Social Science Researcher

The Social Science Researcher will support Opportunity@Work’s broad multidisciplinary research agenda on economic mobility. They will help conceptualize, design, and execute on our research project portfolio, collaborating closely with Opportunity@Work team members as well as our academic and research partners. Through this work, they will expand the scholarship on individuals who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) and economic opportunity. The Social Science Researcher will also play a role in making our findings understandable to a broader audience through data visualizations, reports, and presentations.

The ideal candidate will have past experience conducting social science research training on equality, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Additionally, they have previously translated research and data findings into formats that are consumable by a broad audience including academics, workforce practitioners, and companies. 

This person will report to the Senior Vice President of Insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Scope and execute a multidisciplinary research agenda on economic mobility and job pathways for STARs 
• Collaborate with team members and research partners on the conceptualization, design and execution of research projects, and ensure timely delivery of analyses and deliverables
• Communicate data findings to the Opportunity@Work team as well as our broader audience in business, the workforce field, academia, and public policy
• Develop and execute a plan for maintaining a community of researchers focused on foundational research on driving equity for STARs
• Support writing and execution of research grants

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• Inquisitive researcher of inequality with strong social science methods background. Survey methodology, and experience working with large datasets preferred
• Project management experience, with demonstrated ability to drive outcomes and meet deadlines on a broad range of fast-paced research projects
• Proactive self-starter who is capable of identifying and executing the necessary steps needed to advance qualitative and quantitative research
• Creative and collaborative problem-solver; comfort working through ambiguity to define priorities including other researchers on shared projects
• Clear communicator with ability to make complex data and concepts understandable to different audiences
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Passionate advocate for Opportunity@Work’s mission
• Familiarity with workforce planning, labor economics, or other research on economic opportunity is preferred a plus
• Experience leading a collaborative forum with social or private sector organizations a plus