Social Science Research Analyst

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962.  Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington:  A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website.  Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

Position:                         Social Science Research Analyst 

Division/Office:            Resource Development and Research

Bulletin No:                     02102024

Salary Range:                 $55,000-$75,000 Commensurate with Experience

Opening Date:                October 9, 2024

Closing Date:                  Open Until Filled

First Source:                   N/A

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The Research Analyst will be involved in research pertaining to low-income communities within the District of Columbia and will employ a variety of research methods to distill insights and actionable information for UPO’s operational and resourced development efforts. The candidate will be involved in gathering and analyzing data and conducting research pertaining to grant opportunities and special reports. In addition, the candidate will assist the division in the production of grant applications, including drafting grant proposals.

CRITICAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Routinely collect, analyze, and present relevant information and data that inform strategic decisions 

Perform analyses on US Census data relevant to low-income communities. Keep abreast of information on District of Columbia strategic plans at the agency level. Coordinate with UPO’s Office of Performance Management to develop strategies to capture place-based, customer-centric data for analysis. Support divisional directors with relevant information to update UPO’s periodic, three-year strategic and tactical plans, including, but not limited to, updating needs data, identifying sector best practices, and researching program models that support anti-poverty projects. Support business development efforts by conducting thorough research requested by executive leadership that influence strategic decision making that aligns with UPO’s mission and strategic direction. 

Analyze data relevant to UPO’s District of Columbia Triennial Community Needs Assessment including annual updates.

Develop a 12-month data gathering and assessment plan to complete a comprehensive, city-wide needs survey, (tri-annually) including, but not limited to, analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, literature reviews, community asset mapping and gaps identification, and case studies, etc. Author substantial portions of the needs assessment adhering to prevailing standards of writing, citation, and ethical use of sources. Coordinate with the Director of Resource Development and Research to develop a resource and cost plan to complete the needs assessment. Coordinate with Prepare presentations for reporting to UPO leadership, board members, and general public relative to findings of the needs assessment. UPO inter-office staff to analyze qualitative needs assessment data (e.g., focus groups/interviews) and other information. Recommend priority areas for strategic program development responsive to the needs assessment. Support UPO staff, volunteers, and interns engaged in the needs assessment process. Produce annual updates to the needs assessment, including updating data and relevant trend information.

Support Resource Development functions: 

Support the organization’s grant development function by drafting research and developing content needed for grant proposals. Support post-award reporting of grant-funded programs.

Core Competencies:

Works well in collaboration with others including internal staff. Ability to adapt to and interact with District of Columbia stakeholders of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and abilities (residents, government agencies, private sector partners, etc.). Self-starter and can work independently. Ability to execute excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills. Works well in meeting tight deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, English, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Human Development, or related field. Experience working with data analysis tools (e.g., R, Question Pro, Qualtrics, NVivo, GIS, Power BI etc.) Experience conducting primary and secondary research. Experience working on concurrent projects in a cross-functional environment. Experience converting qualitative and quantitative information into clear narratives and visually compelling presentations accessible to multiple audiences. Excellent writing ability with flexibility in writing in a variety of domains. Demonstrated experience utilizing methodology concepts for analysis and brief findings. At least two years of quantitative or statistical analysis experience including academic, professional, and voluntary. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.   

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree preferred. Experience in GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) platform, conducting place-based data analyses and visualizations is a plus. Experience with data visualization tools is preferred. Experience programming in a variety of complex and comprehensive data statistical platforms. Experience writing private and government grants. Advanced statistical knowledge (e.g., descriptive statistics including means, frequencies, regressions, etc.) Able to design and conduct interviews, focus groups, and analyze qualitative data. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

This position IS covered by the collective bargaining agreement with the CWA union.

POSITION ELIGIBLE FOR 

WORKING REMOTELY:             NO

Competitive Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Matching Plan 100 % Vested

Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period

Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period

2 Personal Days

Paid Holidays

To be considered for this position:

                Submit your resume to the Career Center Online

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer