A Research Associate is responsible for performing administrative and project tasks under the direction of the Director of Operations and Human Resources, and is part of a team of research associates across the company. Research Associates are typically given specific project tasks to complete that need strong problem solving and decision-making skills; these tasks could vary anywhere from data entry to conducting surveys over the phone. Administrative tasks assigned require excellent communication and writing skills as they could range anywhere from maintaining excel spreadsheets to following up with survey participants. Research associates typically have a mix of consistent daily tasks and varied project tasks that are constantly changing. All tasks assigned, however, will require the Research Associate to be detail oriented, highly organized, and self-motivated.

TITLE: Research Associate

LOCATION: Irving, Texas/In office

POSITION TYPE: Associate/Entry Level

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Director of Operations and Human Resources

HOURS/SCHEDULE: Permanent, Full- or Part-Time

SALARY DETAILS: Commensurate with experience; Levels I, II, III, IV

JOB SUMMARY

Elite Research collaborates with government, community-based organizations, philanthropical organizations, non-governmental organizations, and academic partners to conduct small, moderate, and large-scale research and evaluations of programs and services. The team also aids these organizations to leverage data for action and to support the development and improvement of community-based programs, initiatives, and service. With numerous distinct projects, contracts, and grants at any one time, the Research Associate works with a variety of internal and external collaborators, supports small to large evaluation projects and research studies, and manages multiple tasks simultaneously amid multiple shifting priorities. These projects could include: evaluations of national programs, statewide surveys, and academic research; robust government-funded evaluation studies of public health interventions; and/or local program evaluations carried out in collaboration with community-based organizations.

A Research Associate is responsible for performing administrative and project tasks under the direction of the Director of Operations and Human Resources, and is part of a team of research associates across the company. Research Associates are typically given specific project tasks to complete that need strong problem solving and decision-making skills; these tasks could vary anywhere from data entry to conducting surveys over the phone. Administrative tasks assigned require excellent communication and writing skills as they could range anywhere from maintaining excel spreadsheets to following up with survey participants. Research associates typically have a mix of consistent daily tasks and varied project tasks that are constantly changing. All tasks assigned, however, will require the Research Associate to be detail oriented, highly organized, and self-motivated.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to)

• Advocate for and contribute to the development of a learning and growth mindset within the team.
• Research best practices in Elite Research related topics and make recommendations to assist with projects and programs.
• Build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships and collaborate with other team members both in-person and/or remotely.
• Help build the skill sets of team members and share learnings with other employees.
• Achieve organizational goals while adhering to standards and best practices.
• Receive and respond to inquiries and requests with timely, accurate, and professional responses while continually prioritizing among multiple projects and deadlines.
• Managing multiple projects internal goals and deliverable timelines.
• Provide attention to detail to gather and accurately analyze information and documentation.
• Develop and maintain Excel spreadsheets and create and develop Power Point presentations as needed.
• Perform basic data entry and track parts of projects.
• Create and maintain process resources, such as guides, check-lists, and reports.
• Conduct phone surveys for projects (as needed).
• Identifying areas for process improvement and making recommendations to streamline workflows.
• Proactively maintains highly organized databases and filing systems, both paper and electronic.
• Maintaining the highest level of data security and project confidentiality.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, & SKILLS

• High school diploma, Associate’s degree (or higher) in business, project management, or related field preferred; relevant experience considered.
• Ability to think strategically, remaining focused on goals and objectives, meeting deadlines and being persistent, as well as solving problems as they arise.
• Strong attention to detail, well organized with excellent follow through, able to deal with time constraints, and effectively manage deadlines.
• Ability to convey messages clearly and concisely, whether in person, over the phone, or through email.
• Ability to coordinate with different internal and external groups while managing resources efficiently.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, adapt well to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Able to give and receive feedback and constructive criticism from a variety of channels.
• Ensure compliance with organizational standards and procedures.
• Ability to work in a team environment; being reliable and consistent.
• Possesses a “see a need, meet a need” attitude. Has the ability to identify areas where the team needs support and proactively aid ensure that the project runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Capability to identify potential problems or issues and working collaboratively with the team to develop solutions that meet the needs of the client and the project goals.
• A willingness to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary to ensure that the project stays on track and meets client requirements.
• A team player with a collaborative and flexible attitude, who is also self-motivated and organized.
• Potential to adapt to changing priorities and timelines as needed to ensure the project’s success.
• Shows an interest in learning new skills and knowledge related to project management, data, research and evaluation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and assist others when needed to ensure the success of the project and the team.
• Ability to connect with clients and team members and understand their needs and perspectives to ensure that the project meets their requirements and goals.
• Ability to complete tasks on time, follow through on commitments, and maintain open communication with the team to ensure that the project stays on track and meets client expectations.
• Capability to work independently and take initiative to drive the project forward, identifying areas for improvement and taking action to ensure the project’s success.
• Technology minded and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong storytelling skills.

WORK ELIGIBILITY/E-VERIFY NOTICE

All applicants must be authorized to legally work in the Unites States. Additionally, Elite Research participates in the Federal E-Verify program and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must have the ability to operate a personal computer and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include ability to distinguish the nature of objects using the eye.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees are responsible for performing their duties in an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, coercion, or harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is performed primarily indoors in an office. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee may be required to travel.

SAFETY

Employees are responsible to assist in the creation of a culture of safety and environmental protection by performing work safely in accordance with departmental safety procedures as well as operate equipment safely and report any unsafe work conditions or practice to their supervisor.

CONCLUSION

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

TO APPLY

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume and a cover letter to [email protected].

Resumes without cover letters are not encouraged. We believe that cover letters allow applicants to fill in any information they deem necessary that may not be included on a resume as well as let the team know why the applicant is interested in the position or working for Elite Research. Letters of recommendation/references and writing samples are not necessary to submit until the interview rounds. Finally, please be sure to include the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Questions can also be sent to [email protected], however, due to the high volume of resumes received, we will not be able to give applicants any status updates. If the team has any questions or would like to invite you in for an interview, we will let you know.