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Research Assistance

Start Date: October 15, 2024

Completion Date: April 15, 2025

Final Report Due Date: May 15, 2025

Position Summary:

The Research Assistant will be instrumental in advancing the initiatives of the Coalition on Urban Girls (CUG), which aims to create transformative impacts for urban girls through strategic research and community engagement. As part of the Community Research Capacity-Building Seed Grant awarded by the Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities, this role focuses on identifying and analyzing the research, policy, and advocacy landscape related to girls in the Chicagoland area.

 

The Research Assistant in this position will have the opportunity to contribute to CUG’s development of a comprehensive research database. Responsibilities include mapping the existing research, advocacy, and policy landscape, and identifying key players and potential collaborators. Applicants must possess excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, the ability to take direction and work independently, and a background in research, technical writing, evaluation, or social work.

Responsibilities:

  • Research Assistance: Identify and analyze the research, policy, and advocacy landscape related to girls in the Chicagoland area, engaging with stakeholders such as academic researchers, community organizations, advocacy groups, and government agencies.

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  • Stakeholder Engagement: Assemble and lead a team of interns and the existing Research Assistant to comprehensively review and document Chicagoland researchers and organizations focused on urban girl issues in research, advocacy, and policy.

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  • Database Development: Create and maintain a comprehensive “landscape” database that includes details on researchers, institutions, published works, reports, topics of interest, and contact information, ensuring data accuracy and currency.

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  • Data Collection and Management: Gather and organize data from various sources, maintaining high standards of quality and ensuring data is readily accessible for analysis.

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  • Data Analysis: Collaborate with the Quality Initiatives team to conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis using appropriate methods and analytical tools.

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  • Report Writing: Assist in the development of research reports, presentations, and summaries that effectively communicate findings, utilizing visualizations and infographics as needed.

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  • Evaluation Support: Contribute to program evaluations by helping design evaluation frameworks and developing relevant data collection instruments.

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  • Collaboration: Work collaboratively with team members on interdisciplinary projects, sharing insights and expertise to enhance research outcomes.

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  • Research Innovation: Stay updated on the latest research methodologies and best practices in evaluation and data analysis, introducing innovative approaches to the team.

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  • Ethical Standards: Uphold ethical guidelines and data privacy regulations when handling sensitive information and research data.

Qualifications:

  • Enrollment in a relevant graduate program: Applicants should be currently pursuing a graduate degree in fields such as youth development, social work, education, or a related discipline.

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  • Strong research background: Demonstrated experience in academic or professional research, including literature reviews and data collection, is preferred.

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  • Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.

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  • Analytical mindset: A keen eye for detail and a passion for understanding and interpreting data to inform decision-making.

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  • Team player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and take initiative when needed.

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  • Time management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

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  • Ethical conduct: Demonstrated commitment to maintaining ethical standards in research and evaluation practices.

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  • Applications Use: Proficient in Microsoft Suite, CANVA, Survey Monkey, and Google Suite required. Additional understanding of Adobe Premiere Pro a plus.

Duration and Compensation:

The Research Assistance is a position from October 2024 - April 2025, with the possibility of extension based on project final report and availability. We are anticipating this applicant would work 20 hours per week. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and in the form of a stipend between $1,000 and 5,000, dependent on experience.

How to apply:

Applicants should submit the following materials to CUG's President and Executive Director, Ayeshia Garrett, by Tuesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CST:

  • A resume that includes GPA, relevant coursework, and work experience -

  • A cover letter 

  • Two research-based writing samples

  • Please specify your available start date in your application.

 

Send all materials with the subject line “CUG Research Assistance for School Year 2024-2025” to: Cugchicago@gmail.com.

We look forward to welcoming a passionate and dedicated Research Assistant to our team, providing an enriching experience that enhances both their academic journey and our organization's mission.

The Coalition on Urban Girls (CUG) supports organizations serving girls in Chicago through research, advocacy, and collaboration. Initially formed in 2010 as the South Side Coalition on Urban Girls (SSCUG), the Coalition transitioned to CUG in 2018 with a citywide aim to advance gender equity and enhance girls' health, safety, and well-being.  CUG seeks to enhance our capacity-building efforts by establishing a research hub dedicated to urban girls. This initiative aims to deepen the understanding of the unique challenges and needs of girls in the Chicagoland area by strengthening strategic partnerships between community and academic entities. CUG's project will facilitate the creation of a comprehensive database cataloging local research, advocacy, and policy efforts, which will serve as a critical resource for stakeholders. The project will result in a robust research hub that consolidates existing information and identifies gaps in knowledge and advocacy. This hub will empower urban girls by involving them in research processes and provide stakeholders with vital data to shape effective policies and programs. By aligning research efforts and fostering collaboration among a wide array of partners, CUG aims to amplify its impact on improving the health, safety, and well-being of girls in Chicago, driving systemic change toward greater equity and justice.

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