What are the responsibilities and job description for the United Way of Greater Charlotte - Research Associate position at United Way of Greater Charlotte?
United Way of Greater Charlotte is committed to having a workforce that reflects our entire community. United Way opposes racism and oppression in all its forms and believes the nonprofit work environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with ideas come together to achieve common goals. United Way understands that diverse representation and perspectives are vital to our success.
United Neighborhoods, is a place-based, holistic, two-generation strategy that focuses on changing the odds in Charlotte's most underinvested neighborhoods through comprehensive, resident-driven neighborhood revitalization so that children and families can achieve economic mobility. Unlike other community-level interventions, United Neighborhoods relies on neighborhood residents to express their vision for their neighborhood, rather than outside decision-makers dictating what is best for a neighborhood. This model also utilizes community-based organizations with strong ties to the community to help connect residents to resources they identify as essential.
United Way is seeking a Research Associate (RA) to join United Way's Community Impact team on a temporary basis (6 months). The RA will work independently and as a member of a team to support analyses and report writing related to an ongoing study of underinvested neighborhoods that UN supports. Tasks include compiling, cleaning, validating, and analyzing data; as well as designing and producing charts, graphs, briefs, presentations, and reports that describe and interpret findings related to the study. The RA will be committed to delivering high-impact and actionable research and evaluation that informs, guides, and influences practice focused on improving the well-being and economic mobility of individuals and families living in some of Charlotte's historically disinvested neighborhoods.
An ideal candidate would have strong quantitative and qualitative skills, prior experience in community[1]based participatory research, and experience with larger scale research projects that involve evaluation design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination. This role is flexible and can be part-time, at least 20 hours, and up to 29 hours if of interest to the candidate.
Accountability and Responsibilities
- Conduct data cleaning, validation, and transformation to ensure accuracy and integrity of datasets from diverse sources
- Perform statistical analyses and data modeling (e.g., ANOVAs, regressions, descriptive statistics) to uncover trends, insights, and actionable recommendations
- Develop and maintain detailed documentation of data processes, methodologies, and results to support transparency and reproducibility
- Create visually compelling and accessible data visualizations and reports tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences
- Support efforts to synthesize, and present research to inform initiatives and educate various constituencies about key community issues, while ensuring research is accessible to all community stakeholders
- Proactively serve as "translator" among multiple stakeholder groups, bridging the gap between research and practice
- Centers racial justice and equity in measurement and evaluation efforts
- Works closely with representatives from the neighborhoods, nonprofit sector, and local government to ensure that all voices and perspectives are incorporated into the execution of evaluation efforts related to United Neighborhoods
- Collaborates with United Way staff to effectively communicate results and enhance story-telling both internally and externally
- Serves as a proactive and contributing member to the United Way team, performing duties and providing support outside of the functions listed above
- Represents United Way in local and national meetings on issues relating to data, measurement, and evaluation as necessary
Equity & Inclusion
Workplace values