Research Strategist

Who you are:

The Research Strategist performs complex research on postsecondary education and workforce related issues. Serves as a thought partner and engages with external groups including clients, potential clients, and various other stakeholders. Advances Trellis' profile within relevant industry circles through dissemination of research and participation in industry discussions. Coordinates recruitment and onboarding of higher education institutions in large-scale research projects.

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.

• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and client relations of higher education institutions across qualitative research projects, including student surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
• Work closely with management and relevant staff at institutions of higher education and with industry groups such as college associations.
• Develop project plans and timelines to ensure that recruitment goals are met.
• Develop, administer, and analyze surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
• Communicate complex research findings into concise, clear language with emphasis on practical implications for higher education and workforce development leaders and other external groups.
• 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.
• Draft research grant/contract proposals to secure financial support from government, foundations, and other organizations.

• Support studies outside of core knowledge base, including qualitative, quantitative, and policy.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external data policies including IRBs, CrushFTP, and records retention.
• Edit and provide quality control on research reports.
• Lead and manage standard research projects and staff for external and internal clients.
• 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 acquiring, organizing, interpreting, and displaying data.
• Work under general supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Respond to internal and external customer requests for ad hoc reports.
• Support other functions and responsibilities of the department.
• Interact with all levels of management.
• Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives.
• Assist with special projects, other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong project management skills.
• Strong client/customer service and public speaking skills.

• Excellent communicator and relationship manager with the ability to disseminate complex data.
• Writes clearly and displays research results in effective ways.
• Knowledge of issues facing college student progression to degree attainment and transition to the workforce.
• Ability to produce quantitative and/or qualitative research and execute research methodologies to address research questions and client needs.
• Ability to use qualitative and/or quantitative analytical tools such as MAXQDA, SAS, and MS Excel at an intermediate level.
• Ability to execute survey projects and use survey tools like Qualtrics.
• Proficiency in hypotheses formulation; 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).
• Strong writing skills including reports, presentations, grants, and proposals.
• Ability to travel, approximately 25%.
• Ability to work flexible hours with minimal notice.

Qualifications:

Education

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or social sciences, or related area.

Preferred:

• Graduate degree.

Experience

Required:

• Three (3) years of experience:

• Working in an educational, governmental, or nonprofit organization.

• Two (2) years of experience with survey research, qualitative analysis, or statistical programming 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 office with a 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.