Researcher Associate – Detroit Bureau
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Michigan’s oldest and most trusted nonpartisan public affairs research organization, is seeking an outstanding researcher to focus on Detroit policy issues. This position will serve as the Research Council’s expert on policy matters such as the sustainability of the city budget, tax issues, transit, governance, service delivery, and charter issues. Other research might dig into school matters such as the school district budget, the relationship between the Detroit Public Schools Community District and charter schools, and right-sizing the schools to meet the number of students served. Work could extend to the ways in which the city and schools interact with Wayne County and Wayne RESA.
The mission of the Citizens Research Council is to promote the development of informed public policy at all levels of Michigan government through the delivery of factual and unbiased analyses of the issues most critical to state and local government. Examples of our research can be found at www.crcmich.org.
Responsibilities
The research associate will be expected to:
- Produce high-quality objective research reports on various municipal public policy topics
- Analyze the city and school district budgets as introduced, debated, and enacted and produce nonpartisan papers discussing key policy issues
- Create and deliver nonpartisan budget briefings and presentations on policy topics to a diverse set of audiences
- Respond to inquiries from the news media, government officials, industry and policy associations, and the general public in an informed and nonpartisan manner.
Qualifications
- An interest in the city’s many public policy issues, especially budgets
- Strong skills in research, spreadsheet analysis, writing research reports
- Outstanding presentation skills
- At least a master’s degree in a policy-related concentration.
Compensation is based on qualifications. Compensation also includes participation in the 401(k) defined contribution plan, eligibility for health insurance (including vision and dental), participation in health reimbursement account, travel cost reimbursement, and flexible hours.
Work Location
About Citizens Research Council
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan is a private, not-for-profit, public affairs research group that has been researching issues pertaining to Michigan state and local government organization and finance since 1916. The Research Council is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a 35-member board of directors and a 75-member board of trustees. Independence and nonpartisanship are among the distinguishing attributes of the Citizens Research Council. All Research Council employees are expected to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the Citizens Research Council’s nonpartisan reputation. Additional information on the Citizens Research Council can be found at www.crcmich.org.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply by sending (no phone inquiries please) a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and references to:
Eric Lupher
President
Citizens Research Council of Michigan
38777 Six Mile Road, Suite 208
Livonia, MI 48152-3974
elupher@crcmich.org
The writing samples should be related to a public policy topic and should be solely authored by the applicant.
