Senior Research Associate

Since 1979, Prosperity Now (formerly CFED) has been a persistent voice championing economic opportunity, innovating outside of and beyond existing systems to build power for all communities. We advance racial and ethnic economic justice by investing in bold new ideas, and we work deeply at both the grassroots and national level to impact the entire ecosystem. By setting goals for our economy and following through with targeted approaches based on need, we are equipped to drive forward and cement big structural solutions.

Summary

We are seeking a passionate, dedicated early- to mid-career Senior Research Associate to join our Applied Research team, which is currently composed of two economists and one sociologist/demographer. The successful candidate will be actively involved in various stages of research and development projects and will provide critical support to our research initiatives addressing the racial wealth divide.

Our work is multifaceted and rooted in thorough, evidence-based, and actionable research. Some projects that the Applied Research team spearheads include:

• The Prosperity Now Scorecard: A comprehensive resource featuring data on financial health and policy recommendations to help put everyone in our country on a path to prosperity.
• Thematic Reports, Briefs, and Factsheets: We produce various reports on critical topics related to the racial wealth divide, including analyses of disparities in wealth and net worth, entrepreneurship, access to good jobs, and homeownership rates by race/ethnicity.
• Racial Equity Tool: Our latest big project is the development of a new, regression-based racial equity tool. This innovative platform will allow users to explore state-by-state the drivers of racial and ethnic wealth inequalities and understand which policies are most likely to reduce these disparities.

Accountability: Reports to Director, Applied Research

Responsibilities

• Work on qualitative research projects that arise, like coordinating small-scale surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other methods of data collection. While the primary Applied Research Team’s focus is quantitative research, you will be shepherding qualitative projects that we sometimes get requests for.
• Play a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating research communications and training across different departments within the organization.
• You'll help ensure that all teams understand and can effectively use our research findings. This includes demonstrating the ethical use of data and best practices, interpreting research results accurately, and integrating insights into program design, advocacy efforts, and other areas of our work.
• Contribute to the production of research reports, blog posts, and other materials aimed at a diverse audience, including policymakers, community organizations, and the public. In general, we need someone to help us translate complex findings into understandable and usable information that can drive informed decision-making.
• Aid in the development of resources and materials to build organizational capacity for conducting and utilizing research, which includes user-friendly guides, workshops, and providing one-on-one support to staff members undertaking research initiatives.
• Engage in literature reviews, simple data cleaning, and preliminary data analysis.
• Support the team in advancing the development of tools and resources, including the new regression-based racial equity tool.
• Other duties as assigned
• Some travel required (10%)

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Public Policy, or a related field, that has a strong qualitative and basic quantitative research component, or equivalent years of experience.
• At least three years of experience in a research role, with a demonstrated history of contributing to qualitative and quantitative research projects, preferably related to economic disparities and ethnic/racial equity.
• Proficient competence in quantitative research methods is preferred to include experience with literature reviews, data cleaning, and preliminary data analysis.
• Proficiency with Excel and/or statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS, Stata) and data visualization tools is preferred.
• Strong writing skills are a must, with experience producing various types of content, from in-depth reports to accessible blog posts.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively within a team on research projects in a fast-paced work environment with quick turnaround requests.
• Candidates should demonstrate a deep commitment to the ethical conduct of research, including confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for research participants.
• Commitment to Prosperity Now’s mission of financial security, wealth, and prosperity for all.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and is 100% remote. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job description is subject to change at any time.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information. The employee frequently is required to remain in a stationary position and constantly operate computers and other office productivity machinery.

Travel: Periodic travel may be required to conferences and meetings.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Prosperity Now does not sponsor applicants for any kind of work visas.

Prosperity Now is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.? We believe that diversity of background and perspective are strengths, and seek to continue to grow a diverse, highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff. We encourage candidates from various backgrounds to apply.