Research and Policy Analyst, Senior

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

Job summary

The City of Richmond is seeking a Senior Research & Policy Analyst to advance data-driven policy development within the Customer Service Division. You will lead advanced qualitative and quantitative analyses, develop reports, and provide evidence-based recommendations to inform strategic decisions.

Work closely with senior leadership, manage complex research projects, and mentor staff. Strong communication and data visualization skills are essential, with a focus on delivering actionable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent
• 5–7 years of experience in research and evaluation, policy analysis, or related fields
• Ability to lead complex research and policy initiatives
• Experience developing evidence-based recommendations for senior leadership

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on department issues.
• Design and implement surveys, interviews, focus groups, and data collection methods.
• Analyze data and translate findings into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and high-level presentations for senior management.
• Evaluate policy programs and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Coordinate with internal/external stakeholders on collaborative projects.

Skills

Policy analysis

Project management

Data analysis

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Statistical software

Data visualization tools

Dashboards

Job description

Posting number: 35M00000355

Department: Public Utilities

Job classification: Research and Policy Analyst, Senior*

Posting type: Open

Categories: Utilities

Summary

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.

Examples of duties

• 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

Qualifications

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Five to seven (5-7) years of 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:

TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

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

Supplemental information

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.

* Internal use: HR Generalist to review.