Position Information
Posting Detail Information
Working Position Title Research Associate (39132) Classification Research Associate Position Number 00039132 Open Date 07/22/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 08/05/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Temporary FLSA Exempt Job code 1620SPS04 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Education Systems Center College/Unit P20 Initiatives Network Division Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv Location LH 204 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://celfe.org/
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Overview
The Center for Early Learning Funding Equity (CELFE) was established to develop and promote research- and data-informed strategies to transform funding of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs for children ages 0-5. Housed in Northern Illinois University's Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development (OERD), CELFE collaborates with academic, data, and research partners across the NIU system through the Research and Data Collaborative (RDC).
Theresa Hawley, Ph. D., is the Executive Director of CELFE. She brings almost 30 years of experience as a researcher, advocate, and government systems change leader - working to improve ECEC policies with children and families at the center. Now, CELFE is expanding our staff capacity to build on that experience. We are looking for a candidate passionate about early childhood education and care to add to our diverse and skilled team of five.
CELFE is a division of the Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development (OERD) and functions as a stand-alone policy and research center, with minimal support from NIU. As such, we are seeking candidates for the position of Research Specialist who bring strong program support, grants management, communication, and marketing/design experience with knowledge of and passion for early childhood education. CELFE hires and evaluates candidates based on their demonstrated ability to succeed in a dynamic environment that demands teamwork, ingenuity, independence, and accountability.
THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN CHICAGO, IL
Position Summary
This position, located in Chicago, will be a hybrid between in-person and remote. The position will be focused on the tracking of business and policy implementation for early childhood funding equity. The position regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment involving complex tasks with appreciable latitude for unreviewed action or decision-making.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Research Activities
Communication Skills
Revenue Generation
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
N/A
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
N/A
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
N/A
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
N/A
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)
Additional Requirements (SPS)
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
Physical demands/requirements
Appointment and Compensation Details
Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date 09/01/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours 8-4:30, one-hour lunch, evenings and weekends as needed Salary $50,000.16 - $60,000.00/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,083.34 - $2,500.00/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94104 to submit the following materials by August 5, 2026:
Required Documents:
Applications submitted after August 5, 2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.
Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94104 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560
Visa Policy
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
ADA Accommodation
NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.
Safety Information
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Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
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