MDRC is seeking an individual who is interested in combining his or her skills in social science research and in management. We are looking to hire an analyst or associate in our survey unit, which oversees a range of survey efforts, including surveys of low-income adults and children, individuals with significant health barriers, youth and young adults, ex-offenders, and teachers and education administrators. MDRC relies on established survey firms to administer these interviews. Our survey unit is involved in many facets of data collection, including selecting survey subcontractors, developing survey instruments, drawing samples, monitoring survey quality and response rates as well as costs, serving as the liaison between the MDRC research teams and the survey subcontractors, and, in some cases, programming the data received.
Responsibilities:
The Survey Unit Research/Management Analyst or Associate will focus on a range of substantive and organizational tasks across MDRC’s five policy areas. The new analyst will be a key member of the survey unit, work directly with project management teams, and report directly to the head of the Survey Unit. Duties include:
- Assist with the day-to-day management and monitoring of survey efforts and write memos summarizing survey management, budget, and work plan progress.
- Coordinate multiple requests for proposals (RFPs) and proposal efforts — write RFPs targeting survey subcontractors; coordinate and evaluate subcontractors’ submissions.
- Manage data collection, including Web, telephone, field, and mail methodologies.
- Monitor survey response rates.
- Assist in developing a system of tracking survey samples, contact information, data file delivery schedules, and changes in sample sizes.
- Monitor progress of survey efforts — ensure that survey subcontractors adhere to contracts and workplans; assist senior staff in preparing, revising, and monitoring survey budgets; track survey response rate goals and data file production timelines.
- Write professional reports and prepare accompanying exhibits summarizing various survey efforts suitable for OMB submissions and IRB applications.
- Work closely with project teams to develop survey instruments; participate in and coordinate the development, formatting, pretesting, and administration of survey instruments.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (preferred) in nonprofit management, public administration, public policy, survey methodology, sociology, psychology, economics, or a related field; 1-2 years of work experience preferred.
- Demonstrated interest in social policy research and management.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to multitask.
- Comfort working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of research methods, public policy, and social programs.
- Experience with Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel); experience with SAS programming preferred.
On-the-job training is provided; salary contingent upon experience. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
To apply:
Please mail, fax, or e-mail your résumé, cover letter, and writing sample to:
Human Resources Department
Survey Unit Research/Management Analyst or Associate [8002-01]
MDRC
16 East 34th Street, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10016
Fax: (212) 532-8453
E-mail:
jobs@mdrc.org
