POSITION SUMMARY
(Eligible for Hybrid/ 3 days in office - Alexandria, VA)
The Research Manager is an exciting opportunity to join the United Way Worldwide Research & Insights team to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and delivery of analytical insights to advance the impact, relevance, and sustainability of United Way Worldwide and the global United Way Network. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and highly organized with a strong attention to detail and the flexibility to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. Candidates should be ready to contribute to the growth of philanthropy and volunteerism in the United States and around the world, in alignment with United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good.
As a Research Manager at United Way Worldwide, the position is responsible for collaborating with process managers, subject-matter experts, and community leaders around the world. Key aspects of the role include listening to requests for research and analysis, identifying existing datasets and information, and sharing/presenting knowledge to help teams make informed decisions. This role requires expertise with at least one type of data and analysis (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, geospatial) and familiarity with the range of data and information commonly used by nonprofit organizations, civil society, and the non-governmental sector.
Reporting to the Director of Research, the Research Manager is a member of the Global Network Advancement Team, which is charged with stewarding the success of 1,100 local United Ways across 34 countries through learning and development, impact strategies, research and insights, and coaching to ensure that every United Way is best able to meet the needs of the local communities it serves.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION
This individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below at a satisfactory level:
- Support implementation of relevant research studies and research priorities.
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and responsibilities for key research initiatives and projects related to Network staffing, operations, revenue, and impact.
- Conduct regular reviews of established research (e.g. academic journals), institutional reports, community needs assessments, government publications, and related scholarly and professional literature.
- Participate in key aspects of data collection, cleaning, and processing: survey collection, data entry, interviews, focus groups, customer feedback, observation, maintaining research logs, and qualitative/quantitative analysis.
- Provide regular analysis and actionable insights to drive UWW and UW Network impact, relevance, and sustainability.
- Prepare and present research results to internal and external audiences, including senior management, industry experts, and potential supporters.
- Regularly respond to Ask United Way requests for research and analysis from UWW, the UW Network, and external stakeholders.
- Other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, geography, sociology, psychology, engineering, anthropology, computer science, public health, development studies, political science, a related field, or commensurate experience.
- Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working with geospatial, qualitative, or quantitative data in a corporate or nonprofit environment. User experience, user interaction, and service design experience preferred but not required.
- Experience and familiarity using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Experience in creating data visualizations and/or with data storytelling is preferred.
- Experience in providing research or knowledge management support to meet the needs of the various functional groups or departments.
- Familiarity with leading providers of data and insights including data sources, analytical tools, and organizations.
- Demonstrated and excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
- Work collaboratively with all staff and volunteers in a diverse environment to produce high-quality quantitative and qualitative data and analysis.
- Mastery of all Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access.
- Familiarity with data visualization platforms or services, including Power BI, Tableau, R, Python packages, or similar data visualization tools.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. You should be able to work on-site in the Alexandria, VA location; relocation assistance is not offered.
COMPETENCIES
An individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies at a satisfactory level:
Accountability/Results Orientation - Articulates and communicates work goals and objectives, as well as expected work results. Accepts responsibility for the outcomes achieved. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and stature to the extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWW’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness. If People Leader, is accountable for the work results and performance to budget of an assigned department, as well as the effective and efficient utilization of UWW resources (human, financial, and capital); establishes work quality standards for assigned teams in order to help ensure the attainment of departmental goals and objectives.
Decision-Making/Risk-Taking - Weighs the pros and cons of available options and makes sound departmental decisions. Seeks input from team leaders on the potential impact of decisions on their ability to effectively achieve desired outcomes/results. Identifies and communicates departmental/organizational tactics, challenges and opportunities. Encourages responsible risk-taking.
Teamwork Collaboration - Active contributor to group change initiatives and serves as a change agent. Supports and motivates others to contribute which in turn helps build a cohesive and diverse department. If People Leader, determines the composition of teams required to accomplish departmental goals and objectives; provides direction and clarity around goal priorities to empower work departments to be effective in collaborating to meet established departmental goals and objectives.
Relationship Management - Embodies and promotes UWW's values and guiding principles. Promotes a "win-win" philosophy in dealing with others. Serves as a role model in dealing with others to accomplish organizational goals and objectives. Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to achieve strategic direction. Able to manage and sustain key relationships to benefit the United Way Network and/or UWW. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.
Communications - Expresses ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. Is persuasive and influences others. Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives. Seeks input and feedback on individual, team and departmental performance and environment. Supports openness.
Innovation/Creativity - Shares a deep commitment to the UW vision. Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity. Acknowledges and champions the efforts of others to "think outside the box.” Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect local United Ways, UWW and/or the non-profit sector. Demonstrates ability to analyze information and translate into specific, effective action/solutions.
ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE
United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.
United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail recruitment@uww.unitedway.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.
We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.
United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.
