Research Analyst

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. Our primary focus areas are Education, Public Health, Economic Empowerment, and Criminal Justice.  Applicants may visit the website at www.cbcfinc.org, to view more information on CBCF programs and initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Analyst, under the direction of the Research Manager in the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR), will primarily be responsible for conducting, executing, and assisting with CPAR and NREI research and publishing deliverables. Currently, CPAR initiatives include Voter Engagement, Tech Equity, and Health Equity; NREI initiatives include Criminal Justice, Economic Equity, Education, and Health Equity. The Research Analyst will help identify opportunities for high-impact research projects, conduct research, and analyze data to help advance the CPAR research and policy agenda. They will be responsible for contributing to research design, implementation, and analysis. Candidates with interest in and/or experience with researching key and intersecting issues facing the global Black community are preferred.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to: Research Manager, CPAR
• Directly Supervises:  None
• Indirectly Supervises:  None
• Type of Supervision Received:  Minimal supervision
• Internal Relationships:  Close coordination with the President’s Office, Marketing & Communications Director, Strategic Events Director, NREI Program Manager, and CPAR leadership
• External Relationships: CPAR Partners, Journal Contributors

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Produce original research products, including reports, fact sheets, policy briefs, and op-eds, that support the mission of the CBCF;
• Perform literature reviews, manage, and analyze data, and conduct quantitative or qualitative research for CPAR initiatives using statistical tools and other research software.
• Conduct peer-review and fact-checking of research.
• Create and format tables, charts, maps, and data visualizations.
• Conduct rapid response research as needs arise.
• Track and measure impact of research deliverables.
• Work with CPAR Research Coordinator to assist the Marketing & Communications team with preparing, editing, and formatting CPAR publications such as news releases, reports, letters, infographics, briefing papers, op-eds, web content, and other publications (including the Journal for the Center for Policy Analysis and Research).
• Participate in planning process and implementation of CPAR research.
• Execute work assigned by CPAR team.
• Other research-related tasks as needed.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY/ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Incumbent must communicate with stakeholders on a national and local level to positively influence the effectiveness of CBCF in achieving its objectives. The Research Analyst must follow and adhere to federal, state, and local ethics laws, as well as CBCF policies governing conduct, in addition to performing their duties in an ethical, professional, and objective manner.

SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Knowledge: An advanced degree in social science, public policy, economic or community development, political science or a related field, or at least two years of experience conducting research and/or policy analysis; training in public policy a plus. 
2. Skills and Abilities: 
   • Ability to conduct quantitative research and policy analysis. Strong fluency with data science techniques, and advanced experience using R, Stata, Tableau or other comparable data analysis programs. Substantial experience in dataset management. Experience with qualitative research a plus.
   • Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to research, develop, evaluate, and track research projects.
   • Superior analytical, written, and oral communication skills; experience with writing and editing research/policy analysis publications and presenting findings.
   • General knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes.
   • Ability to build and maintain a high level of expertise on CPAR initiatives, including through analysis of data, bills, policy reports, laws and regulations, and knowledge of substantive scholarship on the global Black community.
   • Ability to engage in research through a racial equity approach.
   • Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in designing and implementing research and to communicate technical research findings and key takeaways to broad audiences. 
   • Ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision, think creatively, demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy in all work, plan for and demonstrate peer review process, and manage multiple priorities and projects under tight deadlines.
   • Ability to work well independently or as a team player within and across departments and with external partners.
   • Ability to give and receive feedback on draft written products and assist with data analysis.
   • Commitment to the mission and values of the CBCF.
3. Computer and Technical Proficiencies: Highly proficient skills in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and overall aptitude for technology and cloud-based software are required.
4. Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines, ability to work evening and weekend events and/or off-hours as needed. Some light travel may be required. Must work well under pressure and be able to manage simultaneous priorities and deliverables.

CBCF is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time. Qualified applicants only must forward a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, salary requirements and three professional references using CBCF’s online employment portal only.  Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  Position is open until filled.  No phone calls accepted.