Research and Policy Analyst, Senior

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

Job summary

City of Richmond invites applications for a Senior Research & Policy Analyst in the Public Utilities Department, within the Customer Service Division. This role leads advanced data research, develops evidence-based policy recommendations, and prepares high-level dashboards and presentations for senior leadership.

The ideal candidate will conduct both qualitative and quantitative analyses, design data collection efforts, and manage complex projects end-to-end with autonomy and strategic impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Five to seven (5-7) years of experience in research and evaluation, policy analysis, strategic planning, project management, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may be accepted

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on issues and data relevant to the department.
• Design surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods.
• Analyze statistical data and translate findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
• Prepare reports, strategic planning documents, policy papers, dashboards, and high-level presentations.
• Research best practices, policies, legislation, and regulations related to key areas.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of current policies and programs and recommend adjustments.
• Identify trends, issues, opportunities, and potential funding resources related to key policy areas.
• Communicate research findings and recommendations to senior management, internal teams, external stakeholders, and the public.
• Coordinate with internal teams, government agencies, and external stakeholders on collaborative projects.
• Manage complex research projects from inception through completion and ensure timely delivery of results.
• Maintain organized research findings and supporting documentation.
• Develop new analytical tools, models, research methodologies, and improvements.
• Train other employees on methodologies and program requirements

Skills

Strong analytical and critical think

Excellent written and verbal comm

Data visualization and reporting

Project management

Synthesis of complex information

Training and knowledge transfer

Education

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

Tools

Statistical software tools

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

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.

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.