Research & Evaluation Associate

Who is EMPath? 

Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) is a 200-year-old Boston-based nonprofit that transforms lives by partnering with families to move out of poverty and provides other organizations with the tools to do the same.   

 As a leading nonprofit innovator that combines direct services, a global learning network, robust research, and advocacy, we offer a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. 

We have an impactful role for someone passionate about managing data systems, crunching numbers, communicating insights, and empowering others to understand and use data.   

What will you be doing?  

This is a unique role for someone passionate about making a difference with data—join us!  

 As our Research & Evaluation Associate, you will:  

• Analyze program data - monitor data quality, clean datasets, calculate outputs and outcomes, uncover trends and insights, and provide data to inform decisions.   
• Communicate data findings - create and contribute to data visualizations, summaries, reports, and presentations.  
• Administer our participant data system - manage users, create/maintain forms and reports, provide technical assistance to staff, and encourage use of data for continuous learning.   
• Provide staff training on our participant data system - help staff across the organization access, manage, and understand how to use the data system through training and resources. 
• Support project management – work with members of the R&E team to execute cross-departmental data-related projects, driven by timeline-based tasks. 
• Engage in your own continuous learning and development – bring a sense of curiosity, desire to learn, and willingness to participate in formal and informal learning opportunities.   

What traits and skills do you need to be successful in this role? 

We are a nonprofit that leverages data to support the economic mobility of individuals and families living in poverty. Our approach to working with participants mirrors how we will approach reviewing applications: we acknowledge that learning, growth, and professional excellence can be achieved through countless paths. We recognize this diversity when evaluating applications, taking a holistic view of each candidate's journey. Our goal is to understand you as an individual and appreciate the unique strengths you would contribute to our work. We value your lived and professional experiences as vital components of your candidacy. Consider joining our team if you have: 

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field (evaluation, applied research, data analytics, social work, etc.); a bachelor’s degree and two to three years’ work experience in a related field or a master's degree in a related field is preferred. 
• Strong data analysis skills, including a solid foundational understanding of basic statistical concepts and/or experience using statistical analysis software such as Excel, R, STATA, or SPSS. 
• A commitment to using a data equity framework, and a DEI lens, throughout the data cycle. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, both formal and informal. 
• A “customer-service” orientation to supporting staff in their data and tech literacy. 
• Familiarity and comfort with technology to support data collection, analysis, and reporting. 
• Proven ability to work independently, set goals, and manage a timeline. 
• Excellent organizational skills, with a strong attention to detail. 
• A willingness to tackle new challenges with a growth mindset. 
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment. 
• Flexibility, self-motivation, enthusiasm, and a good sense of humor. 
• A commitment to supporting families of all backgrounds in their economic mobility journeys; knowledge of the experiences of and challenges faced by people in poverty, through lived experience and/or direct experience working with people in poverty, is highly preferred. 

The tools we use

• R Studio as our analysis tool; knowledge of R Studio and code management systems like Github is highly preferred, but not required. If you do not know R, you must be able and willing to learn. 
• Bonterra’s Impact Management system (formerly known as Social Solutions’ Apricot); while knowledge of Apricot specifically is not required, knowledge of and experience with a database and/or participant CRM, such as ETO or Salesforce is highly preferred. If you do not have experience with a data system, you must be able and willing to learn.  

This is a hybrid role. EMPath offers a four-day work week; two days in our Congress Street office, in Boston’s Seaport district, and two days remote. 

We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, and individuals from other underrepresented groups. Too often, highly qualified candidates from these communities do not apply for roles due to widespread systemic biases and inequities. We want you to know that your experiences and perspectives are invaluable—we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Together, we can create lasting positive change by ensuring our organization reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. 

Why EMPath?  

The meaningful work! The organization and your colleagues are committed to disrupting poverty and supporting families as they work towards their biggest goals. 

Collaborative team environment! You’ll join a team that values teamwork, and shares knowledge and ideas – all working towards shared goals for elevating the good work of the organization and the participants in our programs.

Work-life balance: 4-day work week. Hybrid office environment: 2 days in-office in our Boston Seaport office, 2 days remote. 4 weeks of paid time off & 10 paid holidays. 

Pay transparency: This role is budgeted for up to $65,000 annually.

EMPath is committed to recruiting, hiring, and sustaining a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexuality, age, disability, or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are a EEO/AA/ADA/ADEA employer based in Boston, Massachusetts.

If you are hired, we will require you to prove that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.

All offers of employment at EMPath are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.