Job Title: Policy AssociatePVN ID: HC-2501-006648Category: ResearchLocation: HUNTER COLLEGEJob Description General Description The Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging at Hunter College is seeking a motivated and skilled Policy Associate The Policy Associate will support the facilitation and management of focus groups for research projects aimed at enhancing the lives of older adults. The associate will assist the lead facilitator by handling logistics, participant engagement, and detailed notetaking during the focus group sessions. This role is ideal for a motivated individual interested in gaining experience in policy work, journalism, and observational reporting related to social services for adults. The position provides hands-on experience in research facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and capturing the dynamics of focus group discussions within a supportive team.Other Duties Key Responsibilities
Focus Group Facilitation Support: Assist the lead facilitator in preparing and conducting focus groups, including setting up spaces, managing recording equipment, and welcoming participants.
Participant Engagement: Provide support to older adults throughout the focus group, ensuring participants are comfortable and that any accessibility needs are met.
Logistics Management: Coordinate logistical aspects, such as room arrangements, consent forms, refreshments, and technical setup.
Note-Taking and Documentation: Take detailed notes during focus groups, capturing key discussions, the tone of conversations, group dynamics, and any notable points of contention or agreement. Document observations on the setting and participant interactions.
Project Coordination: Assist in coordinating tasks related to focus groups to ensure the smooth execution of sessions.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in progress or completed in one of the following fields: social sciences, public administration, public health, psychology, sociology, anthropology, gerontology, social work, human services, community development, political science, healthcare administration, education, journalism, communications, or other related disciplines.Experience: Relevant coursework or internship experience in research, journalism, communications, or project management is a plus, but not required.Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to take thorough and descriptive notes
Basic journalism or reporting skills, including the ability to observe, document, and describe settings, participants, and group dynamics clearly and objectively
Ability to identify key points of contention and agreement during discussions
High level of interpersonal skills to interact effectively with participants, ensuring comfort and trust
Ability to work collaboratively and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Sensitivity to working with culturally diverse and older people
Work Environment
Hours: This is a temporary, part-time position, approximately 15 hours per week, with a flexible schedule. Some evening or weekend hours may be required to accommodate focus group sessions.
Work Location: The Policy Associate will work on-site at various focus group locations across New York City.
Compensation
The position will pay $30 per hour for 15 hours a week of work
Expected to last 6 months, running from February to July 2025
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and a resume or CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filledRFCUNY Benefits RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals About the Research Foundation The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) was established as a not-for-profit educational corporation chartered by the State of New York in 1963. RFCUNY supports CUNY faculty and staff in identifying and obtaining external support (pre-award) from government and private sponsors and is responsible for the administration of all such funded programs (post-award).RFCUNY stands between CUNY’s principal investigators (PIs) and the sponsors who support them and strives to fulfill its essential responsibilities to both groups. Working closely with individual PIs and Grants Officers on the campuses, RFCUNY oversees employment, accounting, audit, reporting, purchasing, and special responsibilities that include management of a planned giving program; liaison with governmental agencies and foundations; negotiation of agreements; facility construction and renovation; protection and commercialization of intellectual property; and compliance with applicable standards in research involving human subjects, animal care, environmental and radiological safety, and conflicts of interest.Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Key Features Department Brookdale Center for Healthy AgingStatus Part TimePay Range $30.00-$30.00Hour(s) a week 15.00Closing Date Mar 02, 2025 (Or Until Filled)Bargaining Unit NoActions
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