Research Analyst (2 positions)
Institute of Government
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
(position #R99579/R99580)
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) invites applications for two Research Analysts (#R99579/R99580) in its Institute of Government (IOG). These Research Analysts are full-time, non-tenure-track staff positions with responsibilities for supporting IOG initiatives and research. These positions provide opportunities to work with state and local governments and nonprofit organizations across a range of research opportunities (e.g., policy research, applied research, technical assistance, and report writing). Each position entails significant outreach and consulting responsibilities for a range of constituents on issues affecting state and local governments and nonprofit organizations.
Overview of Positions:
The Research Analyst must have the ability to conduct research projects and assist with grant writing for the IOG and community constituents. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the IOG’s public service outreach mission and is required to have experience with, or demonstrated ability to cultivate professional relations with state and local government professionals, nonprofit organization professionals, and community leaders. Candidates must possess superb interpersonal skills and have the ability to effectively manage key stakeholder relationships, as well as demonstrate capacity to work in a collaborative research environment and do so with a high degree of initiative; s/he must be able to work independently and have the ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks and projects. The successful candidate is expected to have quantitative and analytical skills, which can be demonstrated by experience or training in quantitative methods, and a proven ability to translate and convey research findings (orally and in writing) to both professional and lay audiences. For qualified applicants, there may be opportunities for teaching in the IOG’s MPA program.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Design, perform, and manage research projects and manage and analyze data as assigned.
Identify funding opportunities and write grant proposals relevant to the IOG’s mission.
Prepare and present research findings and summaries of other relevant research for internal and external audiences (i.e., academic, constituent, professional, and practitioner audiences); translate measurement issues into pragmatic, non-technical terms.
Develop, maintain, and sustain collaborative relationships with external organizations and IOG constituents.
Build strong working relationships with program staff, researchers, and IOG faculty, as well as establish important stakeholder relationships.
Respond to inquiries and requests for information about the IOG’s research and government and nonprofit policies and issues, as well as requests for research results and statistical information and analysis.
Provide leadership, technical assistance, and research support in sustaining the IOG’s mission.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Some overnight travel required.
Qualifications:
Candidates must have at least a Master’s degree in public administration or public policy (or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline, e.g., economics, planning, etc.) with five or more years of closely related experience. A DPA, or a Ph.D. in Public Administration, Political Science, or Public Policy is desired; applications from candidates who are ABD in Public Administration, Political Science, or Public Policy are invited as well. For candidates with educational qualifications beyond the master’s degree, a combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the five year experience requirement.
Actual work experience in a university research organization, or similar research setting, while not required, is preferred.
Knowledge of quantitative research methods, or equivalent experience in applied research/evaluation approaches as practiced by government and nonprofit agencies.
Experience in generating grants and/or securing professional service contracts is desired.
UALR is a metropolitan university of 13,000 students. The Institute of Government conducts research for and provides technical assistance to local and state government agencies and nonprofit organizations (see www.ualr.edu/iog for more information). In addition to the MPA program, the Institute of Government houses a Research & Outreach Division, a graduate certificate program in Nonprofit Management, a Survey Research Center, and professional certification programs in Volunteer Management and Public Management.
Send application materials to the Institute of Government, Research Analyst #R99579/R99580, attn: Ms. Jan Jackson, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Ross Hall 622, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. Applicants should submit: 1) letter of application that addresses relevant educational and work experience; 2) a vitae (with contact information for at least three references); and, 3) a statement of one’s philosophy or approach to this position (please include a url(s) for locating writing sample(s). Application materials can be submitted electronically; please submit materials to bjjackson@ualr.edu with ‘Research Analyst #R99579/R99580 application’ in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2011, and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively seeks the candidacy of women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. Persons hired must provide proof of legal authority to work in the United States. Under Arkansas law, all applications are subject to disclosure.
