Program Research Manager

AARP • Washington, DC

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
The Program Research Manager is a key member of a research team that drives social impact at the intersection between aging and poverty. They serve as an internal expert on microdata analysis related to workforce experiences, public benefits, household finances, and economic trends affecting older adults with low-income. The program research manager leads cross functional internal teams and external partners to produce high-quality research and thought leadership products. They also collaborate across the organization to shape a shared research agenda that informs the AARP Foundation’s strategy and program design.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in economics or related quantitative discipline.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis of microdata related to workforce experience, public benefits access, household finances, and economic trends affecting U.S. low-income populations.
• 3+ years of experience independently managing research projects, delivering on time and high quality, including quantitative projects and qualitative or mixed methods projects.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis of complex longitudinal data sources capturing trends in employment, benefits use, economic well-being, health, and/or time use.
• Proven ability to translate research findings, including descriptive findings on economic, demographic, or program data, into compelling narratives and themes that speak to a broad range of audiences.
• Proven ability to identify novel areas for research and define research approaches and methodologies that will deliver relevant and actionable insights.
• Experience working with interdepartmental and multidisciplinary teams across an organization or enterprise.
• Experience developing research agendas and research products in a collaborative manner with subject matter experts and other stakeholders.
• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in economics or related quantitative discipline preferred.
• AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Responsibilities

• Works with internal cross-functional teams to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities, determine scope of work and resources needed, and track budgets.
• Uses data analytics, economic modeling, and other quantitative methodologies to generate data-driven insights about American older adults with low income and related subject matters.
• Leverages a proprietary database, covering direct services programs and grantmaking projects, to develop insights for internal decision-making and/or external knowledge sharing.
• Scopes and analyzes policies and best practices related to American older adults with low income through desk research, focus groups, workshops, and other methodologies.
• Builds and leverages relationships with external stakeholders (e.g. national/regional leading NGOs, think tanks and academic institutions, government agencies) to identify insights, innovative/effective solutions, and best practices to achieve the business’s strategic objectives.
• Leads and manages external suppliers to ensure the delivery of reliable, high-quality research services and products.
• Synthesizes qualitative and quantitative research outputs into reports, briefing papers, PPT presentation, and other formats as needed.
• Works with the Communications & Marketing department to develop engaging content assets to elevate the organization’s thought leadership.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 100% company-funded pension plan
• health, dental, and vision plans
• life insurance
• paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave
• performance-based and peer-based recognition
• tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level