Research Associate

Job Summary

The Research Associate leverages their problem-solving and qualitative analysis skills to inform client decision-making. This position is responsible for areas of client support to meet the agreed upon terms of contracts, which include, but are not limited to, coordinating meetings, conducting interviews and focus groups, and potential for some quantitative data analysis, and report writing. The Research Associate will work closely with the Senior Research and Evaluation Manager but will also be expected to work independently to accomplish the tasks set forth in a project plan. The Research Associate will have the opportunity to support research efforts that give our clients the information they need to be successful. While this position is largely focused on supporting clients, all Parlay team members contribute to internal activities related to operations and growth to help Parlay achieve its goals.

Our ideal candidate will be detail oriented, with a talent for finding themes and patterns when presented with large amounts of information. We welcome newer and more experienced researchers who share our belief that information and stakeholder input should help drive strategy. Enthusiasm for meeting new people and building relationships is a must. We are interested in candidates with experience using qualitative analysis software (e.g., MAXQDA, NVivo, ATLAS.ti) and an openness to learning new data visualization and analysis software programs. The person in this role will help to translate their analyses into findings that are interesting, actionable, and easily understood. Interest and experience with data visualization and communicating research to diverse audiences is a plus. The Research Associate will report to the Senior Research and Evaluation Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

Research Associate Responsibilities may include:

Driving Data-Informed Decision-Making.

• Conduct and synthesize existing knowledge from literature and other data sources for client use.
• Partner with Senior Research and Evaluation Manger to design data collection tools, instruments, and other research materials (e.g., surveys, interview/focus group guides, research protocols).
• Support survey programming and quality assurance activities (i.e., report proofing, survey testing, etc.),
• Conduct 1-1 interviews and assist with focus group facilitation.
• Engage clients in development and implementation of data collection services
• Manage, clean, and analyze client data – primarily qualitative with opportunities for quantitative analysis as needed.
• Report findings and results in accessible reports that have high client utilization.
• Coach clients in data interpretation and utilization, as needed.
• Implement and abide by data protection protocols.
• Develop templates and guides to streamline research services and create efficiencies.
• Complete trainings to develop and maintain competency in key research tools, including Survey Monkey, MAXQDA, Excel, PowerPoint, Calendly, and Rybbon.
• Grow expertise in research and evaluation by staying abreast of best practices and showing curiosity about emerging approaches.

Supporting Client Relationships.

• Participate in routine client meetings to advance project timelines and milestones.
• Communicate with client to schedule meetings, share meeting notes, solicit client input, etc.
• Manage project plans to ensure work is on schedule and meets contractual agreements and expectations as outlined in the scope of work.

Engaging and Growing Parlay

• Participate in routine team meetings including morning check-ins and weekly all-staff meetings.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to address challenges and creatively advance the Research & Evaluation (R&E) portfolio and broader company mission.
• Contribute to service design, standardization, and improvements.
• Comply with and uphold Parlay Consulting Firm policies, procedures, mission, values, and client confidentiality and respect for individual rights & dignity.
• Perform all duties in a professional manner, consistently presenting this image within the work environment and community.
• Maintain excellent communication with all team members with strong virtual collaboration.

Skills & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in human services, social sciences, or related field plus one year of experience with research and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of research and evaluation methods, including qualitative analysis.
• Experience designing or supporting research design and implementing that research.
• Ability to report complex research findings, including the use of simple charts and graphs.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and writing skills with ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks when there are competing demands.
• Demonstrated initiative; identifying and completing tasks independently; effectively exercising discretion and judgment in areas of responsibility; maintaining time and materials effectively, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Values teamwork. welcomes support & coaching and recognizes chances to collaborate.
• Comfort with working remotely through virtual platforms.
• Intermediate competence in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience with survey and qualitative analysis software strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Primary company work hours occur Monday through Friday, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Consistent daily work hours are preferred; some flexibility is possible.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
• This position is expected to regularly attend daily, weekly, and quarterly internal staff meetings.
• This role is currently a majority work-from-home position; consistent access to reliable Wi-Fi with sufficient bandwidth for videoconferencing is required.
• The company may open a local office in or near Omaha, Nebraska in the future. In that case, this position would have requirements for spending work hours in the office environment.
• Occasional local or regional travel may be necessary, including semi-regular trips to the home office in Omaha, Nebraska.
• Parlay Consulting Firm is a drug-free workplace and reserves the right to test employees for substance abuse.

Parlay Consulting Firm is an equal opportunity employer.

CLASSIFICATION: This position is classified as exempt under federal wage and hour law.