Research Associate - Spiegel Research Center

Department: Medill - Integrated Mktg Comm

Salary/Grade: RES/

Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is a leader in education and research. As the media industry experiences unprecedented change, Medill is at the forefront of innovation. Our expert teaching and thought leadership focus on enduring skills and values as well as new techniques and technologies that are changing the way stories are told and consumed in today's digital world. In recently celebrating our 100th year in 2021, our experience in leading the fields of journalism and IMC is unparalleled.

Medill offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, and an undergraduate certificate and graduate degree in integrated marketing communications. The Medill community is tight-knit and supportive. It consists of 100 faculty, 60 staff, 1,200 students and 18,000 alumni. The diversity of the Medill community has been a source of innovation, excellence and leadership throughout our history. Today Medill continues its commitment to creating an inclusive environment and to providing equity in opportunities regarding research, teaching, administration and student services. We aim to welcome students, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds and support them so they may thrive at Medill.

This position will be on-site on the Evanston campus for a minimum of two days per week, while the remaining time is allowed to be worked remotely. This remote working arrangement will be evaluated on a regular basis and may be changed based on business and operational needs.

Job Summary

The mission of the Medill Spiegel Research Center (SRC) is to conduct applied research on integrated marketing to improve integrated marketing communications practice. The Research Associate will perform components of research projects and programs as directed by senior members of the research team. This is a newly created position to accommodate expanded SRC research and thought leadership.

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $60,000 - $65,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

Specific Responsibilities

• Work under the general direction of Spiegel Center Executive Director on topics central to the Spiegel and Retail Analytics Council research agendas.
• Provide subject-area knowledge, analysis, and interpretation to SRC staff, affiliated faculty, and industry partners. Identify and explore a wide range of questions related to the SRC research agenda.
• Write project reports and research reviews across a broad range of channels (e.g., white papers, technical reports, scholarly papers, blogs/social media, newsletters, etc.) based on subject-area expertise, research, data analysis, and interviews.
• Apply research questions, frameworks, and methodologies to new projects and situations.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Master’s degree. Coursework in integrated marketing communications preferred.
• Evidence of prior high-quality, original writing, and background in analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature.
• Ability to read research-based, subject-specific information and write a reasoned and thoughtful analysis, as well as produce a creative interpretation, is a must.
• Aptitude for and interest in quantitative analysis.
• Extremely high standards for quality of work
• Excellent skills related to the Microsoft Office Suite
  
  

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• An advanced degree and relevant work experience
• Research experience in marketing communications
• Proficiency with statistical analysis (R, SPSS, Stata, etc.)
• Data visualization and/or web development
  
  

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.