The Qualitative Research Consultant is responsible for designing, moderating, and executing (“leading”) qualitative research and evaluation projects under the direction of the Director of Qualitative MERL. The Consultant works closely with the Director of Qualitative MERL, other team members, and subject matter experts (SMEs), using a variety of research techniques to assist clients in meeting their research objectives and uncovering actionable insights from both academic and nonacademic types of qualitative data. Through meeting clients and providing consultations, the Consultant acquires a thorough understanding of research and evaluation needs, builds designs and methodologies appropriate to those needs, 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 internal SOWs/proposals, develops creative proposals for clients, moderates qualitative studies, manages projects, and prepares/reviews deliverables for qualitative research and evaluation projects. The Consultant also trains team members and clients (as needed) on qualitative research and evaluation methods, design, data coding and analysis, setup and management of project activities, while seeking new client opportunities. TITLE: Qualitative Research/Evaluation Consultant LOCATION: Irving, Texas/Houston, Texas/Remote POSITION TYPE: Consultant ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to Director of Qualitative MERL HOURS/SCHEDULE: Permanent, Full- or Part-Time SALARY DETAILS: Commensurate with experience; Levels I, II, III, IV; Senior Levels I, II, III, IV JOB SUMMARY 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, to robust government-funded evaluation studies of public health interventions, to local program evaluations carried out in collaboration with community-based organizations. The Qualitative Research Consultant is responsible for designing, moderating, and executing (“leading”) qualitative research and evaluation projects under the direction of the Director of Qualitative MERL. The Consultant works closely with the Director of Qualitative MERL, other team members, and subject matter experts (SMEs), using a variety of research techniques to assist clients in meeting their research objectives and uncovering actionable insights from both academic and nonacademic types of qualitative data. Through meeting clients and providing consultations, the Consultant acquires a thorough understanding of research and evaluation needs, builds designs and methodologies appropriate to those needs, 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 internal SOWs/proposals, develops creative proposals for clients, moderates qualitative studies, manages projects, and prepares/reviews deliverables for qualitative research and evaluation projects. The Consultant also trains team members and clients (as needed) on qualitative research and evaluation methods, design, data coding and analysis, setup and management of project activities, while seeking new client opportunities. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Key Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to)

• Advocate for and contribute to developing a learning and growth mindset within the team.
• Contribute to and develop proposals with qualitative or mixed methods solutions to client problems.
• Manage qualitative research and evaluation projects (internal and external research teams) from end-to-end (in-person or remote), while maintaining clear communication with clients and team members.
• Guide clients on defining research and evaluation objectives that are feasible and of value to them and their organizations that often go beyond what was initially conceived.
• Provide clients with best research practices and recommendations despite differences of opinion from clients, understanding when compromises or flexibility are needed.
• Collect and analyze data with rigor, ethics, and integrity; develop insights that are concise and appropriately accessible to a variety of audiences. Analysis techniques may range from synthesis of data to academic-level rigor in coding and analysis.
• 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.
• Oversight and training of Qualitative Analysts and Senior Analysts in order to advance them into Consultants; design and general training on qualitative research and evaluation methods for staff and clients.
• Design or review data collection instruments that align with project objectives.
• Develop insightful proposals with innovative qualitative solutions to client problems.
• Contribute to marketing communications (e.g., blog posts, articles, webinars, and conference papers) specific to qualitative research methodologies.
• Maintain highest level of data security and client confidentiality.
• Support Elite Research’s goal of empowering researchers through education and communication by providing clients with clear and specific guidance and feedback.
• Other responsibilities as may be assigned.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, etc.).
• 4 to 6 years of professional experience in a research or evaluation role with a qualitative 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. Appropriate use of depth and rigor for academic and nonacademic qualitative data.
• Ability to work creatively and think commercially. Have a flexible, innovative and analytical working style.
• 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 qualitative 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.
• Knowledge and experience of program evaluation principles, theories, concepts and practices, research and evaluation methods and tools for observing and interpreting patterns.
• Knowledge and experience of using evaluation and community-based research to inform program development, including Participatory Action Research and Cultural Competency.
• Ability to think strategically, remaining focused on goals and objectives, meeting deadlines and being persistent, as well as solving problems as they arise.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly with others (verbal & written), including with internal team members and clients.
• 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 qualitative analysis tools (NVIVO, Dedoose, ATLAS.ti, etc.).
• Expert 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.  

