Data and Research Analyst (Policy and Legislative Services Division)

DHRM•Richmond, VA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is seeking an innovative Data and Research Analyst who is passionate about data, curious about research, and eager to connect data to the larger picture of the agency. The Data and Research Analyst will provide a quantitative and qualitative view of statewide needs and program outcomes to support the effectiveness of agency efforts. As the Data and Research Analyst, you will contribute to the policy and legislative services division’s goals related to data strategies across DHCD’s programs. You will work alongside the Data and Research Manager to collect, interpret, analyze, and report on a wide array of data from internal data sources and external public and private databases. Through statistical research and analysis, you will have the opportunity to design and implement surveys, compile and visualize data, and evaluate outcomes to assist with policy and program development. The Data and Research Analyst will help to develop data-driven solutions to align community needs with organizational priorities, assist in the preparation of various reports, studies, strategic plans, databases, surveys, or other documents as needed, in support of Agency objectives, satisfactorily complete studies requested by the executive branch or by internal units of the agency within the period established in the work plan for each study in coordination with the Division of Policy and Legislative Services staff, and provide technical support and training in data collection techniques for staff and partners. At DHCD, we’re not just another government agency; we’re a place where data has the power to change lives. This is your chance to lead innovative projects and make them tangible.

Requirements

Skilled in drafting comprehensive and accurate quantitative and qualitative research reports, policy briefs, and technical summaries that clearly document research design, methodology, data sources, analytical limitations, and findings for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to think critically around issues and potential solutions, such as problem-solving, inference, and or process improvement.
Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and data interpretation, including familiarity with descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and program evaluation frameworks.
Skilled in reading and interpreting policies, regulations, or laws, and in synthesizing legislative or regulatory language into plain-language summaries and analytical products for agency leadership and external stakeholders.
Experience contributing to the design and execution of research studies or program evaluations.
Experience working with large datasets, applying statistical techniques, and contributing to the translation of findings into policy recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of state and local government structure and authority, and intergovernmental relations is preferred.
Knowledge of state and local government policies, including housing, land use, economic development, and/or fiscal is preferred.
Proficiency in at least one statistical software platform (e.g., R, Stata, Python, SPSS, or SAS) or advanced Excel-based analysis is preferred.
Experience conducting legislative research and tracking the fiscal or programmatic impact of proposed or enacted legislation is preferred.

Responsibilities

Help to develop data-driven solutions to align community needs with organizational priorities.
Assist in the preparation of various reports, studies, strategic plans, databases, surveys, or other documents as needed, in support of Agency objectives.
Satisfactorily complete studies requested by the executive branch or by internal units of the agency within the period established in the work plan for each study in coordination with the Division of Policy and Legislative Services staff.
Provide technical support and training in data collection techniques for staff and partners.