Organization Overview:

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

Position Summary:

ARC seeks a highly organized and collaborative team player to join our Research and Evaluation Division as a Research Analyst [Planning] to provide support to the ARC Research and Evaluation team. Responsible for supporting the Director of Research and Evaluation with a variety of strategic planning, research, and evaluation assignments in support of ARC’s Strategic Investment Plan. This includes assistance with ARC’s 5-year strategic plan, collecting and analyzing data to monitor annual progress toward strategic plan goals and objectives, managing various planning and research assignments, and assistance with a variety of research, data and evaluation projects. The Research and Evaluation team conducts work, both internally and externally via commissioned contracts, to describe socioeconomic conditions in Appalachia, analyze economic development trends in Appalachia, understand geographic areas of need, and document and evaluate ARC’s programmatic investments. This information is used for ARC policy documents, workshops and events, press releases, research reports, evaluation studies, web site content, and other venues. This position reports to the Division Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Background and experience with community or strategic planning principles and methods.
• Workingknowledge of research methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and familiarity with statistics and social sciences (planning, economics, geography, sociology, etc.).
• Excellent writing skills for both technical and broad audiences.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent customer service communications, and ability to use a variety of software such as grants management applications, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience in collaborating with teams on research and evaluation projects focused on strategic and community planning projects.
• Proven experience with public speaking and public presentations for wide audiences.
• Adept knowledge of data collection and research analysis. Ability to summarize data into research findings for both technical and broad audiences.
• Solid demonstrated project management experience including the ability to develop and follow project timelines and deliverables.
• Core competencies: accountability, adaptability, collaboration, communication, critical analysis.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and bring an energetic and innovative approach to his or her work.
•  Bachelor's degree in regional and community planning, economic development, geography, public administration, or related fields.
• Two to four years of relevant experience.
• Successful completion (prior to hire) and maintenance of background security review.
• Ability to travel (~25%). If travel is needed, must maintain and possess a valid driver’s license.

Why ARC?

Great Benefits:ARC offers a collaborative work environment and a competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, commuting subsidy, professional development, and teleworking. This is not a federal position, however, if a federal employee is selected for this position and transfers without a break in service of more than three calendar days, he or she may be able to continue his or her retirement and life/health insurance benefits. ARC generally follows the General Schedule Salary Table of the Federal government. ARC’s grades denoted by “NF” are equivalent to the GS chart. This position is an NF-11 locality). This is a hybrid position located in Washington, DC and requires three “in-person” days in the office.

Strong Mission:Curious about the work we do at ARC? Read more about our newly released strategic plan, Appalachia Envisioned, to check out our goals for the next five years. Our team is dedicated to innovation, partnerships, and investments in the Appalachian Region to help achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. See our work in action at the Appalachia Envisioned Roadshow, where ARC is hitting the road to highlight those strategic goals and how Appalachia’s 13 states are working to achieve them. 

Equal Employment Policy
ARC is an equal employment opportunity employer and endeavors to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified applicants with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of ARC’s business. If an applicant believes he or she requires such assistance to complete the application or to participate in an interview, he or she should contact the Director, Human Resources. If an applicant has any questions or concerns, he or she should reach out to the Lisa Pansegrouw, Director, Human Resources at 202.884.7770 or at hr@arc.gov