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NORC at the University Chicago

We Put People First

People are our strength, the foundation of our commitment to society and each other, and the key to our ongoing success.

NORC depends on people. People design our studies and drive our innovations. People gather and analyze our data. People communicate our findings in ways that maximize their impact. And most importantly, people respond to our surveys and participate in our discussion groups. Without the varied perspectives and deep commitment of all these people—staff members, clients, partners, and respondents alike—we would not be able to produce research you can trust.

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Our Research Depends on Our Culture

NORC’s values create a welcoming workplace that celebrates its people and informs society’s most important decisions.

Objectivity & Non-Partisanship

NORC’s commitment to objectivity and non-partisanship is the essential aspect of our work. It creates the opportunity for us to inform all people from all walks of life on society’s most politicized and polarizing issues. It opens doors that otherwise would be closed. It invites focused attention on public opinion research and evidence-based practices. And it creates pathways for greater understanding and positive change.

Excellence & Impact

NORC maintains the highest standards of professional and scientific excellence and transparency. We recruit and retain superbly skilled staff members across all our research and operational areas. And we are committed to helping solve societies’ most critical challenges by delivering data and analysis that exceeds our clients’ expectations and disseminating our findings in a way that maximizes their impact.

 

Fairness & Belonging

NORC values each staff member and research participant and treats everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect. We develop effective insights on complex problems by attracting the best talent to bring different backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives to our work and by cultivating a culture where everyone's voices, ideas, and contributions matter. 

Strategic Partnering

NORC has an enduring commitment to strategic partnering in all aspects of our work, starting with our clients and continuing to the University of Chicago, the broader research and academic communities, media, practitioners, and civic organizations. We believe that deep and lasting partnerships are key to informing positive change in an increasingly interconnected world.

Collegiality & Learning

With deep roots in the academic community, NORC cultivates a culture of achievement, mutual learning, and continued development in which staff from diverse fields and professional backgrounds collaborate with one another and with colleagues outside the organization. Fostering a collegial, respectful work environment is a fundamental promise that begins with management and extends to all NORC staff. 

Continual Innovation

NORC’s researchers, technologists, data scientists, analysts, and administrative staff develop innovative designs, methods, tools, services, and solutions in all aspects of our work. Their forward-thinking helps maintain NORC’s position as a leading social science research organization and ensures the quality and relevance of our work.

NORC’s People at a Glance

NORC relies on the nuanced perspectives and interdisciplinary skills of our highly talented staff.

73%
73% percent of NORC staff work outside of our Chicago offices
108
Since 2003, NORC has conducted research, impact evaluation, and technical assistance projects in 108 countries
15%
Over 15% of staff have been part of the NORC community for 10 years or more
39
39 Languages spoken and 258 Majors

NORC Is a Military-Friendly Employer

We are proud to have the 2026 Military-Friendly Employer designation in recognition of our exceptional commitment to recruiting, hiring, and supporting Veterans and military families.

We offer Veterans meaningful employment opportunities and comprehensive programs. We actively support and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our military community through our Veteran-focused employee programs and research on issues impacting active-duty service members and Veterans.

View the Announcement
Military-Friendly Employer Badge 2026 Bronze