Senior Research Associate, Surveys & Analysis

ASHA requires all new employees to present proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when they start work. Currently, “fully vaccinated” is defined as someone that has received both doses of the Pfizer/Moderna COVID-19 vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine 14 days or more before they begin work. Individuals with a disability or a religious reason preventing them from taking the vaccine may request an accommodation.

A. General Description:

The purpose of this position is to make technical information (i.e., survey and evaluation data from internal and external sources) available and easily understandable to the Association membership, volunteer leadership, staff, and external audiences. This is accomplished through developing and writing user-friendly technical documents, reports, or other printed and online materials. The incumbent also conducts Association survey and evaluation projects and focus group research and manages content on the ASHA Website and Intranet.

B. Responsibilities:

Make technical information (i.e., survey and evaluation data from internal and external sources) available and easily understandable to the Association membership, volunteer leadership, staff, and external audiences through developing and writing user-friendly technical documents, reports, or other printed and online materials. Information to be presented includes highlights and interpretation of data on member demographics, caseload/workload, compensation, practice issues, the workforce, trends, and related issues.

1. Prepare reports, publications, and other documents to communicate technical information more easily.    
2. Oversee Association survey and evaluation projects, including instrument design, fielding, statistical analysis, and reporting on and/or presenting results.
3. Engage in focus group research for the volunteer leadership and staff, including development of moderator’s guide, conduct of focus groups, and reporting on and/or presenting results.
4. Serve as Web Liaison for the Surveys and Analysis team. Update and create content on the ASHA Website and the team’s Intranet sites.
5. Provide technical assistance to National Office staff, constituents, committees, boards, and councils, consumers, researchers, and other organizations pertaining to the Association’s data resources.

C. Contacts:

To accomplish responsibilities listed above, the incumbent has contact with:

1. ASHA boards, committees, councils, and staff – in order to provide expert consultation on the best presentation of technical information and the conduct of survey and focus group research projects
2. ASHA boards, committees, councils, staff, and constituents – in order to consult on potential topics and information contained within unit resources related to member demographics, caseload/workload, compensation, practice issues, the workforce, trends, and related issues
3. Outside organizations, such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and allied health associations – in order to facilitate the exchange of survey research information   

D. Freedom to Act:

The incumbent works under the direction of the Director, Surveys and Analysis Unit. Broad latitude is given for the approach to and conduct of the incumbent’s projects. Instruction/direction will be provided on an as-needed basis. Work receives administrative and/or peer review by unit director and/or unit members before final release. Specific guidance and review may be required for special or unusual problems.

E. Qualifications – Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

Knowledge and skills typically acquired through:

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, English, data analytics, communication sciences and disorders, the social sciences, or a related discipline
• Three or more years of experience in a similar position

Scope and depth of technical skills/knowledge:

• Understanding of how best to present technical information across all user abilities and all media
• Ability to create and blend text, data tables, charts, and graphics together to produce integrated technical products 
• Ability to demonstrate high ethical standards in interpreting and conveying technical information
• Demonstrated intermediate-level skills with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred)
• Demonstrated competency with online survey tools (SurveyMonkey preferred) for creating and sending surveys and analyzing data
• Demonstrated intermediate-level skills with statistical software platforms (SPSS preferred)
• Demonstrated competency with video conferencing platforms (Zoom preferred) for conducting meetings and virtual focus groups  
• Demonstrated competency using a content management system to effectively maintain and create Website content 
• Demonstrated competency with SharePoint for maintaining Surveys and Analysis Intranet sites

Scope and depth of nontechnical skills/knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (i.e., ability to express ideas and convey information clearly and logically) 
• Integrity to manage confidential information 
• Ability to independently manage ongoing and emergent projects, either on an individual basis or as a leader of or participant on cross-office teams
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and complicated detail work in an organized fashion in the face of changing priorities
• Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a team and individually
• Ability to self-direct, and set and meet deadlines 
• Willingness to continually learn about new subject matter

F. National Office EEO Policy:

It is the policy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to provide equal opportunity to all employees without regard for race, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran's status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, with a firm commitment from coaches at all levels within the organizational structure of the National Office, affirmative action will be taken to ensure the full utilization of members of racial/ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and Vietnam and disabled veterans within our workforce.

G. Disclaimer:

“This description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and duties of the position. It is not all inclusive. The incumbent in the position will be expected to perform other duties as required. The responsibilities may change over time. This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.”