Project Liberty is seeking an experienced research associate and project manager to help illuminate how citizen-consumers can be agents of change in promoting responsible technology and building an internet for the common public good.
ABOUT PROJECT LIBERTY
Project Liberty is a nonprofit organization that aims to create a new civic architecture for the digital world that returns the ownership and control of personal data to individuals, embeds ethical values into technology, and expands economic opportunities for web users and developers alike. The organization seeks to accelerate the world’s transition to an open, inclusive data economy in which all people can benefit from their participation and contributions.
Understanding the concerns, needs and habits of citizen-consumers in a data-driven, digital economy is vital to the success of Project Liberty’s mission. Attitudinal, behavioral and user experience insights are all integral to building a popular movement for change and spurring adoption of new technologies that give individuals greater voice and choice in shaping the future of online society.
Project Liberty is building an international research program to match its aspiration for global impact. Join us in delivering unique insights to create a better web, a better world.
Position
The associate reports to Project Liberty’s Head of Strategic Insights and will be responsible for designing, executing and analyzing original research projects, as well as synthesizing and curating secondary research to inform Project Liberty’s strategy and support the organization’s programs and activities. The associate will prepare requests for proposals, evaluate bids, and work with the operations team to execute contracts and manage project budgets. The person will serve as the principal investigator on major research projects and partner with the Head of Strategic Insights to manage Project Liberty’s overall research program. The associate will publicly present finished analysis and help design tools that bring Project Liberty’s insights to life for partners and the general public, alike.
Core Functions
Design, execute and analyze traditional or computational social science research projects that examine the attitudes, behaviors and user experiences of citizen-consumers.
Synthesize and analyze secondary data in order to provide additional insights into citizen-consumer attitudes, behaviors and user experience.
Collaborate with academic, technology and civil society partners to generate and promote evidence that informs and advances Project Liberty’s mission.
Monitor, curate and assess public-domain research relevant to Project Liberty’s mission, initiatives, and campaigns.
Manage relationships with external vendors, including preparation of RFPs and SOWs, vendor selection, contracting and payments.
Collaborate with the Head of Strategic Insights in establishing annual and multi-year objectives and the key results to mark progress toward these objectives.
Present Project Liberty’s analytic insights to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Continue to develop subject-matter expertise in relevant research methods, technological innovations, market trends and policy developments.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will be experienced in employing traditional or computational social science research to understand civic and consumer attitudes, behaviors and online experiences. Candidates should have demonstrated experience designing, managing and analyzing successful social or data science research projects and communicating findings to non-specialist audiences. Experience working with external vendors and administering budgets is essential, as is the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners on major research initiatives. Excellent analytical and written and oral communication skills are required. In addition, an interest in Project Liberty’s areas of focus, including building and supporting civic institutions, advancing public policy, and transforming technology to serve society, is necessary. This individual must understand the complexities and implications of advisory roles, with a track record for translating evidenced- based, strategic thinking into action plans and output.
Competencies
Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in a civil society, government, business or think tank environment. Prior experience in designing research to inform policy or product strategy is highly desired.
Quantitative skills, including an ability to use SPSS, Stata, R or other statistical programs to organize and analyze large amounts of data
Familiarity and experience with a range of statistical techniques, including logistic and multiple regression
Robust knowledge of survey sampling and data collection techniques
Qualitative or user experience research skills a plus
International research experience a plus
Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time
Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy of all work products
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proven ability to communicate research results clearly and concisely in both verbal and written form
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Graduate degree in social science, computational social science or related field (Ph.D. preferred)
Right to work in the United States
The expected salary range for this position is USD 90,000 - USD 125,000 annually. The actual salary offer will be determined on factors including the qualifications, experience, skills, and abilities of the applicant. This role is also eligible for an incentive bonus. You’ll find a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package here at Project Liberty.
Project Liberty is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the core functions of the job.