2023-22: Research Analyst

MDRC is seeking a Qualitative Research Analyst to join our Postsecondary Education policy area.

MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and children with low incomes. We are committed to finding solutions to some of the most difficult social problems facing the nation—from reducing poverty and bolstering economic mobility to improving public education and college graduation rates. We design promising new interventions, evaluate existing programs using the highest research standards, and provide technical assistance to build better programs and deliver effective interventions at scale.

Roles and Responsibilities:

MDRC seeks an individual who has strong interests and skills in both conducting rigorous research in, and providing technical assistance to, institutions of higher education, with a primary focus on working with community colleges. The position provides the successful candidate an opportunity to:

• Be actively involved in all stages of research projects, from proposals to project design to data collection to analysis and reporting.
• Partner with senior staff on research design and field research.
• Measure and monitor ongoing program planning, implementation, and operations in program locations and provide formative feedback.

• Develop, lead, and deliver technical assistance and program-related support to college staff at various levels, using the postsecondary evidence base to guide tailored assistance to meet colleges’ local needs.

• Travel to and/or virtually visit colleges as research sites to conduct interviews, focus groups, and observations.
• Conduct qualitative analysis using software.
• Understand and write about both quantitative and qualitative data for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students.
• Help disseminate results to policymakers, practitioners, and social scientists.

• Serve as primary point of contact to, and develop ongoing collaborative relationships with, staff of colleges, federal/state education agencies, and nonprofit organizations engaged in both program evaluations and technical assistance projects.
• Provide support for general project management activities, including planning meetings, developing project work plans, coordinating across project sub-teams, preparing information for presentation to project funders, and supervising junior staff members.

Qualifications:

Prospective candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, sociology, statistics, education, or related fields is required.
• Master’s degree in public policy, sociology, statistics, education, or related fields is preferred but not required.
• Work experience of two or more years is required, with strong preference for work in settings relevant to MDRC’s postsecondary education research, such as applied research nonprofits, think tanks, or direct service organizations, or within colleges or public education agencies, especially those with experience in student-facing support jobs in community colleges.
• Demonstrated depth of knowledge of one or more programs and policies affecting students’ success in modern postsecondary education.
• Experience conducting qualitative interviews and analyzing qualitative data in educational settings is preferred.  
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work with diverse teams.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to conducting research in diverse communities. Must demonstrate the ability to relate to program staff, college staff, and students, in both research and technical assistance contexts.
• Comfort in working in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit under Social Policy Worker United (SPWU) – Local 57 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Timing: Please see “What to expect from MDRC’s recruitment process” for more information.

Location: New York, NY; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; or Oakland, CA. Hybrid work arrangements are permitted for all office locations.

Compensation and benefits: Salary range is $72K - $77K and will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance offered. Some on-the-job training will be provided.

Instructions: When submitting your application, please include:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample (must be solo-authored by candidate only)

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that the health and safety of our employees and candidates is very important to us and that interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. As a Federally Contracted employer, MDRC is in full compliance with all applicable regulations including, but not limited to, recent changes that require vaccination of employees of federal contractors. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have sought and received an exemption from this policy due to a disability or other medical condition, or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodations are granted in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Applicants must submit proof of vaccination or request and submit an applicable request for accommodation during the offer stage.

MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. No qualified applicant, employee, intern, volunteer, or apprenticeship trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of his, her, or their race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin (including physical, cultural or linguistic characteristics), marriage to or association with persons of a national origin group, tribal affiliation, membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group, name that is associated with a national origin group, accent, language use, immigration status, citizenship, possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their lawful presence in the United States, and other definitions under California or other states’ laws, ancestry, creed, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), age, citizenship, veteran and/or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, gender transitioning or perceived gender transitioning, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, protected medical leaves (requesting or being approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act) or similar state family medical leave laws, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. Legal work authorization is required. To request a reasonable accommodation during any stage of MDRC’s employment process due to a disability, please contact HRQuestions@mdrc.org.

MDRC’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exceed compliance requirements. We believe that recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce of all backgrounds and perspectives improves the quality and relevance of our research, as well as the daily experiences of our staff. By fostering an equitable culture of inclusivity and belonging, we seek an environment in which staff feel welcomed, valued, and engaged in their work.

Salary : $72,000 - $77,000