Job Description:
Reports to: Mari Gallagher, Senior Consultant and CGB Sector Head

MCIC (Metro Chicago Information Center) is a Chicago-based not-for-profit research, consulting, and information resource committed to increasing the quality, quantity, and accessibility of information that supports strategic program, policy, and quality of life decisions in the Six County Chicago Metro Area and beyond. Examples of CGB clients include community development corporations, government agencies, CDFIs and other for-profit and not-for-profit financial services institutions. Examples of related fields include regional and community planning, affordable housing, business development, neighborhood-driven commercial and industrial development, and workforce development, among others. MCIC is a dynamic team of twenty-plus professionals. More information can be found at www.mcic.org.

The CGB Research Specialist will:

• Manage existing relationships with CGB members and clients;
• Assist in acquiring new CGB members and clients;
• Participate as a highly skilled project manager and hands-on researcher and consultant for CGB special projects;
• Monitor changes in community development and related fields at the local, state, and national level;
• Participate in the development of new products, services, seminars, member education campaigns, and marketing materials;
• Maintain administrative records in a timely and accurate fashion;
• Conduct all MCIC business within the parameters of confidentiality appropriate to the project; and
• Represent and maintain MCIC ethical and quality standards in all dealings with staff, members, clients, and the public.

• Proposal development;
• Research design;
• Project management;
• Primary and secondary data development and analysis;
• Market and community analysis work;
• Report writing and presentations; and
• Client management.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in economic development, public policy, finance, or related field and minimum of three years of applied research experience. More than five years of applied experience a strong plus;
• Demonstrated ability to understand, develop, and present quantitative and qualitative research findings;
• Demonstrated familiarity with Census data, business-oriented data, and other data sets;
• Interest in mastering techniques in conducting focus groups and key informant interviews. Experience a strong plus;
• Interest in community development and economic models. Experience a strong plus;
• Mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SPSS. Familiarity with SAS and Access a strong plus;
• Must be a team player but also be highly motivated and able to work independently in an environment of multi-tasking, tight timelines, and client and market pressure;
• Appreciation and enthusiasm for MCIC's mission and CGB content area; and
• An appreciation for diverse audiences, organizations, and cultures.

How to Apply:
Please submit resume, cover letter, and additional writing sample (minimum of 600 words) to:
Search Committee
MCIC
17 North State Street
Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60602-3294
info@mcic.org

Sample of past research ideal, but not required. If such a sample is submitted, please attach a brief description of your role and responsibilities in the research. Electronic submissions encouraged but not required. In the subject field of the email, please type "attention search committee." No phone calls, please. All inquiries and samples held in strictest confidence.

Final candidates will be required to provide three references. Salary commensurate with experience.