Social Science Research Analyst

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962.  Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington:  A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website.  Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

Position:                           Social Science Research Analyst 

Division/Office:           Research and Resource Development

Bulletin No:                    01062022

Salary Range:                 Commensurate With Experience

Opening Date:               December 7, 2022

Closing Date:                  Open Until Filled

First Source:                   N/A

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The Social Science Research Analyst will be involved in research pertaining to District of Columbia and communities whose residents have low-incomes. The Social Science Research Analyst will employ a variety of research methods to distill insights and actionable information for UPO’s operations and resourced development efforts. The Social Science Research Analyst will be involved in designing studies, gathering data, analyzing data, and writing research papers and reports. The Social Science Research Analyst will also collect, assess and maintain data on the external environment critical to the appropriate planning and programming decision-making of the organization. Periodically, up to 50% of the candidate’s time may be devoted to assisting the division in the production of grant applications, including drafting grant proposals.

CRITICAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Routinely collect, analyze, and present relevant information and data that inform strategic decisions 

Maintain access to updated US Census data and perform analyses as needed. Establish relationships with local planning offices and maintain access to key planning databases and interactive maps. Keep abreast of information on District of Columbia strategic plans at the agency level. Support divisional directors with relevant information to update UPO’s periodic, five-year strategic and tactical plans, including, but not limited to, updating needs data, identifying sector best practices, and researching program models that support anti-poverty projects.

Participate in the Community Action Partnership’s, Learning Communities sessions and disseminate relevant insights to UPO leadership, program directors, and administrative staff. Support business development efforts by conducting thorough research requested by executive leadership that influence strategic decision-making commensurate with UPO’s mission and strategic direction. 

Analyze data relevant to UPO’s District of Columbia Triennial Community Needs Assessment including annual updates.

Develop a 12-month plan to complete a comprehensive city-wide needs assessment, (tri-annually) including, but not limited to, analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, literature reviews, community asset mapping and gaps identification, and case studies, etc. Author substantial portions of the needs assessment adhering to prevailing standards of writing, citation, and ethical use of sources. Coordinate with the Director of Resource 

Development and Research to develop a resource plan to complete the needs assessment. Coordinate with UPO inter-office staff to analyze qualitative needs assessment data (e.g., focus groups/interviews) and other Information. Prepare presentations for reporting to UPO leadership, board members, and general public relative to findings of the needs assessment.

Support Resource Development functions 

Support the organization’s grant development function by developing content needed for grant proposals. Support post-award reporting of grant-funded programs. Perform prospecting of potential, relevant funders to which applications may be submitted.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Human Development, or a related field. Experience working with datasets including via scripting language (e.g., R, Python, VBA 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. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s or PhD in Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Human Development, or a related field. Experience in GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) platform, conducting place-based data analyses and visualizations is a plus. Experience with data visualization is preferred (e.g., Tableau or other). Experience programming in a variety of data statistical platforms software including Stata, SPSS, R, Mplus, or Python, among others. 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

This position IS covered by the collective bargaining agreement with the CWA union.

Special notice to all applicants:

In accordance with the Mayor’s Order (see reference below), every UPO employee, except for those with a medical or religious exemption, must be vaccinated by September 19, 2021.  UPO abides by the requirements of all Mayor’s Orders regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations; the Orders relate to the program under which you will work.   Mayor’s Order 2021-099 - COVID-19 Vaccination Certification Requirement for District Government Employees, Contractors, Interns, and Grantees.

To be considered for this position:

Submit your resume to the Career Center Online 

Apply Here

ALL VISITORS TO UPO FACILITIES:

• Must Wear a Mask While on UPO Premises;
• Must Practice Social Distancing; and, 
• Will Be Subject to Temperature Scanning Upon Entering UPO Facilities.
• UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer