorship at Chapin Hall, please reach out to humanresources@chapinhall.org

Regarding the salary range:

Chapin Hall adheres to a competitive market-aligned salary structure for all its administrative, policy, and research roles. Starting salaries within posted ranges are determined by the Chapin Hall Human Resources Department using a consistent, rigorous, and equitable review process.

Benefits

Chapin Hall provides a strong benefits program that addresses the diverse needs of our staff. The Chapin Hall Benefits Program offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options that allow you to design your own plan, to balance individual needs with affordability and support long-term financial stability for staff and their family. Our benefits include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, sick time, parental leave and retirement options. For more information on our benefits visit our Chapin Hall Website.