Contract Data & Research Specialist

Proper Southern Strategies (PSS) is a woman-owned firm headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas that provides an array of services, such as strategic advice, grantee support, subject-matter expertise, and customized technical assistance.

Proper Southern Strategies is seeking a highly experienced, skilled, motivated, and entrepreneurial individual to serve as a contract Data & Research Specialist under the Connection Hub project. This position will support and lead the procurement of information related to nonprofits’ program designs and federal grant applications to ultimately strengthen the application.

The Data & Research Specialist will work closely with the Hub Navigator & Logistics Lead, Grant Writer Leads, and the Chief Technical Assistance Officer and will work under the coordination of the Chief Technical Assistance Officer.

Deliverables & Services

The contractor that will serve as a PSS’s Data & Research Specialist is specifically responsible for the following deliverables: 

• Support and navigate the development of data sets that support program design and strengthen responses to federal grant application questions.
• Study and familiarize yourself with each NOFA to help nonprofits meet request expectations and to understand the purpose and priorities of the grant opportunity.
• Meet with and understand the proposed programs and services of Hub nonprofit client organizations.
• Work with multiple nonprofit clients to understand their programs and efficiently source data to support proposal development for Hub pre-identified federal grant opportunities.
• Maintain positive working relationships with Hub clients, key points of contact, and other technical assistance providers.
• Be aware of and work in partnership to refer Hub clients to other technical assistance supports as needed.
• Coach nonprofits to build their capacity.
• Follow the nonprofit’s action plan as it relates to data needs.
• Must disclose any potential conflicts of interest with other Proper Southern Strategies clients.
• Sign a confidentiality agreement.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of databases and technology tools/software that can aid in federally compliant data collection.
• Knowledge and understanding of Arkansas data sources (census, American Community Survey, ALICE, Aspire, Department of Education, MySchoolInfo, etc.)
• Ability to be flexible and responsive when federal grant opportunities arise.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work with nonprofits of various sizes, capacity, and sophistication.
• Ability to be responsive and flexible to the needs of the nonprofits.
• Strong experience with and understanding of NOFAs.
• Experience working with nonprofits and/or government agencies.
• Ability to devote approximately 25 hours per month for up to 12 months.
• Fully vaccinated and able to show evidence as such.

Preferred Background & Skills

• Federal and state grant experience.
• Background in the nonprofit and/or government sector(s).

Location for Work & Term

The Data & Research Specialist will work remotely. Candidates must reside within the United States, preferably in the Central Standard Time Zone. Preference will be given to candidates located in Arkansas.

Compensation

This position will require approximately 25 hours per month on average for up to 12 months, dependent upon available federal grant opportunities. Some months will require minimal engagement, while others may be busier. Hourly rate will be based on experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume, a statement of interest, and proposed hourly rate to Sarah Ridgeway, sarah@propersouthernstrategies.com. Please reference the position title in the subject line of the email. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.