Early Childhood Research Specialist, Thriving Wisconsin, WI, US

Organization: Thriving Wisconsin 

Mission: We cultivate a system of organizations and professionals across Wisconsin to promote quality, strengths-based, family support and early childhood services in all communities.  

Vision: In every Wisconsin community, all children have the opportunity to reach their highest potential and all adults embrace their role and responsibility to children.  

Purpose: Our purpose is to optimize the developmental window of opportunity that early childhood presents for building a strong foundation for life.  

Values: Our strong and responsive relationships are vital. Our work mirrors our passion. Curiosity inspires our innovation and growth. We believe true wisdom means lifelong learning.  

Position: Early Childhood Research Specialist

Position Type: 0.5 FTE

Location: Remote – Priority will be given to Wisconsin residents
Reports to: Executive Director

About Thriving Wisconsin

Thriving Wisconsin is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to cultivating a system of organizations and professionals across Wisconsin to promote quality, strengths-based, early childhood and family support services in all communities. We collaborate with multisector partners to generate community-engaged, actionable research that improves service delivery for families with young children and early care and education providers. Our goal is that every Wisconsin community offers children the opportunity to reach their highest potential, and every adult embraces their role and responsibility to children.

Summary of Position

The Early Childhood Research Specialist will serve as a key member of the Early Care and Education team at Thriving Wisconsin. This position will be responsible for developing and overseeing the coordination and successful execution of a pilot project aimed at designing a strategy for statewide implementation of an early childhood social emotional and mental health promotion intervention: “Designing a strategy for statewide implementation of a public mental health promotion intervention”. The position is responsible for ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Primary Responsibilities

Project Management

• Develop and monitor detailed project workplans, timelines, and milestones.

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the project team and external partners.

• Track deliverables and prepare regular progress updates for funders and leadership.

• Provide support and guidance to CCR&Rs to maintain project implementation fidelity.

Research Coordination

• Support implementation of research activities (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, data collection protocols).

• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and IRB requirements.

• Oversee data management, documentation, and quality assurance.

• Provide input to the final report of implementation plans to scale and expand project throughout the state.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the project team, community partners, and funders.

• Schedule and facilitate project meetings; prepare agendas, notes, and follow-up.

• Communicate findings and progress in accessible, mission-aligned ways.

Budget & Grant Oversight

• Monitor project expenditures against budget.

• Assist with financial tracking and grant reporting requirements.

• Support preparation of funder reports and final deliverables.

Key Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in social sciences, education, public health, public policy, or related field preferred.

• A minimum of 2–4 years of experience managing research or evaluation projects, preferably in a nonprofit or community-based context. Experience with funder or grant reporting.
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Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Skills in working with multi-disciplinary/multi-system teams.

• Ability to manage multiple moving parts and deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to show discretion and judgment in working with various stakeholders and act in the best interest of the organization and its members.  

• Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Proven ability to work independently with self-direction, while engaging collaboratively as needed

• Proficient in Microsoft programs, basic office technology, and ability to learn other software tools.  

• Comfortable in a highly productive, multi-project team environment.  

• Commitment to equity and community-engaged research practices.

General

• Actively participate in monthly staff meetings and in person quarterly meetings
• Valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and the ability to travel statewide, including overnight stays as needed

• Support agency mission, vision, strategic aims and action teams

• Contribute to Thriving Wisconsin publications, resources, and campaigns,

• Other duties as assigned

Compensation & Term

• 0.5 FTE annual salary range: $27,500 – $32,500 commensurate with experience.

• This is a grant-funded position tied specifically to “Designing a strategy for statewide implementation of a public mental health promotion intervention”. The anticipated term is 2 years, with potential for extension contingent on funding.

Thriving Wisconsin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply