Junior Research Analyst

$57,000 - $60,000/Yr

Unclassified - Washington, DC

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Washington, DC

About the position

About AAU Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU helps shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation, promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education, and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society. The Opportunity AAU is excited to announce an opening for a Junior Research Analyst who will report to AAU's Director of Research and work with other members of the research team to gather and analyze data to provide strategic insights into public opinion on higher education issues. Responsibilities include assisting in survey research processes such as design, execution, analysis, and presentation. The Junior Research Analyst will facilitate survey projects, collaborate with stakeholders and vendors, draft survey instruments, and help manage data processing systems. They will also develop data visualizations and integrate research data into AAU's advocacy efforts. The Junior Research Analyst will draft communications on research findings, monitor and implement methodological trends, and contribute to methodological decisions. Additionally, they will deliver presentations to various audiences and assist in maintaining research timelines and project schedules. This role is well-suited for a driven entry-level applicant looking to forge a career in public opinion research and public policy. This position operates primarily out of AAU's DC office but permits a professional hybrid office environment allowing eligible staff to telecommute up to 2 days a week after completing 90 days of employment. This position is classified as salaried and exempt.

Responsibilities

• Assist in survey research processes including design, execution, analysis, and presentation.
• Facilitate survey projects and collaborate with stakeholders and vendors.
• Draft survey instruments and help manage data processing systems.
• Develop data visualizations and integrate research data into AAU's advocacy efforts.
• Draft communications on research findings and monitor methodological trends.
• Contribute to methodological decisions and deliver presentations to various audiences.
• Assist in maintaining research timelines and project schedules.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent of education and experiences.
• 0-2 years of research and/or data analysis experience at a university, communications agency, nonprofit, political campaign, or corporate entity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including analyzing data and using formulas in Excel, drafting documents in Word, and creating PowerPoint presentations.
• Experience working with surveys and analyzing survey data, including knowledge of statistical software packages (R, SPSS, STATA, etc.).
• Proven data visualization skills.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with the elements of the research process.
• Proven writing abilities and communication skills, including with non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage competing demands, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and adjust to changes.
• Ability to work both alone and as a member of a team.
• Trustworthiness with sensitive information.
• Supportive of an environment that fosters teamwork, cooperation, respect, and appreciation for diversity.
• Upholds AAU's organizational values.
• Works with integrity and ethically; must follow AAU's policies and procedures.
• Is intellectually curious, organized, timely, communicative, and reliable.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in higher education or at a research university.

Benefits

• Commuter assistance
• Paid parental leave
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance