Research and Policy Analyst, Senior

City-of-Richmond,-Va; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Richmond is seeking a Senior Research & Policy Analyst in the Customer Service Division to lead advanced data research and inform policy decisions.

Responsibilities include designing surveys, analyzing data, producing reports and dashboards, and presenting evidence-based recommendations to senior leadership. The role requires strong project management and the ability to work autonomously on complex initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in research, policy analysis, or related areas.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on department issues and data.
• Design surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods.
• Analyze statistical data and translate findings into actionable insights.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and executive presentations.
• Research best practices, policies, and regulations relevant to key areas.
• Evaluate effectiveness of policies and recommend adjustments.
• Identify trends, opportunities, and potential funding resources.
• Communicate findings to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners on projects.
• Manage complex research projects from inception to delivery.
• Develop analytical tools, models, and methodologies; train staff.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Statistical software

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Training

Dashboards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field

Job description

The anticipated hiring range is $84,346 - $112,048.

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill a Research & Policy Analyst, Senior position, within the Customer Service Division. This position is responsible for conducting advanced qualitative and quantitative data research to support and improve the development, evaluation, and implementation of policies and programs. The selected candidate will work directly with senior leadership and take the lead on collecting and analyzing data, generating reports, and developing evidence-based recommendations that inform policy decisions and strategic initiatives. The role serves as a data analytics subject matter expert, operates with a high level of autonomy, leads complex research and policy initiatives, and may serve as a team lead for other employees.

• Conducting quantitative and qualitative research on issues and data relevant to the department;
• Designing and implementing surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods;
• Analyzing statistical data and translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations;
• Preparing comprehensive reports, strategic planning documents, policy papers, dashboards, and high-level presentations;
• Researching best practices, policies, legislation, and regulations related to key areas;
• Evaluating the effectiveness and impact of current policies and programs and recommending adjustments as needed;
• Identifying trends, issues, opportunities, and potential funding resources related to key policy areas;
• Communicating research findings and recommendations to senior management, internal teams, external stakeholders, and the public;
• Coordinating with internal teams, government agencies, and external stakeholders on collaborative projects and essential programming;
• Managing complex research projects from inception through completion and ensuring timely delivery of results;
• Maintaining organized research findings and supporting documentation;
• Developing new analytical tools, models, research methodologies, and methodological improvements; and
• Training other employees on methodologies and program requirements

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Five to seven (5-7) yearsof experience in research and evaluation, policy analysis, strategic planning, project management, or a related field
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING:

• Demonstrated experience leading complex research, policy analysis, program evaluation, or strategic planning initiatives;
• Experience developing evidence-based recommendations for senior leadership or executive decision-makers;
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, advanced statistical analysis, modeling, and policy evaluation techniques;
• Experience in quantitative reasoning, probability, and modeling
• Experience developing analytical tools, dashboards, executive-level reports, and presentations;
• Experience managing multiple large-scale projects and coordinating work across internal and external stakeholders

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Policy analysis
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to area of interest
• Ethical research practices
• Advanced statistical analysis, modeling, and policy evaluation techniques

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Strong analytical and critical thinking
• Statistical software and data analysis tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Synthesizing complex information and presenting it clearly
• Organization and project management
• Training and knowledge transfer
• Developing analytical tools, dashboards, and high-level presentations

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Problem-solve and be detail oriented
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality
• Manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to regularly finger, talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions; frequently walk; and occasionally stoop, reach, stand, push, pull, lift, grasp, and feel. The working conditions may contain environmental hazards. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.