Careers
Hiring Values
At RIA, we are committed to maintaining a transparent, justice-focused, values-based organization. We seek candidates who do not simply want a job, but see a position at RIA as purposeful vocational work with the goal of real impact in the short and long term.
We do not shy away from difficult dialogues; we embrace those moments as critical places for interpersonal growth and transformation. We seek leaders to join our team who understand that we are all implicated in the justice-focused change that we seek to create with the actionable research products that emerge from our Equity in Action process model.
When pursuing employment at RIA, we ask that candidates consider the following >
We do not privilege degree(s).
Do not assume a degree is sufficient qualification for any position. Although advanced degree(s) reflect extensive academic training in a specific area, the RIA model and approach is unique and requires practiced self awareness skills and experience leading in community. We value proven leadership experience, research expertise gained in and outside of the academy, ability to teach and train others, (if applicable to the position) and the impact your prior work has had on those most impacted by racial injustice.
Honestly assess what skills you bring from past experiences to make sure you are qualified for the job.
Our position descriptions emphasize that candidates must possess specific skills to be successful and add value to our team immediately. Please pay close attention to the skills listed alongside research expertise, such as people management, project management, or conflict management. We value candidates that are aware of their growth areas and ready to work on them with support of the RIA team if selected.
This work goes far beyond the politics of conducting ethical research.
RIA is looking for candidates who understand that our impact work is both internal and external. Externally, the Equity in Action process model continues to shape county, state, and federal government policy; change local and national non-profit practices; and influence the strategies of the broader philanthropic community. Internally and in partnerships with those most impacted by racial injustice, the Equity in Action process model teaches partners from all of these sectors to collaboratively produce reparative solutions. It challenges us to build reciprocal relationships and disrupts the characteristics of white supremacy in our daily interactions. This requires candidates to be practicing that work and willing to grow with the support of the RIA team.
Lead Junior Research Associate
Open until filled.
The Lead Junior Research Associate is an advanced research leader who brings expertise to the organization, their teams, and each project they manage. We are particularly interested in a quantitative research expert using a public health lens with experience creating, testing, and modeling social vulnerability index (SVI) methods and conducting longitudinal evaluations. This quantitative expert must have a record of and an active commitment to community-engaged action research, as well as knowledge and experience in some qualitative methods.
Statewide Partnerships and Impacted Community Leaders Coordinator
Open until filled.
The Statewide Partnerships and Impacted Community Leaders Coordinator is responsible for cultivating lasting reciprocal relationships with community-led organizations, leaders, and healers. Working alongside Research in Action (RIA) team members, as well as independently, the coordinator will ensure the successful longevity of RIA’s relationships with impacted community members and institutional stakeholders. Building long-term, trusted relationships is necessary to support efforts to transform policies and institutional practices in line with community recommendations that emerge from the Equity in Action (EIA) model.
Junior Research Associate
Applications accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis
The Junior Research Associate will project manage, organize, research, and coordinate two major initiatives at any given time brought in by RIA and one small/medium sized quarterly/yearly project of the employee(s) own generation if applicable or assigned by a Senior Research Associate.
The Junior Research Associate will project manage by overseeing relevant project personnel, developing and maintaining a clear timeline, collaboratively collect data, summarize, and finalize written products, and collaboratively lead relevant community action or advisory councils.
Research Support Specialist
Applications accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis
The Research Support Specialist works on a variety of teams completing cutting edge equity based research in collaboration with others.
The Research Support Specialist plays an integral role in coordinating, executing, and managing tasks throughout the lifecycle of 2-3 engaged research projects with emphasis on concrete deliverables that support that larger project’s final goals. This team member might conduct interviews, focus groups, or create and administer surveys, maintain records and databases of research results or coding documents, collect and collate subject information, prepare supplies and materials for research engagements or presentations, perform general project maintenance needs such as subject outreach and background research, and record keeping.