Volunteer In Research Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services.

Position: Research Analyst (Temporary)

Division/Office: Office of Business Development and Asset Management

Bulletin No: 0162026

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000 Commensurate with Experience

Opening Date: June 3, 2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

First Source: N/A

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The Research Analyst will complete a 12-month research project in the District of Columbia that will employ a variety of research methods to produce the 2027 DC Community Needs Assessment. The candidate will primarily conduct comprehensive, quantitative and qualitative research, review of literature, and data analyses, among other duties. This is a temporary, one-year position with the possibility of extension or permanence.

CRITICAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Produce UPO’s District of Columbia Triennial Community Needs Assessment

Develop and implement a 12-month data gathering and assessment plan to complete a comprehensive, city-wide needs assessment survey including, but not limited to, analysis of quantitative (surveys) and qualitative data (focus groups/targeted interviews), literature reviews, community asset mapping, and case studies, etc. Author the needs assessment adhering to prevailing standards of writing, citation, and ethical use of sources. Coordinate with the Director of Business Development and Asset Management to execute a workplan to complete the needs assessment. Coordinate with UPO inter-office staff to analyze qualitative and quantitative data and other information. Prepare presentations for reporting to UPO leadership, board members, and general public relative to findings of the needs assessment. Recommend priority areas for strategic program development responsive to the needs assessment. Support UPO staff, volunteers, and interns engaged in the needs assessment process.

Routinely collect, analyze, and present relevant information and data that inform strategic decisions.

Perform analyses on US Census data relevant to low-income communities. Support business development efforts by conducting thorough research requested by executive leadership that influence strategic decision making. Support the organization’s grant development function by drafting research and developing content needed for grant proposals, when needed. Support post-award reporting of grant-funded programs, when needed. Provide the office with administrative support including obtaining financial and grants management reports, tracking rental data, and liaising on special projects. Work with third-party consultants to gather information to inform special reports and studies.

Core Competencies:

TIME MANAGEMENT: Works well in meeting tight deadlines.

COMMUNICATION: Excellent verbal and written communication skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Data Science, Human Development, English, or related field. Experience working with data analysis tools (e.g., R, Question Pro, Qualtrics, NVivo, GIS, Power BI etc.) Experience conducting primary and secondary research. Experience working on concurrent projects in a cross-functional environment. Experience converting qualitative and quantitative information into clear narratives and visually compelling presentations accessible to multiple audiences. Excellent writing ability with flexibility in writing in a variety of domains. Demonstrated experience utilizing methodology concepts for analysis and brief findings. At least two years of quantitative or statistical analysis experience including academic, professional, and voluntary. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree preferred in English, Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Data Science, Human Development, or related field. Experience in GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) platform, conducting place-based data analyses and visualizations is a plus. Experience with data visualization tools is preferred. Experience programming in a variety of complex and comprehensive data statistical platforms. Experience writing private and government grants. Advanced statistical knowledge (e.g., descriptive statistics including means, frequencies, regressions, etc.). Able to design and conduct interviews, focus groups, and analyze qualitative data.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

This position IS Not covered by the collective bargaining agreement with the CWA union.

POSITION ELIGIBLE FOR

WORKING REMOTELY: NO

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Temporary (one year with possible conversion to permanent) Full Time, Regular (37.5 Hour Workweek)

This position is Temporary and will end 9/1/2027

Competitive Benefits:

To be considered for this position:

Please submit your cover letter and resume online to the Career Center

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer