Research Analyst

Research Analyst

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA's work is governed by our Code of Ethics. Read more here.

About the Position

The Research Analyst supports NASPA’s research strategy through data collection and analysis, project coordination, and knowledge dissemination. Reporting to the Director of Research and Strategy, this position contributes to research projects related to higher education practice, student success, and emerging issues impacting the student affairs profession.

The Research Analyst assists with data collection, data analysis, and supports creation of publications and presentations. They collaborate with NASPA staff, volunteer leaders, and external stakeholders to support the implementation and communication of high-quality research and contribute to elevating the member experience and advancing evidence-based practice.

Essential Responsibilities

Data Collection and Analysis

• Collect, organize, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources.
• Support interpretation of findings and development of actionable insights and recommendations.
• Assist in maintaining data integrity, documentation, and quality assurance processes.
• Conduct environmental scans and literature reviews to monitor emerging issues in higher education and student affairs.

Reporting and Knowledge Dissemination

• Contribute to the development of research briefs, blogs, reports, presentations, and other research deliverables.
• Create data visualizations to communicate findings effectively to multiple audiences.
• Assist with dissemination of research and strategic resources through conferences, webinars, publications, digital platforms, and other NASPA communications channels.
• Support preparation of grant reports and other project-related materials.

Project and Operational Support

• Assist with the design and implementation of research projects related to higher education and student affairs topics.
• Support project planning, coordination, timelines, and deliverables for research and strategic initiatives.
• Support management of research files, databases, and project resources.
• Assist the Director of Research and Strategy with the maintenance and continuous improvement of NASPA’s Graduate Program Directory, including ensuring the tool houses accurate and current information from graduate preparation program faculty.

Collaboration and Association Support

• Collaborate with NASPA staff, volunteer leaders, consultants, and external stakeholders on research and strategic initiatives.
• Assist the Director of Research and Strategy with the coordination of Faculty Council initiatives, including support with application process administration, data analysis, and impact communication efforts.
• Stay informed about current issues and emerging trends in higher education and student affairs.
• Assists with all-team projects and participates actively in staff meetings and projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of NASPA’s mission and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in higher education, social sciences, public policy, statistics, research methods, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of relevant professional experience in research, analytics, assessment, higher education, nonprofit, or related settings.
• Commitment to using research and data to identify barriers to student success and support evidence-based improvements in higher education
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design, and data analysis.
• Ability to synthesize information and communicate research findings clearly in written and visual formats.
  • Experience with research, statistical, survey, or visualization tools such as Stata, R, SPSS, Tableau, Qualtrics, Excel, or similar platforms preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize competing responsibilities, manage deadlines, and drive projects to completion in a fast-paced environment using project management tools such as Asana
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience incorporating the impacts on and perspectives of multiple communities in a decision-making process.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively within a largely virtual environment.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in higher education and student affairs preferred.

Reports To

Director of Research and Strategy

Employment Status:

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. NASPA does not initiate, extend or provide immigration or work visa sponsorship for employment.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $70,000-$75,000.

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

This position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states.

It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities for any work location outside of the Washington, D.C. office.

Travel

Occasional overnight travel to represent NASPA at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement

NASPA provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration:

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three References

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by July 10 will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.