Mixed-Methods Research Associate
(Contract; 100% Remote)
About Us
UpTogether is a systems change organization that recognizes that poverty is created by systems, rooted in racism and perpetuated by false views of people considered “poor.”
We seek to change policies, systems, and underlying beliefs so that all people in the United States are seen and invested in for their strengths and are able to build power, reinforce their autonomy, and drive their own economic and social mobility.
What We Do
UpTogether collaborates with individuals, families, funders, government agencies and community partners to:
- Invest in families and individuals with limited incomes by providing them with cash they can use however they wish, no strings attached
- Amplify stories to change the narrative and tell the true lived experiences of people facing financial hardship and financially under-resourced communities
- Mobilize around local policies and practices that support and accelerate socioeconomic mobility
The Position
UpTogether is looking for a Mixed-Methods Research Associate for a contract position (1099) to support an upcoming participatory research project with a foundation partner. The goal of the project is to engage individuals with experience facing financial hardship to build a research agenda that reflects their lived experiences with economic mobility. The Research Associate will support the implementation of a mixed-methods participatory research activities, including:
- Recruiting from UpTogether’s existing population of members to create a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of 15 members with lived experience facing economic hardship,
- Facilitating collaborative working sessions and participatory analysis sessions with the RAC and synthesizing findings,
- Conducting in-person focus groups and/or in-depth interviews with community-based organizations within UpTogether’s network,
- Fielding a survey to a nationally representative sample of UpTogether members.
This role reports to the Senior Survey Research Manager at UpTogether and will work collaboratively with the internal project team. We are very active on Slack and are focused not only on doing meaningful work but also enjoying the process of working and building together.
This is a 100% remote position, but candidates must be based in the United States. The successful candidate will have a reliable internet connection and functional work environment.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the preparation of materials for biweekly (every two weeks) meetings with the Research Advisory Committee (RAC)
- Synthesize RAC meetings, identifying themes from the discussions and key learning questions that could shape a research agenda
- Draft focus group guides and/or in-depth interview guides for community-based organizations
- Support with the logistics of carrying out research activities, such as scheduling focus groups, interviews, and coordinating with community-based organizations
- Support the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from surveys, focus groups, and/or interviews
Qualifications, Attributes & Skills:
- Experience designing and implementing social science research projects, particularly mixed-methods research using surveys, focus groups, and/or interviews
- Knowledge of participatory research methodologies such CBPR, PAR, and/or Community Voice and experience working directly with communities facing financial hardship
- Domain expertise in social policy and anti-poverty programs
- Comfort working with non-technical stakeholders to implement research activities and interpret findings
- Knowledge of ethical practices for human subject research, including data privacy and security
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to effectively organize and manage time, including ability to set priorities to meet all project needs in a timely fashion
- Proven ability to thrive in a remote work environment; self-directed, proactively reaches out, responsive, and comfortable in a virtual setting
- Demonstrated commitment to, or passion for, our mission; deep belief and trust in the innate capabilities of low-income families and communities and willing to engage in conversations aimed at addressing erroneous stereotypes about low-income people and people of color
- Strong commitment to anti-racism and demonstrated interest in helping build systems that advance racial equity
Timeline:
- January - July 2025: implement research activities, 20-30 hours weekly time commitment from the Research Associate.
- August - September 2025: produce final reports, 10-20 hours weekly time commitment from the Research Associate.
Compensation
The Research Associate will be paid $50-$75/hr based on experience. This position is not benefits-eligible. The Associate will need to create and send invoices to UpTogether sharing all hours worked on a semi-monthly or monthly basis.
Inclusion Statement
We strive to create a community that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we support the efforts of others to build such communities. We encourage all qualified and interested persons to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
To Apply
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a resume and answer the following two application questions:
- Tell us about a time when you worked directly with research participants on a collaborative project. Can you provide an example of how you integrated participant feedback into your research methodology and/or analysis?
- Describe a project where you applied mixed-methods research. How did you design data collection instruments to gather qualitative and quantitative data and how did you synthesize this information?
We ask that you do not include a photo or image of yourself on your resume. Applications submitted without answers to the two application questions will not be considered.
