Survey Data Operations Associate

Higher Research Recruiting; United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Higher Research Recruiting is seeking a Data Operations Associate for a global research team. You will own end-to-end processing of survey data across multiple projects, including crosstabs, weighting, QA, and statistical analysis, ensuring timely delivery of client-ready insights.

Proficiency in Displayr and SPSS is essential, with experience in R/Python a plus. The role supports remote collaboration across time zones, requiring strong communication and independent work in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Displayr (or equivalent) for crosstab building, variable creation, data cleaning and reporting outputs.
• Strong working knowledge of SPSS (or equivalent: Q Research Software, R).
• Solid understanding of core survey research methodologies.
• Experience processing data from common survey platforms and working with SPSS .sav, Excel, and CSV files.
• Familiarity with crosstab and tabulation standards used in public opinion and market research.

Responsibilities

• Data Processing & Quality Assurance
• Statistical Analysis including regression, segmentation, driver analysis, and cluster analysis (no interpretation of results)
• Data Management including creation of backend databases
• Collaboration & Delivery with Research Consultants, Senior Consultants, and Account Directors to meet project timelines

Skills

Survey data methodologies

Statistical analysis

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in statistics/data science/political science or related field

3-5 years of survey data processing experience

Tools

Displayr

SPSS

R

Excel

CSV/Excel data handling

Job description

Our client is a global strategic advisory firm. As a leading international consultancy, they advise governments, embassies, corporations, and individuals on a wide range of complex policy and communications issues. Their work is typically at the nexus of the worlds of politics, business, and the media.

The Opportunity

As a result of growth, they are bringing data processing in-house to improve speed, quality, and control. We are looking for a detail-oriented and technically skilled Data Operations Associate to join the global research team. This person will own the end-to-end processing of survey data across a wide portfolio of quantitative research projects – from public opinion polling and brand tracking to political campaigns and corporate perception studies across more than 150 countries.

The ideal candidate is proficient in Displayr and has a strong grounding in survey data methodologies. They will be the engine behind crosstab production, data weighting, quality assurance, and statistical analysis, and will play a critical role in helping to improve and accelerate the process of turning raw survey data into client-ready insights.

Due to role requirements, candidates must reside in any of the following states:

• New York, NY or New Jersey (within commuting distance of New York City)
• Washington, DC or Virginia (within commuting distance of Washington, DC)
• Portland, OR

Key Responsibilities

• Data Processing & Quality Assurance
• Statistical Analysis regression, segmentation, driver/key driver analysis, and cluster analysis. (No need for interpretation of results)
• Data Management including creation of backend databases
• Collaboration & Delivery working closely with Research Consultants, Senior Consultants, and Account Directors to understand project specifications and deliver data to agreed timelines.

Skills & Experience

Technical – Required

• Proficiency in Displayr (or equivalent), including crosstab building, variable creation, data cleaning, and reporting outputs.
• Strong working knowledge of SPSS (or equivalent: Q Research Software, R)
• Solid understanding of core survey research methodologies
• Experience processing data from common survey platforms and working with SPSS .sav, Excel, and CSV file formats.
• Familiarity with crosstab and tabulation standards used in public opinion and market research.

Technical – Preferred

• Experience with R or Python for data processing, automation, or scripting repetitive tasks.
• Familiarity with advanced analytical techniques: key driver analysis, MaxDiff, segmentation/clustering, TURF analysis, or conjoint analysis.
• Experience with verbatim coding and/or AI text analysis tools.
• Experience building interactive dashboards or reusable reporting templates in Displayr (or similar tools such as Power BI or Tableau)
• Knowledge of rim/raking weighting methodology and tools.
• Familiarity with data quality assurance tools or respondent fraud detection approaches.

Organization & Communication

• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to flag issues and communicate progress to non-technical colleagues.
• Self-starter who can work independently and proactively identify where processes can be improved.
• Comfortable collaborating across time zones with US-based and international team members.

Ideal Background

• Undergraduate degree in statistics, quantitative social science, political science, data science, market research, mathematics, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in survey data processing, market research, or public opinion research. Relevant academic project experience will be considered.
• Interest or experience in politics, public affairs, tech, or environment sectors is a plus
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and comfortable working remotely.

Our recruitment process is competency based and no applicant will be discriminated against regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.