POSITION SUMMARY
As a small, African American owned business leading the design and implementation of research and evaluation studies since 1984, Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By incorporating culturally-responsive practices which identify and include both traditional and innovative methods, DIR offers unique perspectives and approaches that have proven especially effective in conducting research and evaluation, including primary data collection, with diverse populations and organizations.
We have deep experience in formative and summative evaluation approaches, employing the latest qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. We also provide technical assistance to enhance the capabilities of program providers to collect and use data for performance measurement, program planning, and outcome analysis.DIR is looking for a full-time Senior Research Associate (SRA) within the Research Operations unit to be responsible for providing qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation services, technical assistance, needs assessment, and support services to a variety of government, business, and non-profit organizations for a wide variety of topic areas.
The SRA will lead small scale projects and advance project tasks under senior staff supervision for larger, more complex research and evaluation efforts.The SRA position is for a research and evaluation “generalist” – someone knowledgeable of social science and evaluation methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative. While subject matter expertise in any of DIR’s core areas of expertise (i.e., children and youth, communities and organizations, health and human services, labor and economics, education, or housing) is beneficial, it is not required or expected. Experience with program evaluation, culturally responsive and equitable evaluation, is a plus.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management and Leadership
- Manages research and evaluation projects, or specific tasks within larger-complex projects within defined budgets and timelines
- Leads and participates in teams, often multiple teams for different projects in varied stages of the research process, but also able to work independently
- Ability to mentor and help develop staff who are earlier in their careers
- Coordinates the work assignments of the company’s subcontractors and consultants.
- Recruits, screens, trains, and supervises field data collection staff
Conducts Research and Analysis
- Rigorously implements and conducts qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation activities including focus groups, site visits, in-depth interviews, in-person interviews, telephone interviews, fielding self-administered surveys (i.e., web surveys, paper-based), and other forms of data collection
- Demonstrates the ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Experienced with implementing and integrating culturally responsive and equitable practices into traditional and innovative research practices
Communication
- Authors and edits reports, training manuals, field memoranda, outreach materials, webinars, TA tools, promotional and marketing materials
- Writes, edits, and manages the production of project contract deliverables and other written documents
- Liaisons with clients, contracting officers, technical representatives, and other third parties on the specifics of projects
- Assists with business development activities, both in terms of proposal writing and budget development and preparation, and markets the company effectively
KEY COMPETENCIES/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of and prior professional experience with research and evaluation theory and methodology
- Possesses strong organizational skills and flexibility demonstrating the ability to manage multiple, changeable priorities, simultaneously, within clearly defined deadlines and budgets
- Communicates effectively, written and oral, appropriately tailoring communications for the intended audiences and purposes ranging from business proposals/marketing materials, reports, public presentations, webinars, training materials, field manuals, research participant communications, memorandum, etc.
- Experience with designing questionnaires, interview protocols, outreach materials, focus group guides, and training materials to support research and evaluation activities
- Prior experience conducting research and evaluation activities including site visits, in-depth interviews, and focus groups
- Analysis skills in at least one statistical or qualitative data analysis package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, nVivo, Dedoose)
- Able to work effectively alone or in teams of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, promoting a culture of inclusion
- Working knowledge of programs in education, workforce development, and health and human services, especially federal programs
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree (M.A., M.S., M.Ed.) in a social science discipline (e.g., psychology, economics, public policy, sociology, education, etc.) that included exposure to social science research methodology and/or evaluation methods.
- A minimum of 4 years of professional experience conducting evaluations or research in social science or public policy related fields.
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88649.00 To 101323.00 (USD) Annually
