Search for University Jobs in Social Sciences

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