Research and Evaluation Specialist, Unemployment Insurance Integrity Center (REMOTE)

National Association of State Workforce Agencies



The Integrity Center is seeking a full-time Research and Evaluation Specialist to support its research and evaluation activities. The Research and Evaluation Specialist will report to, and support, the Director of Research and Evaluation in a broad range of activities including data analysis and visualizations, program assessments, survey development, project evaluation, report writing, and technical assistance tasks related to the Integrity Center’s efforts.


Background

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering the unemployment insurance (UI), veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.

Overview of Position

The Integrity Center is seeking a full-time Research and Evaluation Specialist to support its research and evaluation activities. The Research and Evaluation team is charged with evaluating the effectiveness of Integrity Center tasks and products, and individual state integrity strategies. The Research and Evaluation Specialist will report to, and support, the Director of Research and Evaluation in a broad range of activities including data analysis and visualizations, program assessments, survey development, project evaluation, report writing, and technical assistance tasks related to the Integrity Center’s efforts.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques to manage and analyze research and evaluation data
  • Participate in the design of research and evaluation studies
  • Facilitate focus groups and interviews (in-person and virtual)
  • Construct and clean datasets for both internal and project-related use
  • Manage small evaluation project tasks and activities
  • Produce PowerPoint presentations and various forms of data visualization, including tables, maps, and graphics
  • Support the preparation of technical procedures, site visit protocols, survey assessments, and reports
  • Write, compile, and edit assigned sections of evaluation reports and issue briefs
  • Format and review work products to ensure quality and consistency of content
  • Identify and review professional publications from various sources to extract and summarize information relevant to assigned project work
  • Prepare internal briefs and research summaries to provide overview of UI policy areas, including background information, leading current thinking, and policy proposals
  • Conduct administrative activities of projects including scheduling and participating in site visits for data collection purposes, project meetings, conference calls, and webinars
  • Other duties as assigned

Competencies and Skills

Required

  • Knowledge of general research and program evaluation principles
  • Advanced expertise in MS Office products
  • Candidates with research and evaluation experience are strongly preferred, especially those with knowledge of, or familiarity with, statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, R, NVivo, and/or Dedoose
  • Experience with data dashboard design and development using Tableau or other data visualization software
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative analytic skills
  • Strong writing and editing skills to prepare professional reports
  • Able to absorb and synthesize large amounts of information and data quickly
  • Discretion, creativity, maturity, and good judgment  Strong team-player able to work in a virtual collaborative environment, while also working independently on assigned tasks
  • Strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
  • Flexibility to take on new roles and responsibilities
  • Experience with Google Analytics a plus

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Program Evaluation, Economics, Public Policy, Data Science, or related field from an accredited college or university; master’s degree a plus

Relevant Experience

Required

  • Three+ years of related economics, public policy, data analytics, research, and/or program evaluation work experience

Job Details

Location: Remote/Telework position

Title: Research and Evaluation Specialist

Report To: Director, Research & Evaluation

Term: Full Time

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000, commensurate with education and experience

Benefits: NASWA offers competitive benefits including an exceptional health care package, 401(k), educational assistance, remote work stipend, plentiful time off, and other great options.

Travel Requirements: Three to five travel events in the United States (and possibly US territories).

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume that describes how the applicant meets the experience, knowledge, and skills above.

Candidates selected for interview will be asked to submit a writing sample. Application materials should be submitted via email to recruiting@naswa.org no later than November 8, 2024.

 

Background on UI Integrity Center

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Integrity Center (Integrity Center) is a partnership between NASWA and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Office of Unemployment Insurance that provides innovative tools, training, and support to states in their efforts to reduce improper payments and combat UI fraud.

The Integrity Center is tasked with developing a portal for data exchange and claim cross-matching efforts; an integrity training academy for state UI staff; a knowledge sharing platform to house UI and workforce-related resources; review and support services for states seeking assistance in improving their integrity programs; and support for states to use behavioral insights to address program challenges. To ensure the products and services offered by the Integrity Center meet state needs, the Integrity Center is committed to rigorously evaluating its services on a continuous basis.

 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
NASWA is an equal-opportunity employer. NASWA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, military status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by Federal or District of Columbia law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, hiring, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, compensation, and training opportunities.