The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy (Johnson Center) seeks to understand, strengthen, and advance philanthropy in order to create strong, inclusive communities. The center is seeking a Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary team of social science and information technology professionals. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) position located at our offices on the Pew Campus at GVSU, with the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule according to the GVSU flexible work arrangement policy (currently 2 days per week onsite).As a Research Associate, you will work on quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation projects and will produce a variety of written content for foundation, government, and nonprofit clients.The Research Associate (RA) is a key role ensuring the Johnson Center's work translates data and information to storytelling and decision support that helps advance the sector. The RA will work collaboratively with research managers, data analysts, web developers, project managers and other staff across the Johnson Center. In addition, the RA will support the research team in building relationships with current and potential clients, as well as assisting with project management, client communications, and preparing material for reports, workshops, presentations, and conferences. Key to the position is maintaining the highest standards of research quality and ethics, as well as the ability to manage a small portfolio of project assignments. The Research Associate will report to and regularly meet one-on-one with an assigned Research Manager who will work closely with you and support you regarding research, client engagement, project management, and analysis/writing. On-the-job training and professional development opportunities will be available and reflect the center's culture and values.Primary Duties:1. Conduct qualitative research (interviews, focus groups) and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data2. Implement research projects in collaboration with other team members3. Write reports for a variety of audiences (e.g., presentations, executive summaries, long form reports) for dissemination via various platforms4. Perform other duties as required/assigned by managerRequired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Demonstrated interest in studying some aspect of philanthropy (nonprofits, foundations, donors, or organizations that support one of those three audiences)
- Demonstrated interest in applied research and/or community work
- Ability to read, summarize, and synthesize large quantities of information
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong cultural competence, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
- Prior experience with electronic research methods (e.g., online journals and reports)
- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to work effectively as part of multiple teams
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Any four-year degree or more in a field related to philanthropy; justice; community, health, or social determinants of health; diversity, equity, or inclusion studies; evaluation; or policy research
- Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of both foundations and nonprofits
- One to three years' prior experience working in or with the philanthropic sector, government, or higher education
- Some prior experience in applied research and/or community work
- Experience collecting data through interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey responses; analyzing that data; and summarizing the results for both general and technical audiences
- Experience with advanced data collection and analysis software (e.g., R, Qualtrics, SAS, Tableau)
Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel may be required, mostly day trips to attend meetings/presentations within West Michigan.Campus: The Johnson Center is located on the Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are housed in the Bicycle Factory (BIK 200), which is close to Winter and Secchia Halls and the Seidman College of Business.Department/Division: Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy (Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence).Salary & Benefits: The salary range is $58,700-$65,000.Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, vision, dental, and life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver, effective on the date of hire.How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. Attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. Applicants selected for interviews may be required to submit official transcripts and the names and contact information of three professional references. If you have questions or need technical assistance, please call Human Resources at 616-###-####.Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on December 9, 2024, and the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-###-#### (out of State).Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.