Application Guide
How to Apply for #WeCount Research Manager
at Society of Family Planning
🏢 About Society of Family Planning
The Society of Family Planning is a unique organization that leverages science and medicine to advance equitable abortion and contraception access, centering those most constrained by systemic oppression. Working here means contributing to a vision where policies and practices are grounded in evidence and person-centered care, making it a mission-driven environment for those passionate about reproductive health equity.
About This Role
As the #WeCount Research Manager, you will be at the heart of a pioneering initiative that tracks abortion access in the U.S., providing critical data to inform policy and advocacy. This role involves managing the day-to-day operations of #WeCount, ensuring data quality, and facilitating the translation of research into impact, making it a pivotal position for someone who thrives on operational excellence and social justice.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve checking in with #WeCount site coordinators to ensure data submission, cleaning and analyzing incoming data, and preparing progress reports for the Director. You might also coordinate with the communications team to translate findings for public release, and participate in virtual meetings with research partners or stakeholders, all while managing your own tasks in a remote, flexible environment.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Society of Family Planning Is Looking For
- A master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field, with 3-5 years of experience managing complex research projects, preferably in reproductive health or a similar advocacy-focused area.
- Proven ability to develop and implement data collection protocols, manage large datasets, and use statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, SAS) to analyze and interpret data with accuracy and efficiency.
- Strong project management skills, including experience with IRB submissions, data use agreements, and coordinating multiple stakeholders, with excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to equity and justice, and the ability to work independently in a remote environment while fostering a collaborative team culture.
📝 Tips for Applying to Society of Family Planning
Tailor your resume and cover letter to explicitly highlight your experience with large-scale data collection and management, especially in reproductive health or a similar field, using specific examples of projects you've led.
In your cover letter, express genuine alignment with the Society's mission and the #WeCount initiative, mentioning how your skills can contribute to their strategic goals of research primed for impact.
Familiarize yourself with the #WeCount methodology and recent findings, and be prepared to discuss how you would improve or expand the initiative in your application materials.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with virtual collaboration tools and your ability to manage projects independently, providing examples of successful remote work.
Proofread your application for precision and clarity, but also ensure you demonstrate a deep understanding of the abortion access landscape and the importance of this research.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for reproductive health equity and how your research management skills can directly support the #WeCount initiative's goal of providing timely, accurate data to shape policy.", "Specific examples of how you've managed complex research projects from start to finish, including overcoming challenges and ensuring data integrity.", 'Your experience working with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, and advocacy groups, and your ability to translate data into actionable insights.', "Your commitment to the Society's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how you've incorporated these principles into your work."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Society of Family Planning's 2023-2028 strategic plan to understand their priorities and how #WeCount fits into their broader goals.
- → Read recent #WeCount reports and publications to understand the methodology, key findings, and the impact the data has had on policy and advocacy.
- → Explore the Society's website and social media to learn about their current initiatives, team culture, and recent news or announcements.
- → Research the landscape of abortion access in the U.S., including recent legislative changes and how organizations like the Society are responding.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't specifically address the #WeCount initiative or the Society's mission.
- Don't overlook the importance of demonstrating your ability to work independently in a remote setting; provide concrete examples.
- Avoid neglecting to mention your experience with data management and analysis, as this is central to the role; be specific about your technical skills.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Society of Family Planning!