Research and Policy Analyst

The Research and Policy Analyst is responsible for conducting thorough research and analysis to support the development, evaluation, and implementation of Richmond Police Department policies, technology, and programs. This role works directly with senior leadership and takes the lead on collecting and analyzing data, generating reports, and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform policy decisions and strategic initiatives to support the Richmond Police Department.

Supervision Exercised/Received:

• Exercised: This classification typically does not supervise other employees but may serve as lead worker.
• Received: This classification typically reports to a Deputy Director, Director, or other supervisor. 
• Note: Other reporting relationships may apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting quantitative and qualitative research on various issues relevant to the organization 
• Designing and implementing surveys, interviews, and other data collection methods
• Analyzing statistical data
• Preparing comprehensive reports, strategic planning documents, and/or policy papers
• Researching and reviewing existing best practices, policies, legislation, and regulations related to key policy areas
• Evaluating the effectiveness and impact of current policies and programs
• Identifying trends, issues, opportunities, and funding resources related to key policy areas
• Preparing presentations and communicating findings to stakeholders, including policymakers, senior management, and the public
• Translating complex data into accessible and actionable insights and recommendations
• Working in partnership with internal teams, government agencies, and external stakeholders to coordinate essential programming, manage collaborative projects and promote regional collaboration 
• Organizing and participating in meetings, focus groups, and workshops
• Providing recommendations based on research findings and best practices identified
• Monitoring and assessing the impact of policy changes and legislative impacts and recommend adjustments, as needed
• Manage research projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of results
• Maintaining and organizing research findings and documentation
• Contributing to the development of research methodologies and tools

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field
• 2-5 years of experience in research and evaluation, policy analysis, strategic planning, project management, or a related field

• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Policy analysis
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to area of interest
• Ethical research practices 

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata) and data analysis tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly
• Strong organizational and project management skills

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Problem-solve and be detail oriented
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to regularly finger, talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions; frequently walk; and occasionally stoop, reach, stand, push, pull, lift, grasp, and feel. The working conditions may contain environmental hazards. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.

Salary : $70,122 - $109,963