Research Associate

Envision Resilience is a nonprofit organization that works to advance innovative city planning and design in the face of climate change through student and community partnerships. By connecting current and future professionals working across disciplines, the organization fosters opportunities for communities to approach complex challenges and inspires resilient climate solutions. Envision Resilience is part of the philanthropic organizations and initiatives created and funded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to work toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all.

Envision Resilience is seeking a Research Associate to support data collection, data analysis, design research; to collect, analyze and document key findings from design studio work to inform studio reports, papers and presentations. The Research Associate will collaborate and work closely with Design Studio and Community Engagement Managers on a variety of research projects that support Envision Resilience’s design studio programming and research and fellowship programming.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA THIS LINK: https://jobs.lever.co/schmidt-entities/901aba6d-1eda-442c-b6b8-cd2cda5e19d8

In supporting Envision Resilience’s design studio programming and research and fellowship programming, the Research Associate will be tasked with:

● Collecting and managing research data

● Performing statistical analysis

● Interpreting, synthesizing and documenting research findings

● Supporting the publication of research findings

● Contributing research to studio reports and publications

● Presenting research findings at conferences and seminars

● Staying updated on relevant research advancements in their field

• Drive reconnaissance work in each new community alongside early stakeholder outreach and engagement efforts
• Assemble appropriate materials to support the design studio teams i.e. GIS mapping and data, relevant reports and models, databases to inform semester research projects and design process
• Support internal platforms and design studio communications tool with Envision Resilience studio teams, faculty and students (like a Canvas or Wordpress site)
• Contribute and collaborate on the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Initiative (IKSI) with research to develop and update the IKSI Working Syllabus alongside the IKSI team
• Assist the Community Engagement Manager with the updating and maintaining of the Envision Resilience contacts and network database
• Developing analytics tools to gather feedback from faculty and students on each semester Challenge
• Assessing the Challenge’s analytics and advising the ER team on best practices with the website, social media, etc
  

• Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience that includes community-engaged research, working collaboratively and effectively with partners within higher education and in the public and nonprofit sectors
• Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative social science research and data analysis methods
• Basic competency in GIS programs and applications
• Basic competency CAD software used for design like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit is a plus
• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) a plus.
• Track record of execution, open-mindedness, continual learning, assessment, and improvement
• Data visualization/storytelling experience, preferred
• Experience in Program Evaluation research
• Experience in multi-faceted collaborations with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and tasks efficiently
• Strong skills in management, programmatic structure and process, documentation and assessment
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning and an interest in learning more about the specialized fields of arts and culture planning and architecture/landscape design
• Strong Competency of programs and applications including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, and other common applications.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment which may include several projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to generate enthusiasm among faculty, other university colleagues and practitioners in the field

Compensation and Benefits

Envision Resilience offers:

● A competitive salary and strong benefits package. The opportunity to help build a mission-driven organization and grow its impact.

● A dynamic, collaborative and forward-thinking team driven by ‘apocalyptic optimism.’

● A growing network of resilient practitioners, academics, students and community leaders

● Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainability, community resilience and project management.

● Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.

● Networking opportunities with industry experts and stakeholders.

● Travel to site required.

● Flexible work schedule.

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated, success in this role will require a research associate who possesses many of the professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences listed above.

Envision Resilience is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply