F/T - Research Associate - Foundation Center

THE FOUNDATION CENTER, founded in 1956, is the nation's leading authority on philanthropy and is dedicated to serving grantseekers, grantmakers, researchers, policymakers, the media, and the general public. Our organization’s mission is to strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy. Our vision is a world enriched by the effective allocation of philanthropic resources, informed public discourse about philanthropy, and broad understanding of the contributions of nonprofit activity to civil society.

Our research department analyzes and interprets a wealth of data on foundations and corporations and their giving to fulfill our core mission of advancing knowledge about institutional philanthropy in the United States and globally. Stakeholders in the field and the broader public rely on our research to learn about current trends and gain insights into patterns of grantmaking activity over time.

JOB TITLE: Research Associate

REPORTS TO: Director of Research

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for maintaining databases and generating statistical analyses for research projects examining all aspects of U.S. foundation and corporate philanthropy, from domestic and international grantmaking priorities, to operating characteristics and expenses, to diversity in staffing, board composition, and giving. Develops and implements online surveys. Assists in the production of reports and other research products.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conducts SAS-based data analyses for Research Institute reports, ad hoc projects, and outside clients; responsibilities include—but are not necessarily limited to—scheduling, programming, and formatting statistical tables and charts.

Creates online versions of Research Institute surveys for grantmaker panel and special project reports and coordinates data downloads.

Coordinates the maintenance and annual updating of the foundation expenses database and generates statistical tables and charts for related reports.

Supports Research Institute staff in producing reports and fact sheets, assembling databases, conducting trend analyses, and preparing reports—including writing, proofreading, and coordination of production

Prepares PowerPoint slides, handouts, and other presentation materials.

Assists in responding to research requests from the media, grantmakers, researchers, and other clients.

Represents the department on selected internal task forces.

Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Additional Qualifications:
Knowledge: MPA or MA preferred, preferably in a social science field such as sociology or economics. Training in statistics and research methods required. Familiarity with U.S. foundation/philanthropic field is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of 2 to 3 years of research-related work after college in positions of increasing responsibility. Sufficient, relevant work experience may substitute partially for an advanced degree. Experience conducting data analyses using SAS, analyzing quantitative data, and preparing research reports required.

Skills and abilities: Detailed knowledge of statistical, spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software, including proficiency in chartmaking; ability to work with large data sets; strong organizational and planning skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines; excellent analytical and report writing skills; ability to communicate effectively with staff in other departments and with clients and partner organizations. Candidate must work well independently as well as in a team environment and have good interpersonal skills and the collegial attitude required in a small department.
How to Apply:
PLEASE SEND RESUME AND SALARY REQUIREMENTS TO:

HR Manager
The Foundation Center
79 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10003

E-mail: jobs@foundationcenter.org (Please put the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line)

Do not telephone

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

For more information on positions available at the Foundation Center please visit our website: http://foundationcenter.org/about/jobs/

The Foundation Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Originally posted on idealist.org