The Quantitative Analyst is responsible for designing, moderating, and executing quantitative projects for both existing and new accounts, supporting the quantitative MERL staff. This analyst focuses on developing a variety of quantitative research and evaluation programs while working closely with a wide range of clients and using a variety of research techniques to uncover actionable insights. The analyst requires a strong understanding of research and evaluation needs and produces highly effective actionable insights that make a real difference in client programs and organizations. The analyst moderates quantitative studies, manages projects and prepares/reviews deliverables for quantitative research and evaluation projects. TITLE: Quantitative (Research or Data) Analyst LOCATION: Irving, Texas/Remote POSITION TYPE: Quantitative Analyst I ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to Quantitative MERL Director HOURS/SCHEDULE: Permanent, Full-Time/Part-Time SALARY DETAILS: Commensurate with experience; Levels I, II, III, IV; Senior Levels I, II, III, IV JOB SUMMARY 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 projects at any one time, the analyst supports a variety of internal and external collaborators, manages multiple tasks simultaneously, amid multiple shifting priorities. These projects range from evaluations of national programs to statewide surveys, to robust government-funded evaluation studies of public health interventions, to local program evaluations carried out in collaboration with community-based organizations. The Quantitative Analyst is responsible for designing, moderating, and executing quantitative projects for both existing and new accounts, supporting the quantitative MERL staff. This analyst focuses on developing a variety of quantitative research and evaluation programs while working closely with a wide range of clients and using a variety of research techniques to uncover actionable insights. The analyst requires a strong understanding of research and evaluation needs and produces highly effective actionable insights that make a real difference in client programs and organizations. The analyst moderates quantitative studies, manages projects and prepares/reviews deliverables for quantitative research and evaluation projects. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Management

• Manages quantitative MERL staff, provides ongoing coaching, development and oversight of positions; relays timely feedback; and gives support to build internal capacity to further the mission of the organization.
• Serves as part of the organization’s leadership team and contributes to the development and execution of strategic planning and decisions.
• Oversees the quantitative client business cycle and services, management of timelines, resources, and budgets.

Key Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to)

• Advocate and contribute to the development of a learning mindset within and across teams.
• Design a quantitative research strategy from planning to execution that is supportive of our mission.
• Develop insightful proposals with innovative quantitative solutions to client problems.
• Build and strengthen the MERL team in various aspects of quantitative research and evaluation (develop positions, produce training, team building, and leadership materials).
• Demonstrated expertise in managing and analyzing messy datasets and translating results into concrete and practical applications for non-research audiences.
• Shape clients’ business objectives by interpreting, analyzing and synthesizing research data into meaningful and insightful quantitative reports/presentations.
• Collect and analyze data with rigor and integrity and curate insights that are concise and appropriately accessible to other audiences.
• Analyze quantitative data, interpret statistics and draft findings, including data visualization.
• Clearly communicate the results of analytical work to non-technical audiences in both written and oral communication.
• Collaborate with global research teams during quantitative project execution to ensure quality of results and communication delivered to clients.
• 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 or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (sociology, statistics, political science, psychology, economics) with relevant experience in social research techniques, with expertise in quantitative and experimental methods.
• 2 to 4 years of professional experience in a research role with a quantitative focus, with at least 1 year of experience in a client service capacity.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize data, communicate and present findings in ways understandable to decision-makers within the organization and externally.
• Ability to work creatively, think commercially, and have a flexible, innovative and analytical working style.
• Experience working with a variety of public, private, nonprofit and grassroots organizational structures, governing bodies, including boards of directors, advisory boards, etc.
• Experience in the planning, executing, and reporting of projects, while ensuring quality and useful insights that lead to impactful decisions.
• Knowledge and experience of program evaluation principles, theories, concepts and practices, research methods and tools for observing and interpreting patterns.
• Ability to think strategically, remaining focused on goals and objectives, meet deadlines, be persistent, and solve problems as they arise.
• Strong interpersonal skills, supervisory experience, and the ability to communicate clearly with others (verbal and written), whilst coaching and encouraging team members.
• 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, and a self-starter.
• Proficiency and understanding of various quantitative design and analysis tools (MPlus, SPSS Stata, R, etc.).
• Expert proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication 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.  

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.