Senior Research and Data Analyst

Company Description

For more than a century, United Way of Central Iowa has brought together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to address our community's most pressing challenges and create lasting impact.

Through our UNITED to THRIVE strategy, we work to foster an equitable, engaged, and empowered community where every central Iowan has the opportunity to thrive. Our work focuses on five key areas: Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity, and Health and Well-Being.

Position Summary

United Way of Central Iowa is seeking a Senior Research and Data Analyst to join our team!

This position plays a critical role in advancing our mission by transforming complex data into meaningful insights that inform strategic decisions and strengthen community impact.

The Senior Research and Data Analyst serves as the organization's subject matter expert in data research and analysis, tracking community data and socioeconomic indicators, maintaining analytical tools, leading special projects, and providing data-driven recommendations that support our UNITED to THRIVE strategies.

This position collaborates closely with the Community Impact team, organizational leadership, and community stakeholders to translate research and data into actionable insights that help improve lives across central Iowa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research, community data collection, analysis, and interpretation to support organizational strategies and decision-making.
• Analyze socioeconomic indicators, community trends, and program data to identify opportunities for meaningful impact.
• Collaborate with Community Impact leadership and staff to provide research support, strategic analysis, and data-driven recommendations.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reporting tools, spreadsheets, community indicators, and other analytical resources.
• Partner with the Community Programs Data Manager to ensure data accuracy, quality, and effective utilization.
• Create charts, graphs, maps, presentations, and reports that communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.
• Streamline organizational reporting and data tracking through customized tools, including SharePoint sites, dashboards, and automated spreadsheets.
• Lead special research and data initiatives, including community surveys, ALICE metrics, and organizational strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications team to translate complex data into compelling, human-centered stories that demonstrate community needs and impact.
• Monitor local, state, and national research, trends, and evidence-based practices to inform organizational investments and initiatives.
• Support cross-functional projects, grant development, and community impact reporting.
• Maintain documentation of data processes and standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in data analytics or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience may be considered in place of some education.

Experience

• 5–7 years of experience in research, data analysis, and project management.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with community data and research and analysis in the health and human services field.
• Experience analyzing publicly available data, including census data, community indicators, and socioeconomic trends.
• Experience preparing technical reports, research briefs, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations.

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data integration, customized analytical tools, lookups, and automated reporting.

Experience collecting, organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data using analytical software.

Experience with Microsoft Power BI or Tableau preferred.

Proficiency with geospatial and data visualization tools.

Experience creating and managing SharePoint sites.

Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and analytical platforms.

Additional Skills and Competencies

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills.

Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal teams and external community stakeholders.

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive community engagement.

High attention to detail, accuracy, and data quality.

Ability to work independently while contributing to cross-functional teams.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting Salary: $73,000–$82,000 annually, depending on relevant experience.

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

United Way of Central Iowa offers a full benefits package and a hybrid work schedule following the first 90 calendar days of employment.

The hybrid schedule includes three days working in the office and two days working remotely.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to:

careers@unitedwaydm.org

To learn more about United Way of Central Iowa, visit www.unitedwaydm.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

United Way of Central Iowa is an equal opportunity organization committed to building an inclusive team. We encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Applicants requiring accessibility assistance or accommodations during the application process may call 515-246-6516.

Join us in using data, research, and collaboration to create a stronger central Iowa where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.