Research & Development Specialist - Nonprofit Programs, Grants, Fundraising, or Community Impact - Remote

ImpactKits is seeking curious, thoughtful, and detail-oriented volunteers to join our Research & Kit Development team as Research Specialists/Associates.

In this role, you will help us better understand the needs of the communities we serve and strengthen the programs, resources, and care kits we develop. Research will inform real organizational decisions, from identifying unmet community needs to evaluating supplies and exploring opportunities to expand our impact.

Research topics may span local, national, and international communities. Depending on your interests and experience, you may contribute to areas such as:

• Community Needs Research: Investigate local and global challenges, underserved populations, humanitarian needs, and gaps in access to essential supplies.
• Kit & Product Development: Research products, compare supplies, evaluate kit contents, and recommend practical improvements to our care kits.
• Global & Regional Research: Explore international community needs, humanitarian initiatives, and opportunities for ImpactKits to expand its reach.
• Program Research & Development: Evaluate existing initiatives, identify promising approaches, and develop ideas and recommendations for new or improved programs.
• Grants & Funding Research: Identify grants, foundations, corporate giving programs, and other funding opportunities; research eligibility and application requirements.
• Fundraising & Partnerships Research: Identify potential donors, sponsors, corporate partners, and fundraising strategies, turning findings into actionable prospect lists and recommendations.
• Social Media & Communications Research: Examine digital trends, audience engagement, content strategies, and opportunities to strengthen our outreach.
• Technology & Innovation Research: Evaluate software, digital tools, and emerging technologies that could improve our operations, volunteer experience, and programs.
• Data & Strategic Analysis: Gather and analyze credible information, identify trends, and translate findings into reports, proposals, recommendations, and practical next steps.

You will work under the direction of the Director of Research & Kit Development and collaborate with other members of the team. Assignments will be based on organizational priorities, your interests, and your strengths.

Research should lead to action. Research Associates are expected to go beyond gathering information and help turn their findings into useful deliverables, recommendations, and actionable projects that support ImpactKits' work.

What You'll Do

• Conduct independent research using credible sources and relevant data.
• Organize, evaluate, and synthesize information into clear findings.
• Prepare research summaries, reports, and recommendations.
• Identify relevant statistics, studies, organizations, and resources.
• Collaborate with team members on ongoing research and development projects.
• Communicate progress, ask questions, and incorporate feedback.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applicants with a genuine interest in research, community needs, humanitarian issues, public service, or program development. You do not need formal professional research experience to apply.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Curiosity and an interest in understanding complex issues.
• Strong written communication and information-synthesis skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to evaluate sources critically.
• Organization, reliability, and the ability to manage assigned work independently.
• Willingness to learn, collaborate, and incorporate feedback.

Experience with academic research, data analysis, report writing, community research, or related work is helpful but not required.

Position Details

• Position Type: Volunteer
• Location: Remote
• Time Commitment: Approximately 5-10 hours per week; asynchronous collaboration.
• Supervisor: Director of Research & Kit Development
• Eligibility: Open to applicants in the United States and internationally. Applicants must have access to internet and a device to access digital services.

About ImpactKits

The ImpactKits Project is a student-led community initiative dedicated to making compassion actionable. We bring together students, businesses, schools, faith organizations, and community members to collect essential supplies, assemble care kits, and support individuals and families experiencing hardship.

Why Join ImpactKits?

This is an opportunity to contribute research that has a practical purpose. Your work can help us understand real community needs, make more informed decisions about the resources we provide, and develop programs that respond more effectively to people experiencing hardship.

You'll also gain experience in research, analytical writing, collaboration, and nonprofit program development while contributing to a student-led initiative working to make a difference.

The ImpactKits Project is committed to equal opportunity and providing an inclusive volunteer environment. We do not discriminate based on protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. View our Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, & Reasonable Accommodation Policy.