Ichor Strategies seeks a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to perform qualitative and quantitative research related to client deliverables and business development, with an understanding of key issues communities face, in particular, underserved communities.  Applicants should be committed to the community-focused and equity-centered mission of Ichor and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in general political, community, business, and policy matters, synthesizing information and writing memos or whitepapers. They will have a curiosity about how a business can improve its interactions with the people and communities they serve and work within. The ideal candidate will also be enthusiastic about helping to grow a young mid-sized consulting firm.

Reporting to the Senior Associate, Director, or Principal (depending on location and candidate qualifications) this position will work full-time in Chicago and will work a hybrid schedule. This position requires a minimum 40-hour workweek and occasional evening and/or weekend work, depending upon the workload.

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to opportunity@ichorstrategies.com.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversees research requests independently or as part of a team from start to finish, starting with working with internal teams to understand a client’s research needs and design/design the deliverable.

• Writes clear, accurate, and concise summaries of research findings; helps assemble research and materials for various firm priorities.

• Compiles complex information into graphs and charts and connects quantitative data sources with qualitative insights.

• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with all colleagues across teams—by tracking key deliverables, ensuring tasks are completed on time, and keeping them apprised of project developments, needs, and issues.

• Monitors media – including traditional, social, and digital media – and distributes clips to colleagues, clients, and others as appropriate.

• Provides general administrative support to senior staff, such as note-taking during external calls or joining corporate earnings presentations.

• Develops and maintains client-specific project management tools and serves as primary contact with the client for updates.

• Conducts peer edits of team members’ work to assist in finalizing deliverables.

Education and Experience:

• Research Associate: Either a bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, policy, or related field with 0-3 years of experience or a master’s degree with 0-1 years of experience.

• Senior Research Associate: Either a bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, policy, or related field with 3-5 years of experience or a master’s degree with 1-3 years of experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates strong initiative and self-direction in all assignments and has high performance standards for themself and colleagues, including attention to detail.

• Demonstrates an ability to use basic research tools and databases (e.g., Lexis Nexis, Politico, Google, Bloomberg, Census Bureau, Academic Journals, etc.).

• Has experience using different research methodologies to collect data from communities (e.g., focus groups, interviews, surveys, etc.). 

• Has incorporated a racial justice lens to quantitative and/or qualitative research work in the past.

• Shows a basic understanding of the business world, financial terms and transactions, legal and regulatory issues, general news knowledge, etc.

• Has a strong understanding of key social issues communities face, such as immigration, food insecurity, public health, housing, etc. A plus if the individual has worked directly with communities in a social service or community organizing capacity.

• Meticulously proofreads written work using an understanding of correct grammar and punctuation; pays close attention to detail.

• Uses creativity in securing information when faced with a challenging research assignment.

• Performs assistant duties in a calm, organized manner with strict attention to detail and follow-through.

• Maintains flexibility and shows an ability to function productively and manage time with changing priorities in a stressful, deadline-oriented environment.

More about Ichor Strategies

Ichor Strategies is a management consulting firm specializing in connecting businesses to the communities in which they operate to build impactful strategies that deliver tangible results. We are a trusted advisor to Fortune 100 companies, providing a combination of strategic communications, policy support, and relationships in urban communities.

We are a powerhouse team of passionate advisors and experts with a combination of business acumen and cultural fluency, operating at the intersection of urban communities and major corporations. Trusted by those organizations and communities alike, we are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps to progress and unlock powerful opportunities for mutual success.

A certified MBE, our diversity powers our ability to access all communities and understand nuances that others might miss. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.