Job Description

General Summary: 

The Latino Policy Analyst (LPA) will work with the Gastón Institute’s Director, Associate Director and/or Principal Investigators to conduct statewide research and policy analysis focusing on the status of Latino communities, with a special focus on developing recommendations for policies, programs and best practices at the local and state levels that support the advancement of the Latino community in Massachusetts. The LPA will collect and analyze primary data across the state; and will analyze secondary data collected by federal agencies, state agencies, community-based organizations, human services providers, academic and professional journals, professional organizations and foundations. The LPA will write and prepare policy/issue briefs, research summaries and literature reviews; and will serve as the lead facilitator for the “Latino Public Policy Advisory Group” at the Gastón Institute. The LPA will also support the development of grant proposals for the group’s research agenda. The LPA will also work closely with community-based organizations to identify Latino needs and emerging trends, and areas for coordination and collaboration that support policy-based initiatives for the Latino community in MA.

Examples of Duties: 

Conduct statewide research focused on the status of Latinos in Massachusetts and nationally, with a special focus on identifying and developing recommendations for policies, programs and best practices at the local and state levels that advance educational and economic mobility and the closing of persistent health, income and wealth disparities in the Latino community;

o          Conduct and analyze primary qualitative and quantitative data for Latinos across Massachusetts; analyze secondary data collected by federal and state agencies, community-based organizations, human services providers, academic and professional journals, professional organizations and foundations to provide a comprehensive picture of the experiences of Latinos in Massachusetts;

o          Write, prepare, and release policy/issue briefs; research summaries; research reports; and literature reviews on issues affecting the Latino communities in Massachusetts;

o          Serve as the lead facilitator for the development of the “Latino Public Policy Advisory Group” at the Gaston Institute, that will collaborate on policy and advocacy initiatives with local partner organizations, including the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN), Amplify Latinx (ALX), the Commission on the Status of Latinos & Latinas in Massachusetts, and with policymakers, including those affiliated with the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus;

o          Facilitate regular meetings with the Latino Public Policy Advisory Group and educate its members on the emerging Latino issues and areas for coordination and collaboration;

o          Analyze and synthesize data, emerging trends, and existing literature to inform project design and for inclusion in policy briefs, reports, scholarly articles, and grant proposals;

o          Provide direction and supervision of work-study and graduate students; provide work-study and graduate students with research training and opportunities for skills development surrounding public policy.

o          Develop and implement an applied research and policy analysis program focused on the intersection between community development and health, education, criminal justice reform, and other areas of interest of the institute in coordination with the Latino Public Policy Advisory Group;  

o          In collaboration with Latino Public Policy Advisory Group partners, establish research and advocacy priorities, develop strategic plans to advance policies and legislative work on key emerging Latino issues; prepare white papers, legislative testimonies, policy memos, and editorials for media outlets;

o          Communicate with the media and stakeholders about the Latino Public Policy agenda on behalf of the Gastón Institute and the Latino Policy Advisory Group partners;

o          Support the development of grant proposals for the Institute and the Latino Public Policy Advisory Group’s research agenda; and

o          Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, or Sociology and five years of professional-level, research-based work experience. PhD preferred, and five years of professional-level, research-based work experience in the Social Sciences or a closely related field. Experience in applied quantitative and qualitative methods is required. Experience in program development is preferred. Ability to communicate at least in English and in Spanish or Portuguese is required.

• • Experience conducting interdisciplinary research and demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams including both academics, legislators, and community stakeholders;
  • Familiarity with a range of social research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative approaches;
  • Familiarity with textual data management software (e.g. NVIVO);
  • Strong skills in data management and data processing (e.g. Excel);
  • Experience with grant writing and strategic planning;
  • Knowledge of the theories, principles and concepts in public policy, community organizing, and community development;
  • Experience with GIS mapping or willingness to learn social network analysis;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple projects and priorities;
  • Experience with program development and collaborative implementation with ecosystems that include government agencies, national organizations, business community and the philanthropic and nonprofit sector;
  • Experience leading teams, and ability to work independently.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and provide empathy in difficult interpersonal situations;
  • Ability to present information and research findings in an accessible manner to a wide variety of audiences, including through publishing and public speaking;

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. 

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.  All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: 

Grade:  32            

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of August 31, 2026, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs. 

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.eduor 617-287-5150.

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