Audience Research Analyst

**This position permits full telework but must be located in the Washington, DC or surrounding areas**

Overview

The Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs’ Research and Evaluation Unit (R/PPR/REU) is looking to add two Audience Research Analysts to their unit.

Responsibilities

• Develops integrated Audience Research approaches diplomacy practitioners in reaching the right audiences with the right messages and programs.
• Conducts formative research into audience needs and country context to guide the development of public diplomacy programs/campaigns and monitoring and evaluation of those programs/campaigns.
• Manages data on audiences and competitors, including from existing Audience Research, market research, and opinion polling.
• Analyzes gaps in available research, recommends the commission of new research, and oversees the execution of that research.
• Works with the IT development team to create customized interactive reports and dashboards for embassies abroad.
• Uses various analysis tools to understand and identify trends in major (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and specialized social media platforms and websites in general.
• Tracks trends in regional and global media and information environments including news provision and information circulation vis-a-vis foreign policy and public diplomacy.
• Assists government staff with development and review of contracting documents for the procurement of research services.
• Provides consultation to public diplomacy practitioners on how to use Audience Research to inform and improve programs that advance foreign policy objectives.
• Curates existing research from both USG and non-USG sources.
• Regularly presents results to public diplomacy practitioners, academics, and other interested parties through both formal and informal presentations.
• Looks for new trends and tools in audience data analysis and connects with equivalent governmental and non-governmental organizations and research entities to discover new methods and update best practices.
• Contributes to the development of training modules and courses for public diplomacy practitioners on how to use Audience Research tools. Conducts training for public diplomacy practitioners as part of a team.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required; a Master’s Degree or higher is preferred. Training should reflect training in qualitative or quantitative research methods. Training in the use of data visualization and social media analytics software preferred.
• Four or more years experience designing and managing Audience Research, market research, or opinion polling is required;
• Experience conducting research on one or more of the following topics: nation branding, strategic communication, product marketing, market research, public relations, political campaigns, trust, entertainment education, ICT for development, media effects, disinformation,, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, networks, trust, or public opinion.
• Experience collecting qualitative or quantitative data in foreign countries, including selecting, training or supervising local research teams; overseeing translation of instruments, protocols, and other research materials; and administering instruments in English (or other language, as necessary);
• Experience with Audience Research and/or opinion polling methods for large-scale initiatives, including identifying key metrics, establishing data collection processes, creating data curation, management and ethics practices; and creating reports;
• Experience with statistical analysis tools such as R or Stata, data visualization software, and/or social media research tools such as Trendkite, NodeXL, Crimson Hexagon (Brandwatch), Quid, Netbase, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud;
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, with milestones occurring over one to two years;
• Experience with traditional research methods, including but not limited to: surveys, focus group facilitation, content analysis, and textual analysis.
• Ability to approach problems analytically and holistically, considering the individual problem and the impact on the larger system;
• Ability to work on complex projects within a multidisciplinary team;
• Ability to work flexibly and efficiently in a rapidly changing environment, exercising a balance between research rigor and client needs;
• Demonstrate curiosity in continued learning and growth on the job;
• Openness to critique and feedback (including from other disciplines), curiosity to learn from a spectrum of perspectives, and experience or strong interest in collaborating closely with others; and,
• Ability to focus on and understand the needs of internal and external clients.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Science & Research Occupations: 4 years (Required)

Security clearance:

• Secret (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Washington, DC 20520: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20520