WTOP: 5 ways nonprofits can…
Nonprofit HR was retained by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a national association of social work education programs and individuals that ensures and enhances the quality of social work education for a professional practice that promotes individual, family, and community well-being, and social and economic justice for the search of a results-oriented and analytically focused Research Specialist. Learn more about CSWE.
CSWE pursues this mission in higher education by setting and maintaining national accreditation standards for baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in social work, promoting faculty development, engaging in interprofessional and international collaborations, and advocating for social work education and research.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Research Specialist strengthens the position of social work within higher education, the national political environment, and the perception of the public by conducting and disseminating research. Additionally, the Research Specialist supports the strategic goal of ensuring the quality and sustainability of social work education through the accreditation of baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, research, and responsive faculty development.
The Research Specialist provides administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of research projects aligned with the Council’s strategic plan, member interests, and industry trends. This position actively contributes to charting the research strategy and the core activities associated with future strategic initiatives and the President and CEO, Vice President of Education and Director, Educational Initiatives & Research. Working in concert with all other CSWE departments, the Research Specialist will ensure that programming aligns with other initiatives and the strategic plan of CSWE.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and conduct research that supports the Council’s priorities as outlined in the strategic plan
- Expand Council’s current research to include enrollment trends, graduate outcomes, educational topics, etc.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Commission on Research
- Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to manage, design, and implement research projects and initiatives
- Manage research projects from inception to dissemination including gathering, cleaning, managing, and analyzing large datasets
- Serve as the central resource and repository for social work education research
- Identify what is driving and shaping trends or developments in social work education and provides assessment for the implications
- Present data, research and evaluation findings into narrative and formats easily understood by target audiences including presentations, publications, data dashboards, policy briefs or white papers with actionable insights
- Consult with internal departments on program assessments to determine implications and recommend modifications to improve program effectiveness
- Work with Communications and Marketing team and designers to develop content for marketing channels—print collateral, e-mail, website, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIRED:
- Master’s or doctoral degree and 5 years of research or data collection experience (MSW preferred)
- An in-depth understanding of all phases of research is required. Experienced at conducting both qualitative and quantitative research and developing survey instruments
- Interest or experience in a variety of social work education or higher education research issues preferred
- Must be able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting. Ability to establish and manage relationships with external organizations to facilitate data collection
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and statistical techniques and tools (e.g., SPSS, relational databases, Excel, Tableau)
- Experience with an online survey system (e.g., Zarca,) and with software/online systems for creating a graphical display of information
- Ability to explain the significance of data and trends to senior leaders and member stakeholder groups
- Ability to meet timelines, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and perform responsibilities independently
- Strong communication skills, including exemplary writing skills, including the ability to produce research reports for executive audiences
- Effective use of infographics and visuals to communicate ideas and information
- Some evening/weekend work and ability to travel 1–2 times per year
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:
Yvonne Rivera, Director, Talent Acquisition, Nonprofit HR, [email protected] with the subject line, “CSWE Research Specialist.” No phone calls, please.