Research Assistant, Public/Private Ventures

Posted by on May 23, 2011

Research Assistant, Public/Private Ventures

Posted on: May 16, 2011

Public/Private Ventures
P/PV is a national nonprofit research organization that works to improve the lives of children, youth and families in high-poverty communities by making social programs more effective. We identify and examine gaps in programs designed to create opportunities for people in poverty. We use this knowledge to stimulate new program ideas, manage demonstration projects, conduct evaluations, and expand or replicate effective approaches. For more than three decades, we have applied this unique approach to a range of critical areas, particularly workforce development, youth development and criminal justice. We share our findings nationally to encourage more programs to adopt effective practices and to generate support for these practices from funders and policymakers. We have offices in New York, Philadelphia and Oakland, CA.

Primary Purpose of Position
The research assistant will support senior researchers in data collection and management, data analysis, reporting, field work and research-related administrative tasks. The research assistant will be expected to work on a number of research projects and evaluations in varied substantive areas, including prisoner reentry, workforce development, youth development and mentoring. This position will be based in our Philadelphia office.

Responsibilities
• Assisting with the development of surveys and site-visit protocols;
• Overseeing data collection and processing (including administering surveys, coding interviews and cleaning survey data);
• Assisting in the management of data collection efforts;
• Conducting on-site interviews with senior staff;
• Analyzing, synthesizing and summarizing data, including both qualitative and quantitative analysis of primary and secondary data;
• Assisting with preparation of reports and proposals;
• Creating data visualizations that optimize the use of information for diverse audiences, including program staff, funders and other stakeholders;
• Conducting data analyses and cleaning;
• Completing other research-related administrative tasks as needed; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Background
• Undergraduate degree;
• One year of experience with evaluation or social science research;
• Intermediate to expert knowledge of data management in Microsoft Access and Excel, including running queries, developing syntax, linking data and other tasks;
• Knowledge and experience with at least one statistical package (SPSS, STATA or SAS);
• Excellent oral, visual and written communication skills;
• Sound judgment and sensitivity in working with staff at community-based organizations, collaborative partners and program participants;
• Strong interpersonal and administrative skills;
• Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively;
• Ability to travel frequently (up to one week per month); and
• Fluent in Spanish (preferred).

Please email a cover letter and resume no later than June 10, 2011 to:

Meridith Polin
Public/Private Ventures
2000 Market Street, Suite 550
Philadelphia, PA 19103
mpolin@ppv.org

Working at P/PV
P/PV is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a full array of benefits that add value to a competitive compensation package. We provide excellent medical, dental and vision coverage; employee assistance programs; paid vacation, sick and personal time off; and generous holidays to ensure personal well-being. Retirement savings, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and flexible spending accounts help contribute to financial security. We also value professional development, offering tuition assistance and encouraging staff to pursue training and coursework to achieve their career goals.