The Research and Evaluation MERL team at Elite Research collaborates with government, community-based organizations, philanthropy, non-governmental organizations, and academic partners to conduct small, moderate, and large-scale research and evaluations of programs and services, leverage data for action, and support the development and improvement of community-based programs, initiatives, and services. With numerous distinct contracts and grants at any one time, the Consultant works with a variety of internal and external collaborators, leads small to large evaluation projects and research studies, manages multiple tasks simultaneously, amid multiple shifting priorities. These projects range from evaluations of national programs to statewide surveys and academic research, to robust government-funded evaluation studies of public health interventions, to local program evaluations carried out in collaboration with community-based organizations.
The Quantitative Research Consultant is responsible for designing, managing, and executing quantitative projects under the direction of the Director of Quantitative MERL. The Consultant works closely with the Director, other team members, and a wide range of clients, using a variety of research techniques to assist clients in meeting their research objectives and uncovering actionable insights. Through meeting clients and providing consultations, the Consultant acquires a thorough understanding of research and evaluation needs, develops creative proposals, and produces highly effective actionable insights that make a real difference in client programs and organizations. The Consultant meets with current and prospective clients, develops SOWs/proposals, managing, moderates quantitative studies, manages projects, and prepares/reviews deliverables for quantitative research and evaluation projects. The Consultant also trains team members and clients (as needed) on quantitative research and evaluation methods, design, data preparation and analysis, setup and management of project activities, while seeking new client opportunities.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to)
Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, adjusting and weighting data.
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify potential relationships among sources of information.
Apply sampling techniques or utilize complete enumeration bases to determine groups to be surveyed.
Plan data collection methods for specific projects and determine the types and sizes of sample groups needed.
Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
Advocate for and contribute to developing a learning and growth mindset within the team.
Contribute to and develop proposals with quantitative solutions to client problems.
Manage quantitative research projects from end-to-end, while maintaining clear communication with clients and team members.
Guide clients on defining research objectives that are feasible and of value to them and their organizations.
Provide clients with best research practices and recommendations despite differences of opinion from clients, understanding when compromises or flexibility are needed.
Demonstrate flexibility and creativity in working with clients and in addressing research challenges, including showing adaptability with regard to working with various personalities, changes to project schedules, budgets, project needs and objectives, participant recruitment, data collection, and results.
Support Elite Research’s goal of empowering researchers through education and communication by providing clients with clear and specific guidance and feedback.
Design and conduct training on quantitative research and evaluation methods for staff and clients.
Design or review data collection instruments that align with project objectives.
Collect and analyze data with rigor, ethics, and integrity; develop insights that are concise and appropriately accessible to a variety of audiences.
Contribute to marketing communications (e.g., blog posts, articles, webinars, and conference papers) specific to quantitative research methodologies.
Collaborate with other team members and stakeholders, in-person and/or remotely.
Maintain highest level of data security and client confidentiality.
Other responsibilities as may be assigned.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (sociology, anthropology, political science, public policy, psychology, etc.).
3to 6 years of professional experience in a research role with a quantitative focus, with at least 2 years of experience in a client service capacity.
Ability to analyze information, interpret, summarize data, communicate and present findings in ways easily understandable to decision-makers within the organization and externally.
Ability to work creatively and think commercially. Have a flexible, innovative and analytical working style.
Ability to learn new research on statistical techniques and to convey complex statistical concepts to clients in layman’s terms that is easy to digest and with tact.
Ability to manage one’s time efficiently to meet deadlines and budgets.
Experience and confidence in handling & developing business with clients.
Experience supporting and training staff and clients, that are unfamiliar with research and evaluations, to collect, manage and analyze data.
Experience working with a variety of public, private, nonprofit and grassroots organizational structures, governing bodies, including boards of directors, advisory boards, etc.
Strong hands-on experience and working knowledge of managing the full quantitative research cycle (proposal/SOW writing through to analysis and delivery).
Experience in the planning, executing, and reporting of projects, while ensuring quality and useful insights that lead to impactful decisions.
Ability to think strategically, remaining focused on goals and objectives, meeting deadlines and being persistent, as well as solving problems as they arise.
Strong, personal definition of the purpose and value of research and evaluation on real-world impact.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly with others (verbal & written), including with internal team members and clients.
Demonstrated ability to work closely within multidisciplinary teams, diverse personalities, and a wide variety of professional backgrounds and experiences.
Solid project management of multiple projects, delegation and planning skills, high level of organization, attention to detail, self-starter.
Expert proficiency and understanding of various quantitative analysis tools (SPSS, Stata, R, Mplus, SAS, etc.).
Expert proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong storytelling skills.
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 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.
Submit cover letter and resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., explaining your interest and qualifications for this position. Must include contact information for at least two professional/academic references and one personal reference.
