Graduate Research and Public Policy Intern

Graduate Research and Public Policy Intern

Focus: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), Community Needs Assessment, and Data Analysis

Position Type: Part-Time, Contract
Compensation: Up to $32.00 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with telework eligibility subject to agency policy and Executive Director approval
Schedule: Flexible, based on academic commitments and agency needs
Eligibility: Current master's and doctoral students

About the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities CouncilThe Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is an independent, federally funded state agency dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to lead full, productive, and self-directed lives. The Council promotes self-determination, community inclusion, equal opportunity, and systems change through advocacy, public policy, research, and community engagement.

Position Overview  The MDDC is seeking a highly motivated graduate student or PhD candidate with demonstrated experience in research, data analysis, and survey development to support the Council's community needs assessment, disability policy research, and strategic planning initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, designing surveys, analyzing data, and communicating findings to inform policy and programmatic decisions. Academic or applied research experience involving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is strongly preferred.

A central responsibility of this position will be helping the Council design and implement accessible community surveys and needs assessments to better understand the lived experiences, unmet needs, challenges, strengths, and contributions of individuals with I/DD and their families throughout Massachusetts.

Research activities will focus on identifying barriers to services and supports, gaps in existing systems, opportunities for greater community inclusion, and emerging issues affecting the quality of life of individuals with I/DD.

The selected candidate will work collaboratively with Council staff, Council Members, and community stakeholders to translate research findings into meaningful recommendations that inform the Council's State Plan, public policy priorities, advocacy efforts, and systems-change initiatives.

This opportunity is particularly well suited for graduate students interested in applied disability research, community-engaged research, public policy analysis, and the use of data to advance equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Research, Survey Design, and Community Needs Assessment

• Assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of accessible community surveys, needs assessments, and other research activities involving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), families, caregivers, advocates, and stakeholders.
• Develop accessible, plain-language research materials and survey instruments that accommodate diverse communication, cognitive, linguistic, and accessibility needs.
• Apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research approaches to assess community needs, service gaps, barriers to access, quality of life, and opportunities for greater independence and community inclusion.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret research data to identify trends, disparities, emerging needs, and priorities across areas such as employment, education, housing, transportation, healthcare, and community services.
• Review existing research, public datasets, government reports, and other relevant sources to inform research findings and recommendations.
• Support community-engaged research practices that incorporate the lived experiences, perspectives, strengths, and priorities of individuals with I/DD.
• Prepare accessible research summaries, reports, data visualizations, presentations, and evidence-based recommendations to inform the Council's planning, programs, and policy priorities.
• Maintain appropriate standards for research ethics, confidentiality, informed consent, and data privacy.

2. Public Policy Research and Advocacy

• Research and analyze state and federal disability policies, legislation, programs, and emerging issues affecting individuals with I/DD.
• Support the Council's Public Policy Committee through policy research, meeting preparation, legislative tracking, and related activities.
• Assist in developing policy briefs, legislative summaries, issue papers, advocacy materials, and presentations that communicate research findings and policy implications.
• Translate community needs assessment findings and other research into practical, evidence-informed policy recommendations that advance disability rights, accessibility, and community inclusion.
• Support legislative trainings, public hearings, educational events, and research activities associated with the Council's State Plan and strategic initiatives.

3. Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Collaborate with Council staff, individuals with I/DD, families, advocacy organizations, and community partners to ensure research and policy activities reflect community priorities and lived experiences.
• Support inclusive outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts to encourage participation from individuals representing diverse disabilities, backgrounds, geographic regions, and service experiences.
• Identify and help address accessibility and participation barriers in surveys, research activities, and community engagement initiatives.
• Assist with additional research, policy, and community engagement projects as assigned.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and current enrollment in an accredited master's or doctoral program in public policy, public health, disability studies, social work, sociology, psychology, education, health services research, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research, including survey development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Ability to synthesize research findings, identify meaningful trends, and communicate evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, summaries, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and meet established deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with online survey platforms such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or comparable tools.
• Demonstrated interest in disability policy, disability rights, accessibility, and community inclusion.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.