Research Associate

CHILDREN’S FUNDING PROJECT is a nonprofit social impact organization that helps communities, states, and Native Nations expand equitable opportunities for children and youth through strategic public financing. Through our hands-on technical assistance and collection of resources, we help advocates, policymakers, public agencies, Tribal Nations, and funders identify and align existing funding, generate new revenue, and implement strategies to administer funds in ways that maximize their impact. This growing organization is dynamic and seeks to meet the needs of the child and youth field and provide a healthy work environment. Read more about us at: https://www.childrensfundingproject.org

About the Position: Children's Funding Project is seeking a detail-oriented and self-starting Research Associate to join our Cost Analysis and Modeling team. This is an exciting opportunity for an analytical professional to make an impact on children's lives by supporting communities and states in building sustainable funding strategy tools for critical youth programs.

Working under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Cost Analysis & Modeling, you will play a key role in expanding Children’s Funding Project’s cost analysis capabilities as demand for this specialized expertise grows nationwide. You will contribute to projects that help states and communities understand the true costs of quality cradle to career programs and services, identify funding gaps, and design dynamic tools that support decision-making for financially sustainable systems that serve children and youth effectively.

The ideal candidate brings strong quantitative analysis skills, a passion for social impact, and experience in data and policy research. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy working with financial and demographic data, working collaboratively with diverse partners, and contributing to systemic change in how children's services are funded. This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven organization that values innovation, equity, and evidence-based solutions.

Location: This is a fully remote position (employee may work anywhere within continental U.S.). Some domestic travel is required.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Analysis & Modeling

• Develop cost estimates and financial models for child and youth programs across various service areas (early childhood, youth development, behavioral health, etc.)
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis to identify cost drivers, efficiency opportunities, and sustainability factors
• Develop standardized cost analysis tools, templates, and methodologies that can be replicated across different contexts
• Analyze funding streams, rate structures, and financing mechanisms as related to program or service costs

Research & Data Management

• Gather, validate, and synthesize financial data from multiple sources including state agencies, local programs, and national databases
• Conduct comprehensive policy research on regulations, quality standards, and program requirements that impact costs
• Maintain organized databases and documentation systems to support ongoing projects and institutional knowledge

Client Support & Technical Assistance

• Provide direct technical assistance to state and local partners on cost estimation, modeling and analysis
• Support capacity-building initiatives, including coaching participants in online cost modeling courses
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cost analysis into broader strategic financing projects

Knowledge Products & Communications

• Support case studies, policy briefs, and technical reports that translate complex cost analysis into accessible insights
• Develop visual presentations and data visualizations to communicate findings effectively
• Contribute to Children’s Funding Project’s thought leadership by documenting best practices and innovative approaches to program financing

Skills & Experience:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, economics, finance, education, social work, or related field
• 1-2 years of professional experience in financial analysis, policy research, or data analysis
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including complex formulas, pivot tables, data analysis tools, and/or financial modeling
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative research methods and statistical analysis
• Strong written communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work with large, complex datasets
• Experience working in collaborative, deadline-driven environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant field
• Experience with child and youth programs, early childhood systems, or social services
• Proficiency in additional analytical tools such as PowerBI
• Data visualization and dashboard creation
• Experience with survey design and data collection tools (Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, etc.)
• Understanding of equity frameworks and their application to program design and evaluation

Technical Skills:

• Advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge (required)
• Google Workspace applications
• Project management tools and methodologies

Compensation

This full-time, exempt position falls into the Associate level of our salary structure. Although the full salary range for the position is $55,000-$65,000, we expect the hiring range to be between $55,000 and $60,000, based on skills, experience, and internal equity. Children’s Funding Project also offers a generous benefits package, a great (and growing!) team, and a working environment that emphasizes professional development and growth.

To Apply:

A cover letter is required for consideration and should address your specific interest in the position as well as relevant professional and lived experiences. The cover letter will weigh heavily in the selection process. Applications must be received by August 29, 2025.

Children’s Funding Project commits to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that reflects the breadth of communities and clients we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring socially conscious individuals with diverse experiences and knowledge that deepen our organization’s impact. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. People of color, members of Tribal Nations and Native communities, LGBTQ-identified people, gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English are strongly encouraged to apply.