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How to ApplyA cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.This is a two-year term-limited appointment.The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position follows a hybrid schedule. 3-4 days/week will be largely remote, but the position will require regular travel of 1 day/week to U-M's Ann Arbor campus and may also require 1 day/week travel to Lansing.
Job Summary

The Youth Policy Lab, a joint research center of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the Institute for Social Research, envisions a world where partner-driven and policy-centered research fuels positive social change. Our mission is to inform public policy decisions that impact youth by analyzing data and evaluating programs to help society answer its most pressing questions. For more information, please visit us at www.youthpolicylab.umich.edu.  
 

As part of a partnership with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education and Potential (MILEAP) and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab is looking for a Michigan Policy Fellow to help strengthen access, affordability, and quality within Michigan's early childhood education system. This new fellowship is designed to support the State's efforts to expand PreK for all students in Michigan through three key projects: Early Childhood Data Landscape, Coordinated Enrollment System, and Curriculum and Professional Alignment. To learn more, click here.
 

The fellowship is expected to begin late March or April 2025 and will be embedded within the Office of Early Childhood, located within MILEAP.  As the Fellow, you will gain exposure to policymakers and program administrators across the State of Michigan, as well as receive direct mentorship and support from U-M faculty researchers. You will also participate in professional conferences, national trainings, and networking events, as available and applicable. You will report to the MiLEAP Deputy Director for Early Education and as the YPL Director of Strategic Partnerships. 
 

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time offA retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vestingMany choices for comprehensive health insuranceLife insuranceLong-term disability coverageFlexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expensesPaid parental leave
 Responsibilities*

Agency Relations:  

Cultivate and maintain relationships with agency and state partners as well as university faculty and staff to understand the context and breath of the early childhood system in Michigan.Serve as key liaison between MILEAP, other state agencies, and YPL.

Project Development/Management: 

At the start of the fellowship, work closely with supervisors at YPL and MILEAP/Office of Early Childhood, as well as other key partners, to refine and focus the specific projects and expected deliverables.Plan and manage all phases of assigned projects, including organizing, implementing, communicating, and assessing progress and timeliness of work deliverables.Work independently on multiple tasks, demonstrate initiative by actively seeking out opportunities to contribute beyond assigned tasks, and identify problems and propose solutions.

Research:

Research best practices, gather benchmark data, and conduct literature and landscape reviews. Engage in online research as well as conduct phone, in-person, and Zoom interviews. Obtain relevant administrative data to support analyses.  

Data Analysis:  

Analyze longitudinal data, create summary variables and other descriptive statistics, and perform social science statistical analysis. Interpret and visualize data for both non-technical and policymaking audiences. Develop materials to support the use of data and research for  programmatic and policy decision-making within state government. 

Communications and Findings Dissemination: 

Draft memos, presentations, briefs, and reports.  Create and maintain web-based resources. Produce and distribute reports. Present findings at internal and external meetings, conferences.
Required Qualifications*Graduate-level degree in public policy, education, public health, social work, political science, economics or a relevant social science discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity and interest in early childhood education policies and programs and other related policy areas.Familiarity with local/state/federal policymaking processes, funding mechanisms, and social program delivery. Strong written and verbal communication skills.  Experience in writing for a public-sector audience and synthesizing academic research and quantitative data into coherent and policy-relevant messages will be beneficial. Knowledge of social science research methods and concepts; understanding of program evaluation concepts and practices. Statistical analysis skills; experience translating data analyses for non-technical audiences. Commitment to principles of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. For more information on the University's commitment to these principles, please visit: https://diversity.umich.edu/ 
Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.