Who You Are:

You care deeply about students and their families and want to support their success in college. You have a passion for influencing public policy and helping colleges maximize student success to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives. You want to learn more about higher education access, socio-economic mobility, human capital development, student debt and the relationship between personal finance and college success.

Who we are:

Trellis Company (https://www.trelliscompany.org/) is a nonprofit organization that offers resources to help students and families plan and prepare for college, learn the basics of money management, and repay their federal student loans. Trellis’ Research team supports the higher education community with multiple research publications that provide institutional leaders and policy makers a thorough understanding of student borrower behavior, successful default prevention practices, and the relationship between personal finance and college success.

Job Description:

The Research Analyst is responsible for executing and communicating complex analysis and insights to various stakeholders. You will help build scalable solutions for analysis projects while bringing data to life through effective visualizations and storytelling. You will develop research methodology as well as serve as a resource on statistics. You will build infrastructure for new research projects and coordinate with cross functional teams to devise and implement solutions that advance Trellis’ mission. Your findings will be presented at public forums. You will also support the drafting of policy papers for policymakers and education practitioners and support qualitative studies as needed. You will seek and execute research grants/contracts consistent with Trellis’ mission.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences, economics, statistics, or other related area. Graduate degree is strongly preferred.

Experience: The incumbent must have at least three years of experience (1) working in an educational, governmental, or financing related organization, and (2) conducting policy-relevant research. Programming in a statistical language in a research environment for two years is required with a strong preference for that language to be SAS. Preferred candidate will also have competency in programming using a second statistical language such as WP, STATA, SPSS. In addition, you will also need:

• Experience building statistical models, conducting data management, and developing reports with a preference for using SAS (e.g. Base SAS, PROC Report, PROC Logistics and SAS Macros).

• Deep understanding of statistical approaches to understanding human decision making such as regression and survival analysis

• Proficiency in formulation of hypotheses; development and implementation of hypothesis tests; survey research; sampling techniques, inferential statistics, qualitative research (e.g. focus group, structured interviews, user testing, coding and program evaluation)

• Experience with writing, procuring, and administering grant or contract funding.

• Knowledge of economics, policy development, and the legislative process are necessary.

Abilities:

• High intellectual curiosity, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts;

• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work efficiently;

• Team-player with a willingness to participate in team projects as a project lead and/or project support staff;

• Proven organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP.