Research Associate I - Trellis Company

You are one who can perform complex research on public policy issues, specifically related to college affordability, student financial wellness, student success, basic needs security, workforce transitions, and enrollment management. You design and conduct focus groups and interviews to gather valuable insights from key populations. Engages with external groups and works to raise Trellis Strategies' profile with relevant clients and stakeholders. Leads small- to medium-scale survey projects and contributes to other research initiatives.

Who we are:

Trellis Strategies is an experienced research partner dedicated to advancing education and workforce development. With nearly 40 years of expertise, we specialize in qualitative and quantitative research services, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and case studies. Our proficiency in qualitative research and quantitative analyses enables us to extract insights from extensive datasets, guiding strategic decision-making in areas such as student success and outcomes.

Our expertise extends to diverse fields including data analysis, market research, policy analysis, and more. We address topics such as adult learners, student finances, and institutional effectiveness. Trellis Strategies offers a collaborative approach to data-driven decisions, contributing to positive transformations in education and workforce development.

Location:

The position is remote.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The position incumbent is expected to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities of the position with reasonable accommodation.

• Work closely with management at institutions of higher education and with industry groups like college associations.
• Develop, administer, and analyze surveys including leading projects and contributing to other projects.
• Develop and execute interview and focus group protocols, communication campaigns, recruitment materials, and coding schemes for qualitative research projects.
• Communicate research findings into concise, clear language with emphasis on practical implications for higher education and workforce development leaders, as well as other external groups.
• Edit and provide quality control on team reports.
• Craft dashboards, reports, and PowerPoint presentations to communicate complex research findings.
• Write research grant/contract proposals at the request of Trellis management.
• Build scalable solutions for projects, including infrastructure for economical production of reports and research deliverables.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to devise and implement solutions that advance Trellis' mission.
• Support studies outside of core knowledge base (qualitative / quantitative) as needed.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external data policies including IRBs, CrushFTP (our secure file transfer system), and records retention.
• Lead and manage standard research projects and staff for external and internal clients, as needed.
• Participate in training and other learning opportunities to ensure compliance and expand knowledge of company, position, and process.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with how to acquire, organize, interpret, and display information.
• Work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Respond to internal and external customer requests for ad hoc reports.
• Contribute to small, informal research teams to carry out research objectives.
• Must be available to work flexible hours.
• Support other functions and responsibilities of the department.
• Interact with all levels of management, as necessary.
• Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Write clearly and displays research results in effective ways.
• Knowledge of qualitative research methodology and ability to execute these methods to address research questions and client needs.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to use qualitative and/or quantitative analytical tools such as MAXQDA, SAS, Qualtrics, and MS Excel.
• Ability to execute survey projects and use survey tools like Qualtrics.
• Proficiency in formulation of hypotheses; development and implementation of hypothesis tests; survey research; sampling techniques, inferential statistics, qualitative research (e.g., focus group, structured interviews, user testing, coding, and program evaluation).
• Knowledge of issues facing college students as they progress to degree attainment and transition to the workforce.
• Client/customer service and public speaking.
• Strong writing skills including reports, presentations, grants, and proposals.
• Ability to work flexible hours with minimal notice.
• Assist with special projects, other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, economics, statistics, or other related area.

• Graduate degree in social sciences, economics, statistics, or other related area.

Experience

Required:

• Three (3) years of experience:
• Working in an educational, governmental, or nonprofit organization.
• Conducting policy-relevant research.
• Using MS Excel.
• Three (3) years of experience with survey research or qualitative analysis in a research environment.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Occasionally must move about inside the office.
• Occasionally may provide presentations and services to internal and external contacts in a variety of business and work settings.
• Repetitive motion. Regularly operates a computer, phone, and general office equipment.
• Regularly required to handle, feel, grasp objects, and reach across a work area.
• Regularly communicates with other employees and on the phone, virtually, or in person with clients. Regularly converse with internal and external contacts.
• Visual acuity. Regularly must have close visual acuity to view and enter information into computer and software systems, analyze data, develop presentations and reports, and other materials.
• Mental focus. Requires worker to maintain focus and exchange detailed and accurate information through oral and written communication.

Work Environment:

• Work may be conducted remotely or in an open office with a surrounding small cubicle environment.

• Office work environment is climate controlled with no substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP.