Research Analyst

United Planning Organization • Washington, DC

21h • Remote

About The Position

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is seeking a Research Analyst for a temporary, 12-month research project to produce the 2027 DC Community Needs Assessment. This role will involve comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research, literature reviews, and data analysis. The position is temporary for one year with the possibility of extension or permanence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Data Science, Human Development, English, 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.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred in English, Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Data Science, Human Development, or related field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Produce UPO’s District of Columbia Triennial Community Needs Assessment
• Develop and implement a 12-month data gathering and assessment plan to complete a comprehensive, city-wide needs assessment survey including, but not limited to, analysis of quantitative (surveys) and qualitative data (focus groups/targeted interviews), literature reviews, community asset mapping, and case studies, etc.
• Author the needs assessment adhering to prevailing standards of writing, citation, and ethical use of sources.
• Coordinate with the Director of Business Development and Asset Management to execute a workplan to complete the needs assessment.
• Coordinate with UPO inter-office staff to analyze qualitative and quantitative data and other information.
• Prepare presentations for reporting to UPO leadership, board members, and general public relative to findings of the needs assessment.
• Recommend priority areas for strategic program development responsive to the needs assessment.
• Support UPO staff, volunteers, and interns engaged in the needs assessment process.
• Routinely collect, analyze, and present relevant information and data that inform strategic decisions.
• Perform analyses on US Census data relevant to low-income communities.
• Support business development efforts by conducting thorough research requested by executive leadership that influence strategic decision making.
• Support the organization’s grant development function by drafting research and developing content needed for grant proposals, when needed.
• Support post-award reporting of grant-funded programs, when needed.
• Provide the office with administrative support including obtaining financial and grants management reports, tracking rental data, and liaising on special projects.
• Work with third-party consultants to gather information to inform special reports and studies.

Benefits

• Health/Kaiser, 70/30 split
• Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
• Vision/VSP, all employees paid
• 401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution
• Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• 2 Personal Days
• Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

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