Research Analyst/Senior Research Analyst

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Research Analyst/Senior Research Analyst

Department: Public Policy

Reports to: Director, Research

Direct Report(s): N/A

OVERVIEW

The Research Analyst/Senior Research Analyst supports the Public Policy department and the research efforts of the Academy on actuarially focused public policy issues under the direction of the Director of Research.

The Research Analyst/Senior Research Analyst will prepare research papers, white papers, issue briefs and other written communications on a variety of topics of importance to the Academy and its stakeholders. They will also provide ongoing support in the management of Academy research projects. This includes tracking project status; preparing for meetings, conference calls, and webinars; communicating with volunteers and with appropriate leaders within the Academy; and coordinating with internal and external partners.

The Research Analyst/Senior Research Analyst also works with the Director of Research in building and maintaining external relationships. This involves communication with external stakeholders and/or the presentation of research at meetings organized by external stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Supporting Research Infrastructure

• Assist Director of Research in coordinating, and facilitating research projects, by

o Developing and supporting a targeted research agenda to be accomplished through a combination of in-house research (both staff-driven and volunteer-driven), contracts, and partnerships.

o Providing project management to all research projects, coordinated with the efforts of other Department staff.

o Producing data driven or qualitative research, reports, and publications while ensuring that the work is of the highest quality and aligns appropriately with the project’s strategic goals.

o Working with Academy staff and public policy practice councils to develop potential research ideas.

• Maintain and adhere to public policy research project selection criteria, protocols for conduct of research, guidelines for engaging in experience studies, and policies governing collaborative public policy research efforts with other actuarial organizations and external stakeholders (i.e., consulting firms, academic institutions, research centers/think tanks)
• Maintain the Research Committee membership list, schedule calls, and prepare materials for Research Committee meetings.

Develop and Pursue Research

• With guidance and direction from the Director, support the production of objective, scientific analyses to offer actuarial perspectives on public policy issues for policymakers and other public policy stakeholders.
• Conduct background research and analysis to explore the feasibility of proposed projects.
• Conduct literature review on a research topic and summarize findings.
• Extract, collect and aggregate data across databases, information sources, survey responses, and other data sources while ensuring data quality.
• Using a wide variety of statistical techniques, describe and analyze relevant data, aiding in the drafting of written products.
• Support the presentation of work at actuarial and non-actuarial research meetings.
• Draft and edit research reports, memos, policy briefs, and other presentation of findings,
• Assist in the development of talking points and press releases.
• Collaborate with other staff to manage Academy review processes
• Develop summaries, infographics, and multi-media presentations.
• Maintain current knowledge of market developments and external research.
• The Senior Research Analyst will be expected to more independently, under the guidance of the Director,

o Produce and complete assigned research projects from initiation to publication, offering actuarial perspectives on public policy issues for policymakers and other public policy stakeholders.

o Extract, collect and aggregate data across databases, information sources, survey responses, and other data sources while ensuring data quality.

o After analyzing relevant data, interpret and summarize research findings to develop and publish written products.

o Present work at actuarial and non-actuarial research meetings.

o Write, edit, and publish research reports, white papers, issue briefs, comment letters, articles for peer-reviewed journals, and other presentations of findings,

External Engagement

• Build and maintain awareness of the Academy’s Public Policy Research by developing and maintaining relationships with

o Research staff at other actuarial organizations.

o Research staff at non-actuarial organizations regularly doing research adjacent to the Academy’s research.

o Staff at policymaking organizations relevant to Academy research.

Other duties as assigned

Travel Expectations: 10%

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Training in and experience with the collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative methods required, with experience carrying out applied statistical analysis strongly preferred.
• Ability to work with qualitative research methods as well as quantitative designs is required.
• Strong experience with Excel and some experience with SAS or R or other statistical software.
• Collaborative work effort with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated time and project management skills, including ability to meet multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of organization. Experience with policy issues in the financial services sector desirable. Familiarity with public policy issues dealing with economics, finance, or insurance a plus.
• Experience with project management tools, such as Asana, is preferred.
• Prior experience in developing and maintaining a network of academic and non-academic researchers, consultants, and research collaborators helpful.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree with a minimum of three years’ experience working with quantitative data and statistical analysis. Ph.D. degree in the social sciences (or a field related to the study of financial risk) with a minimum of three years’ experience working with quantitative data and statistical analysis preferred for the Senior Research Analyst role.

FLSA Classification: Exempt.

Salary Range: $ 73,000-$105,000