Mission Analysis & Stakeholder Research Lead

Harkcon; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Harkcon is seeking a Qualitative Mission Analysis Expert to lead stakeholder research and qualitative analysis supporting Coast Guard operations. The role requires an active Secret clearance and the ability to work across boundaries, translating insights into defensible mission-performance findings.

Location is National Capital Region (Virginia, Maryland, DC) with performance at US Coast Guard Headquarters. Prior federal experience and strong written communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, or related field with qualitative mission analysis training.
• At least five years of experience developing, conducting, and documenting qualitative mission analysis (case studies, interviews, surveys, program evaluation).
• Active Secret clearance at contract award and ability to maintain it.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with strong English reading/writing skills.
• Strong research design, facilitation, synthesis, and evidence-based reasoning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct interviews, workshops, surveys, case studies, and other qualitative research.
• Engage with mission owners, operational personnel, program offices, and subject-matter experts.
• Identify missing stakeholders, capabilities, mission drivers, and dependencies affecting analysis.
• Evaluate Coast Guard organization, training, staffing, and equipment for mission performance.
• Distinguish recurring evidence from opinions and document analytical limitations.
• Raise concerns when exclusions or scope decisions weaken the analysis.
• Keep research focused on mission requirements, capability gaps, and future performance.
• Draft clear, evidence-supported findings and integrate with quantitative analysis.
• Take ownership of assigned work with minimal directive.

Skills

Qualitative research

Research design

Technical writing

Evidence-based reasoning

Facilitation

Education

Master's degree in Political Science or related field

Job description

Harkcon is seeking a Qualitative Mission Analysis Expert to lead stakeholder research and qualitative analysis supporting Coast Guard operations. The role requires an active Secret clearance and the ability to work across boundaries, translating insights into defensible mission-performance findings.

Location is National Capital Region (Virginia, Maryland, DC) with performance at US Coast Guard Headquarters. Prior federal experience and strong written communication are essential for success.