Research Associate / Research Analyst - Human Behavior Centered Design

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of people with low incomes, being part of a multidisciplinary staff, turning research findings into better public policies, and having hands-on involvement in building better programs, then consider an opportunity with our client to be involved in the cutting edge of social research methodology. HYBRID, 2 days in office (downtown NYC).

Our client is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization that works to find solutions to some of the most difficult problems facing the nation—from reducing poverty, promoting fairness and efficacy in public welfare and justice systems, and bolstering economic well-being to improving public education, college graduation, and pathways to meaningful employment. They 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.

Our client is seeking a Research Analyst to conduct program evaluation and technical assistance activities.

Responsibilities:

Seeking candidates who have a background in behavioral science and/or design thinking, experience conducting applied research, a strong interest in education and social policy, skill in project management, and a desire to work in small teams to foster social innovation.

• Travel to research sites and collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to diagnose choice architecture of programs.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in behavioral science, as well as in the technology and methodology of intervention design and evaluation.
• Train staff on applying behavioral insights and conducting research activities.
• Develop relationships with government agencies, education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to participate in program evaluation and technical assistance projects.
• Design creative and behaviorally informed solutions and implement rigorous evaluations.
• Disseminate results to policymakers, practitioners, and social scientists.
• Develop, lead, and deliver technical assistance and program-related support to service providers.
• Manage projects, including timelines, staffing, work plans, and budgets.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and experience with behavioral economics and psychology; social or education policy issues; human-centered, multidisciplinary, service, or a related design discipline; random assignment evaluation; and qualitative research techniques.
• At least two years of experience applying behavioral science or design to government or nonprofit programs.
• Master’s degree (or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience) in cognitive psychology, social psychology, organizational psychology, design, marketing, or another relevant discipline/social science.
• Strong organizational skills, including an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, pay attention to details, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, desire to work in a team-oriented environment, and ability to collaborate with many levels of a diverse staff.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to conduct research and technical assistance in diverse communities and the ability to relate to program management staff, site staff, community residents, and program clients.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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).

Compensation and benefits: Salary range is $72K - $76K and will be commensurate with experience, year end bonus, possible sign on bonus . Comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance offered. Some on-the-job training will be provided.

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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.