Research and Development Associate jobs in Richmond, VA

The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) housed within the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking to expand its team of Data and Research Analysts to support a portfolio of ongoing work that includes the development and analysis of data sets to examine labor supply and demand, career pathways, skills, and other areas of interest related to understanding education and workforce. Created through legislation in 2021, VOEE is tasked with providing a unified, consistent source of data, analysis, and insights on talent, education, and labor market alignment. VOEE’s work seeks to inform policy and practice changes and lead to innovation throughout the Commonwealth to improve outcomes for students, workers, and industry. This position is an opportunity to join the VOEE team at VEDP and help build this uniquely positioned office.

Responsibilities:

• Compile and analyze state data sets comprising workforce and educational data to assist in the development of a data framework for VOEE to address a variety of ongoing education and workforce development research questions
• As part of the VOEE data and research team, work with a variety of public, state, and subscription data sources for data compilation and analysis
• Support the design and development of dashboards, reports, and visualizations in Tableau and Excel to assist VOEE’s research and data-sharing mission
• Work collaboratively with data analysts at partner institutions
• Use survey tools like Qualtrics for data collection activities
• Respond to research and analysis requests, as needed
• Support discrete projects and workstreams, as needed

Skills:

• Proficiency in working with and managing complex data and organizing data into standard formats including performing data cleaning, preparation, and transformation, as necessary
• Familiarity with educational, labor market and/or workforce data preferred
• Experience with modern data visualization and business intelligence tools like Tableau
• Knowledge of Python, R, SQL, Stata, or other data handling & statistical analysis software
• Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) development
• Familiarity with subscription data tools like Lightcast/Emsi Developer/Analyst, Chmura, JobsEQ, LinkedIn Talent Insights, or similar labor and social profile data information services preferred
• Familiarity with quantitative research methods
• Excellent strategic analysis and problem-solving skills
• Ability to explore data to find interesting trends, patterns, or relationships aligned with VOEE and partner research interests
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and work under time pressure
• Ability to use computerized databases for project management, as requested

Experience:

• 3-5 years’ experience in education, business, data analytics, mathematics, social science, or a related field
• Experience in quantitative analysis and applying quantitative skills to solving problems
• Passion for analyzing data and communicating insights in visually compelling ways
• Prior knowledge of the public workforce and education system preferred

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

All candidates must apply through our website: https://www.vedp.org/careers. A cover letter is required. A valid Virginia driver’s license is required. Salary minimum: $62,000. Application deadline: April 29, 2024.

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.