Local Reproductive Freedom Index Research Assistant

About the National Institute for Reproductive Health
The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) builds power at the state and local level to change public policy, galvanize public support, and normalize women’s decisions about abortion and contraception. Using a partnership model, we provide state and local advocates with strategic guidance, hands-on support, and funding to create national change from the ground up. We are a force multiplier – we form strategic partnerships with a wide range of organizations to directly impact the reproductive health and lives of women across the country. Since 2008, NIRH has provided direct grants and hands-on support to more than 150 reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations in 39 states and 56 localities across the country.
At the national level, we go where others don’t, engaging in groundbreaking public opinion research, proactive policy initiatives, and innovative advocacy campaigns to shape a new national conversation about reproductive freedom. Our political arm, the NIRH Action Fund, works in parallel to change state and local electoral and policy landscapes.
We don’t just push back against restrictions on abortion and contraception; we fight for a society in which everyone has the freedom and ability to control their reproductive and sexual lives.
About the Local Reproductive Freedom Index
The Local Reproductive Freedom Index is a first-of-its-kind initiative, first released in Fall 2017, that evaluates the reproductive health, rights, and justice policies of 40 U.S. cities. It is a tool for local leaders to better understand how their city fares when it comes to this issue. It also encourages cities to lead by ensuring all residents have the full freedom and ability to control their reproductive and sexual lives at home, in the face of attacks from state and federal governments.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reports to: Senior Manager of Special Initiatives
The Local Index Research Assistant will work with NIRH staff to research and write the 2nd edition of the Local Reproductive Freedom Index, to be issued in Fall 2019. This will include conducting research on new cities to be added to the Local Index, as well as updating the evaluation of the 40 initial cities. The research will require attention to detail, patience, and creativity, as well as an interest in local policy. The Research Assistant will also contribute to developing the content of the new report.
Primary Responsibilities

  • Conduct original research on municipal policy and initiatives in cities across the country, including in but not limited to city council archives, municipal codes, and local media searches;
  • Identify national and local advocacy organizations as potential partners for research support;
  • Provide input on content of final product;
  • Writing original content for the Local Index report, including research and writing briefs on policy issues to be explored in the report;
  • Data entry; and
  • Potential for outreach via phone and email to local advocates and officials for interviews.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of work experience in a relevant field such as legislative affairs, government relations, policy advocacy or political affairs at the state or local level; or a current student pursuing an advanced degree, such as a JD, MPA, MPP, or PhD
  • Professional experience in conducting original research;
  • Interest in municipal policy and social justice issues, preferably with experience in reproductive health, rights, and justice;
  • Past experience working on municipal policy, local campaigns, or in local government a plus;
  • Ability to work with diverse organizations and understand a range of perspectives;
  • Comfort with and ability to use a racial equity analysis; and
  • A proven ability to analyze and understand complex issues and an attention to detail
  • A proven ability to write clearly; ability to translate complex policy ideas for multiple audiences a plus.

Compensation
This role is temporary, part-time, and will require between 15 and 20 hours of work.  The hours can be flexible, based on the needs of the candidate and the organization. The ideal candidate will be available to start in the beginning of December 2018 and to work through June 2019.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Email a thoughtful cover letter and resume in one PDF to [email protected] with “Local Reproductive Freedom Index Research Assistant” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications must be received via email. No phone inquiries please.
The National Institute for Reproductive Health is an equal opportunity employer. NIRH strives to build and support an equitable work community that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional people. As a member of the reproductive freedom movement, NIRH aims to foster leadership and raise the voices of historically marginalized people, including but not limited to Black people and people of color, indigenous/native peoples, LGBTQ and gender non-conforming people, disabled/differently abled people, immigrants, and low income people. We strongly encourage candidates of these and other diverse backgrounds to apply.