Description

ABOUT THE RICHARD L. DUCHOSSOIS FOUNDATION

The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation (RLD) was founded in 2022 and launched formal operations in 2024.  The Foundation is committed to addressing seemingly intractable social problems with imagination and passion. We strive to improve the lives of families and veterans, and to cultivate entrepreneurs through data driven and collaborative approaches to funding.  We seek to practice philanthropy with rigor and from a place of listening and strive to be a learning organization – to always seek greater understanding of our funding priorities. While our home and our priority is the Chicago region, we may consider national efforts that are aligned with our mission, values and goals.

ABOUT THE DATA STRATEGY & INSIGHTS TEAM

RLD Foundation’s Data Strategy & Insights team provides a backbone for the foundation's commitment to evidence-informed grantmaking and sector-wide learning. We strive to transform data from a compliance exercise into a catalyst for change, building a continuous cycle of inquiry, insight, and action within RLD Foundation, across our grantee partners, and throughout Chicago's social sector ecosystem.

RLD Foundation is building a team of data scientists and researchers to advance six interconnected areas of work: generating data-driven insights to inform grantmaking strategy; embedding iterative strategic learning processes into grant portfolio management; developing monitoring and evaluation systems that measure what matters; building grantee data capacity to help partners unlock the value of their own information; and strengthening ecosystem-wide data infrastructure where possible; and designing and building robust internal and public-facing data systems and tools. Throughout our work, the team champions data principles that are purposeful, community-grounded, and capable of driving lasting, systemic change.

JOB SUMMARY

RLD Foundation seeks a curious and rigorous researcher to join our data strategy and insights team. In this role, you'll help curate and generate the evidence and insights that inform our grantmaking strategy, deepen our understanding of the issues and communities we serve, and strengthen field-wide learning through transparent knowledge-sharing. Reporting to the Director of Data Insights & Strategy, the Research & Insights Analyst will work at the intersection of research, strategy, and practice: conducting literature reviews, leading analysis and interpretation of raw data, supporting strategic learning and evaluation processes, synthesizing learning from our grantmaking, producing accessible research products, and facilitating knowledge-sharing with grantees, partners, and the broader ecosystem.

The Research & Insights Analyst’s research will draw from three interconnected sources: insights gleaned from RLD Foundation's grantmaking and engagement processes (stakeholder conversations, community input, grantmaking materials); landscape research and field literature relevant to RLD Foundation's focus areas; and public and private datasets that illuminate trends and inform strategy. You'll synthesize these diverse forms of evidence—qualitative and quantitative, internal and external—into actionable insights that shape our grantmaking and strengthen the field.

The ideal candidate is both researcher and translator: someone who can synthesize complex information, facilitate collaborative learning, and communicate insights in ways that spark action. You excel at building relationships across diverse stakeholders, from community organizers to academic experts, and creating knowledge products that move beyond traditional reports to maximize impact. Working in partnership with program staff and data scientist colleagues, the Research & Insights Analyst will bring expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, participatory research practices, and the interpersonal skills needed to help organizations learn and adapt together.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES

Research & Strategic Insights

• Scan, synthesize, and curate research on topics relevant to RLD Foundation's priorities within the Strong Families, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs program areas —conducting literature reviews, identifying evidence gaps, and monitoring policy developments and field innovations
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to inform RLD Foundation's grantmaking strategy, help answer research questions, and address organizational learning priorities to identify trends, patterns, gaps, and opportunities across the Foundation’s portfolios
• Build and maintain deep subject matter expertise through ongoing community and stakeholder engagement, field scanning, and relationships with academic researchers, think tanks, and other subject matter experts
• Synthesize learning from RLD Foundation's grantmaking, analyzing qualitative data from grants documentation, site visits, grantee reports, convenings, and community feedback
• Partner with Program Directors and grantees to understand knowledge gaps, develop co-created research agendas, and identify opportunities for RLD Foundation to commission research or data collection to help fill these gaps
• Support ecosystem mapping analyses to identify and analyze the roles of philanthropies, nonprofits, and sector intermediaries, including their grantmaking priorities, strategies and tactics, and relationship coordination functions
• Contribute to the design and tracking of indicators and metrics that can help RLD Foundation better understand baselines, progress and trends in its focus issue areas
• Maintain organized systems and databases for tracking research, insights, and evidence over time

Knowledge Products & Communications

• Draft white papers, issue briefs, case studies, and research memos for internal and external audiences that share RLD Foundation’s learning transparently with the field
• Create compelling, innovative research products that move beyond traditional reports: developing data stories, visual narratives, interactive tools, infographics, multimedia content, and other creative formats designed to maximize uptake and translate findings into practice and impact
• Contribute to annual reports, Board materials, and public-facing content about RLD Foundation's learning
• Present research findings to internal teams, grantee partners, and other external audiences
• Represent the RLD Foundation in research and learning networks relevant to our issue areas

