Research Specialist

JOB VACANCY

RESEARCH SPECIALIST

ENTRY LEVEL SALARY:   $52,815.00   -  FULL-TIME

OFFICE LOCATION:   Wilmington and/or Dover

OPENING DATE:   02/18/2026                 CLOSING DATE:   03/04/2026

Looking for a career with excellent benefits?

As part of the DSHA team, you will have immediate access to health, vision, and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, tuition assistance, fitness reimbursement, retirement plan, and more while working to further DSHA’s mission of providing safe, affordable housing.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of this position is to conduct in-depth research on housing policy at the local, state, and national levels and support the development of policy briefs and recommendations. The role leads key analytical efforts, including the Market Value Analysis Report, evaluates grant opportunities, and supports cross-agency initiatives related to housing production and homelessness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed. 

• Researches housing policy ideas at the local, state, and national levels.
• Collaborates with the Legislative Liaison to produce in-depth policy briefs. 
• Conducts in-depth research on policy recommendations from the Affordable Housing Production Task Force (AHPTF) and the Delaware Interagency Collaborative to End Homelessness (or any other committee as requested). 
• Completes research and literature reviews for Policy & Planning and/or DSHA staff.
• Investigates our agency’s ability and capacity to apply for grants; participates as needed in grant process.
• Leads Policy & Planning in the creation and publication of the Market Value Analysis (MVA) Report.
• Works with the Legislative Liaison assisting the Chief Strategy Advisor with the DSHA Summer Intern Program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB RESPONSIBILITES 

• Knowledge of the general operations and procedures of DSHA, HUD, Federal and State programs, and properties.
• Ability to orient other employees and explain organizational policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) housing programs.
• Familiarity with affordable housing policy and programs, especially as it relates to Public Housing programs.
• Ability to analyze federal legislation and regulations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of federal policy and rulemaking procedures and processes.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and stay up to date on relevant topics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of professional experience in government, academia, data & analytics, public policy, social services, community development, or a closely related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or social science is preferred, but comparable experience or education will be considered.
• Demonstrated research skills, including the ability to synthesize research into summarized memos.
• Experience coordinating projects between multiple stakeholders in educational and professional settings.
• Knowledge of or interest in affordable housing, homelessness, housing policy and market trends is preferred.
• Strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). 

THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND SCREENING AND A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE.

BENEFITS

These include up to 15 vacation days and 15 sick day leave accrual, up to 13 paid holidays a year, liberal retirement benefits, immediate access to paid health, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance plans and voluntary dental, vision, and various supplemental benefit options.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Applications must be completed by the closing date on our website www.destatehousing.com (Click on About Us, Employment, Click Here to View All Current Openings, Select job, Scroll Down & Click Apply Now.) Contact: e-mail: DSHA_HR@delaware.gov

     DSHA IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

As an equal opportunity employer, DSHA provides an employment environment that supports and encourages the application of all persons without regard to race, color religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  Please call DSHA at 302.739.4263 or 888.363.8808 with any questions or requests. TTY/ ASCII/ VOICE/VCO users may utilize the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 800.676.3777.

DIRECT DEPOSIT OF PAY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO AGREE TO PARTICIPATE IN DIRECT DEPOSIT WILL RESULT IN THE WITHDRAWAL OF OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT. DSHA HAS A LAG PAY SYSTEM.

Salary : $52,815