Description

The organisation

The FrameWorks Institute is a US-based research organization working internationally and in Australia to help mission-driven organizations communicate about social issues in ways that build public will for progressive change. Our Strategic Frame Analysis methodology is grounded in theories and methods from across the social and behavioral sciences to study how people understand complex, abstract socio-political issues and how communications can shift these understandings to create social change.

About the position

We are seeking a senior researcher to join the team working on a set of projects funded by the Minderoo Foundation exploring cultural mindsets and effective frames on early childhood development. The position will perform and help lead the research for the project. The position is remote and will collaborate with staff both in Australia and the US. Must be available for occasional calls at night with US colleagues. The position is a contractor role at 2/5ths or 3/5ths time.

Key responsibilities

Research

• Participate in training on FrameWorks’ methods for conducting cultural models and framing research.
• Work with the team to design research protocols including one-on-one interviews, focus groups, descriptive surveys, and experimental surveys.
• Lead qualitative components of the project, and, for methods they are not leading, ensure that the research is designed and conducted in a way that is consistent with project goals and that findings are integrated across methods.
• Contribute to quantitative components of the project, including drafting survey items and survey interpretation.
• Conduct research including:
  • stakeholder interviews with members of the early childhood sector
  • one-on-one cognitive interviews designed to produce data that can be analyzed to reveal cultural models.
  • focus group research designed to produce data that can be analyzed to reveal cultural models and effective framing strategies
• Analyze qualitative data from one-on-one interviews and focus groups to find and describe cultural models and gauge the effectiveness of potential framing strategies.
• Interpret findings from qualitative and quantitative research for implications and recommendations for communicators.
• Write reports and memos to present findings, implications, and recommendations from research.
• Present findings, implications, and recommendations to funders, members of the early years sector, and others via in-person and virtual presentations.
• Help develop and manage the relationship with the funder
• Conduct research for FrameWorks UK or FrameWorks Institute as time allows.
• Responsible for conducting research on time and adapting work plans as project needs change.

Reporting

• Reports to FrameWorks’ Research Director

Experience required

• Seven years of combined education and/or professional experience in social science research, with 5 years of professional experience or education at postgraduate level
• Postgraduate/higher degree in a social science discipline
• Deep understanding of at least some of the theoretical underpinnings of FrameWorks’ research and approach (e.g., theories of culture, framing, narrative, metaphor, ideology, etc.)
• Strong qualitative research skills and ability to analyze and interpret qualitative data, including the ability to look beneath the surface of patterns in talk
• Quantitative research experience (especially experimental surveys) and ability to understand and interpret basic statistical analysis
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Strong writing and presentation skills and ability to present to audiences without social science backgrounds
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong collaboration and team-building skills as well as ability to work with a high level of autonomy (as most internal team members are based offshore)
• Demonstrated ability to integrate principles of equity, justice, and inclusion into daily work
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; practical judgment to move work forward; flexibility and ability to adapt to changing needs
• Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated in interactions with staff, partners, and key stakeholders
• Experience as a contractor/consultant or working as an independent researcher
• Working with Children Check and criminal record check clearance
• Right to work in Australia

Desired qualifications

• Understanding of the child and family policy environment in Australia.

Conditions

Independent contractor role with competitive daily rates depending on skills and experience

Can be negotiated

About FrameWorks

The FrameWorks Institute is an action-oriented think tank for progressive movements.

We conduct cutting-edge social science research to understand how to change the way people think, feel, and act. We engage with partners who can mobilize this research to build power around progressive solutions.

We believe framing is critical to making cultural and systemic change. That’s why we’re a unique, integrated team of multidisciplinary researchers and real-world change-makers.

This is an exciting time to join FrameWorks, and we want you to be a part of it.