Strategic Learning & Facilitation

• Design and facilitate regular collaborative reflection sessions with program staff to surface learning from internal and external research, discuss what resonates and how it can inform strategic decisions\
• Create systematic processes for documenting, synthesizing, and sharing learning with grantees, co-funders, and field partners
• Build feedback loops that ensure research insights inform strategy, grantmaking decisions, and organizational practice
• Develop accessible frameworks and tools that help program staff integrate research and learning into their work
• Organize and facilitate learning cohorts, communities of practice, or peer exchanges among grantees

Community-Centered Research & Engagement

• Center community lived experience as a critical source of evidence and insight and ensure research approaches honor community expertise
• Develop participatory research methods that meaningfully engage community members in knowledge creation
• Design and implement processes for ongoing community engagement, documentation, and responsive action
• Build relationships with community-based researchers, organizers, and leaders in RLD Foundation's issue areas
• Partner with grantees to strengthen their own research and evaluation capacities, helping them design learning frameworks that serve their missions

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in research, evaluation, policy analysis, investigative journalism, or related field
• Mission alignment: Demonstrated commitment to social impact and the values of the Foundation
• Research expertise: Strong foundation in qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches, including interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and synthesis of existing literature
• Writing and storytelling skills: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clearly with diverse audiences through multiple formats, from academic briefs to accessible narratives and data storytelling
• Facilitation skills: Experience designing and leading group processes, learning sessions, and stakeholder convenings
• Community-centered research: Demonstrated commitment to participatory approaches that center community voices and honor lived experience as critical evidence
• Analytical thinking: Ability to identify patterns across diverse information sources, make connections between research and practice, and generate actionable insights
• Relationship building: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop trust with diverse stakeholders, including community members, grantees, academics, and practitioners

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of experience or an advanced degree in research, evaluation, policy analysis, investigative journalism, or related field
• Experience in philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, community-based research, or the public sectors
• Experience translating research into innovative, engaging formats beyond traditional reports (data stories, visual narratives, multimedia content, infographics, or similar)
• Experience with ecosystem mapping and horizon scanning
• Experience supporting grantee learning or capacity building
• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (NVivo, Dedoose, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA)
• Understanding of systems thinking and complexity-aware approaches to research and social change
• Basic quantitative literacy and comfort collaborating with data scientists to integrate qualitative and quantitative insights
• Experience and/or knowledge related to RLD Foundation’s focus areas including families, veterans and entrepreneurs
• Connections to research networks, academic institutions, think tanks, or field experts in RLD Foundation's areas of work
• Public speaking or external representation experience

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and with people who hold diverse perspectives
• Personal and professional commitment to developing the team members
• Highly developed emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to use interpersonal skills and political acumen in respectful and collaborative ways
• Flexibility, commitment to teamwork, curiosity, and a sense of humor.
• Capacity to work amicably in a small office with high volume of work, as well as a deep sense of responsibility and accountability
• Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations and be responsible and clear with stakeholders
• A record of recognizing and acting on opportunities to continuously improve
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Ability to work autonomously.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, salaried position and the salary range for this position is $105,000 to $135,000, commensurate with experience.  RLD Foundation offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match
• Medical, vision and dental insurance (80/20 split)
• Life insurance (no cost)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance (no cost)
• Competitive PTO policies
• Pre-tax Commuter Expense Reimbursement Plan

LOCATION

The RLD Foundation office is located in Chicago’s Loop. Occasional travel outside of Chicago may be expected and may include participation in professional conferences.

Please note RLD Foundation maintains a hybrid work environment where employees are expected to work in the office three days a week with occasional additional days as necessary.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

RLD Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to recruit and retain highly competent individuals for its staff. It is RLD Foundation’s policy to recognize the potential of each employee without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status or family, or socio-economic backgrounds.  This policy shall apply to all phases of the employment relationship.  All applicants will be evaluated on a merit basis.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

RLD Foundation intends to conduct background checks prior to hire.

WORKING AT RLD FOUNDATION

Working at RLD Foundation means becoming part of a talented team of passionate individuals who value inclusivity and innovation, are dedicated to RLD Foundation’s mission and values. Candidates who possess flexibility, maturity, vision, personal fortitude, and a sense of humor will and it a pleasure to work here.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Ability to sit at a computer terminal for long periods of time, ability to be physically in attendance at workstation at a designated company office location during normal business hours designated for the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, handle, and feel.

HOW TO APPLY

Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, November 24, but applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Click here to submit a resume, cover letter, and corresponding application materials.