Job Opening: Research Associate – Knowledge and Analytics, Atlanta, GA
Job Summary
The Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI) is responsible for leading the research agenda of the UNCF, the execution of numerous methods that support the agenda, and central in the development of the organization’s stance on advocating for HBCUs. The Research Associate is a critical component of the FDPRI, directly informing research strategies and decisions at various levels. Additionally, the Research Associate is charged with developing and executing a broad range of research methods, including the evaluation and learning work to inform strategy, practice, and future research. The Research Associate will support the research team in supporting program evaluation and assessment, the development of new knowledge through the collection of data, and the analysis of existing data. Additionally, the individual will work with academic and research partners to support the quality of their work, and identify and undertake research to inform UNCF’s ongoing organizational and strategy development.
The successful candidate will be part of a team seeking to partner with HBCUs and PBIs to increase student success outcomes and UNCF member institutional health and will work with a broad range of individuals and constituencies across the United States. The position requires a highly motivated and collaborative individual, who can communicate effectively and possesses strong organizational, analytic, evaluation, and writing abilities.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Associate reports to the Director, of Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute. S/he will support the development and execution of the learning and evaluation function for FDPRI and UNCF. The Research Associate will work closely and collaboratively with the FDPRI team, other UNCF staff participating institutions, and experts in the field to promote and support a program culture that values learning and evaluation that is both practical and useful for improving program and institutional effectiveness. S/he will provide strategic advice to FDPRI and UNCF by participating in evaluation planning, design, and implementation for programs. S/he will also promote several learning-oriented initiatives, both internal to UNCF and externally to the participating institutions.
Higher Education Knowledge and Research Analysis
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on issues related to Patterson’s research agenda.
- Review and synthesize current literature when necessary.
- Engage in collecting, managing, analyzing data, and reporting findings for Patterson research projects.
- Create and manage databases to support research activities of the Patterson Institute (e.g. literature reviews, relevant research activities at HBCUs and/or other institutions interested in educational attainment for African Americans).
- Contribute to Patterson’s national reputation through the creation of blogs, research presentations, and scholarly publications/conversations.
- Assist in infrastructure building activities including vetting/review process for Patterson publications.
- Assist the Director in the development of proposals and project budgets for the Patterson Institute.
- Work collaboratively with Patterson team on research that furthers the knowledge of the challenge and successes of Black college students
Other Duties
- Execute various methodologies and methods related to overall UNCF research strategy
- Produce literature for the higher education field related to UNCF program analysis
- Assist in the creation and mainstreaming of best practice resources about data and research in higher education.
Qualifications and Skills
- Master’s degree required, terminal degree or commensurate experience recommended.
- A minimum of five years of related experience Higher Education, Educational Policy or Educational Research experience preferred.
- Qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-method research or program evaluation is required.
- Knowledge of higher education data sets, i.e. IPEDS and Student National Clearinghouse desired.
- Ability to apply evaluation tools and techniques in diverse situations and scenarios.
- Experience providing technical advice and assistance.
- Demonstrated skill in prioritizing and balancing multiple competing tasks, projects and deadlines.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Demonstrated skill in working collaboratively and effectively.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and able to learn and use new databases proficiently.
- Superior analytic, writing, and editing skills. Experience in writing program reports and best practices guides is ideal.
- Commitment to equitable access, attainment, and outcomes in higher education.
- Individual must be a self-starter, who is able to problem-solver and take on a wide range of tasks to deliver results; collegial and professional manner; excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
Compensation and Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
- Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
- Flex Spending Accounts
- 403(b) Retirement Account
- Holiday Savings Plan
Salary Range: $57,000.00 – $63,000.00
Salary is commensurate with experience and will vary based on the geographical location.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
About UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, has been an engine of minority educational achievement for more than 70 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of black students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap between African Americans and other populations by increasing postsecondary access and success for students from underrepresented groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.