Research Associate

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Job Description:

Are you excited by the opportunity to improve children’s futures through research? Join us as a Research Associate and help drive meaningful change for Oregon’s children. Your research and data skills will inform leadership decisions, shape program planning, and demonstrate the power of Child Savings Accounts. If you’re passionate about translating data into action and collaborating with diverse teams, this role is for you.

This position is limited duration through June 30, 2027.

Job Duties Summary

• Provide comprehensive research and data support for the Child Savings Accounts (CSA) program, including conducting research, disseminating findings, presenting scenarios, and collecting data to inform leadership decisions.
• Gather and interpret data to aid in program planning, document research outcomes, and maintain project records.
• Collaborate with the Upward Oregon team on data-related tasks, such as modeling funding scenarios to demonstrate the impact of CSAs, matching funds, and companion 529 plans using interactive calculators.
• Create new calculations and analyses, including drawdown scenarios and fund analyses for CSAs based on multiple attributes.
• Draft fact sheets on Child Savings Accounts (CSAs).
• Research potential philanthropic institutions to support the Oregon CSA program, providing justification for recommendations.
• Identify and document nonprofits, local leaders, tribal leaders, diverse community members, and businesses in Oregon with potential to support the CSA program.
• Track organizations that may be opposed or neutral toward the program.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership.
• Support Upward Oregon programs related to rule making, contracting, and program design considerations.

Work Schedule

This position will have the opportunity for a hybrid (remote and in-office) work location schedule; in-office work will be predominately from Treasury’s office in Salem. This position will work a minimum of one day in the office per week. During the initial training period, employees are expected to be in the office more frequently to support onboarding, learning, and collaboration.

Salary Range

$58,416-$86,148 annually.

Job Classification

This position is classified as an Operations and Policy Analyst 1. This position is management service position. This position is limited duration through June 30, 2027.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; OR
• Any combination of experience or education equivalent to three years technical-level experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification.

Desired Attributes

Job Specific Attributes

• Advanced data gathering, interpretation, and documentation skills.
• Experience with quantitative modeling (e.g., funding scenarios, drawdown analyses, impact calculations).
• Proficiency using interactive calculators and creating new calculations for program analysis.
• Ability to prepare executive-level reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Skilled in drafting fact sheets and synthesizing research findings for diverse audiences.
• Competence in identifying and documenting potential philanthropic partners and community partners.
• Experience supporting rule making, contracting, and program design processes.
• Strong engagement skills: regular contact with nonprofits, research institutions, professors, tribal nations, and community leaders via email, phone, and in-person.
• Familiarity with Oregon laws, government standards, and relevant federal regulations.
• Professional handling of confidential and complex topics.

Core Attributes

• Respect – Treats all individuals fairly and respectfully; works effectively with others; fosters an environment where opportunities to thrive are available to all; respects different values and viewpoints.
• Teamwork – Acts in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner, recognizes the worth of others, and places the good of the team ahead of personal objectives.
• Flexibility – Demonstrates willingness to change to meet organizational needs, professionally handles discomfort with a changing work environment, and remains calm in stressful situations.
• Communication – Effectively articulates and exchanges information with internal and external stakeholders. Is prompt in responding to questions and inquiries.
• Initiative – Takes appropriate action without waiting for explicit instructions, generates creative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities.
• Critical Thinking – Identifies and weighs options, makes sound decisions after reviewing all relevant information, plans for potential problems, takes calculated risks, and recognizes impact of solutions.
• Time Management – Prioritizes and manages time effectively across various competing tasks, demonstrating focus and adaptability, arriving on time for meetings, and meeting deadlines.
• Attention to Detail – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness when accomplishing tasks.

How to Apply

You are required to upload your resume and a cover letter describing how you meet the desired attributes listed above.

Please make sure the attributes and qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your application materials. Following these instructions and providing this information will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.

We will accept applications through the job announcement closing date, however, we may close this recruitment early, if we receive a well-qualified applicant pool.  If interested, please apply early.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

• Low employee premium share for medical, dental, vision, and basic employee life (1% or 5% employee share);
• Robust paid leave package, such as vacation, personal business, holidays, sick leave, and floating day of leave;
• PERS retirement benefits;
• Support with training and development;
• Student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF);
• Optional benefits include optional life, short & long term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, Oregon Savings Growth Plan (deferred compensation plan), flexible spending accounts, long term care insurance, employee assistance program, and more!

About Oregon State Treasury

Oregon State Treasury is focused on improving the financial well-being of all Oregonians. We provide low-cost programs for governments, and empower Oregonians to invest in themselves and their loved ones for a more secure future.

We are committed to cultivating a workplace that is diverse, inclusive, and respectful. We value and

support the collective differences in who we are and celebrate the fact that everyone comes to the table as their own unique individual. We believe this commitment empowers our success and makes Oregon State Treasury an excellent place to work. As Treasury employees, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion makes this a safe environment for us to ask questions, learn, and grow, and helps us to better serve Oregonians.

Our Values and Principles

INTEGRITY---INNOVATION---DIVERSITY---TRUST---PROFESSIONALISM---ACCESSIBILITY

Please visit the following webpage to learn more about Oregon State Treasury: https://www.oregon.gov/treasury/Pages/index.aspx

Special Information

• Prospective employees are subject to an extensive background check that may include, but not be limited to, validation of all application materials, prior employment, and professional references, driving records and fingerprint-based state and federal criminal and civil records.  Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.
• OST does not offer visa sponsorships, and within three days of hire, the successful candidate will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• Oregon state government provides preference in employment to qualifying veterans, disabled veterans, as well as current and former servicemembers of the Oregon National Guard, in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235. To receive preference you must attach appropriate documentation as outlined by the Department of Administrative Services at the following website: Veterans Resources.  You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
• OST is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce.
• Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Oregon State Treasury will provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please call Oregon State Treasury at 503-378-4000 and request to be connected to Human Resources.