Research Assistant: Harder+Company Community Research

Company/Organization: Harder+Company Community Research
Location: Davis, CA

Who They Are:
Harder+Company Community Research (H+Co) assists nonprofits, public agencies, and foundations to achieve their missions. They bring data-driven analysis to help organizations understand the results of their programs and initiatives and to assist them in translating that data into actionable improvements. Founded in 1986, they have four California offices located in Davis, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles to serve the span of California. They conduct research in a variety of critical topic areas such as healthcare, social services, community development, educational achievement, and violence prevention. Additional services provided by our firm include strategic planning, community engagement, and nonprofit capacity-building. Our clients include nonprofit organizations, private funders, and government agencies throughout California and the nation. They are a group of smart, fun, and committed people promoting positive social change through the support and development of the social sector. The company culture is fast-paced, collaborative, team-oriented, and entrepreneurial - they are seeking candidates who will thrive in this environment.

How They Do Their Work:
They engage their clients as partners in an ongoing process of programmatic and organizational learning. Whether it is a
needs assessment, evaluation, or a planning process, they work closely with their partners to ensure that thier approaches meet their customers' needs as well as the needs of their stakeholders. They strive to develop an engaging, dynamic process with their clients to make certain that organizational learning is achieved throughout the project by regular, ongoing, and practical feedback. This allows their clients to make midcourse adjustments and encourages them to be partners in the change process both for their organization and their target communities. This transfer of knowledge also encourages clients to begin the critical process of organizational reflection and skill-building.

They uphold the highest level of rigor possible within a project, but unlike academic research, they make adjustments to
research designs, tools, and approaches to ensure that our work is accessible, culturally responsive, and meaningful given
real-world resource and timeline constraints. They conduct single-program evaluations, as well as evaluations of multiple
organizations at the portfolio, initiative, and organizational level. Their clients see their research, evaluation, and planning as
an opportunity to improve and leverage that knowledge into stronger programs and a more robust resource base.

Who They Are Looking For:
Harder+Company seeks a Research Assistant in its Davis office to provide support on a diverse array of team-based research projects. The Research Assistant will be responsible for literature reviews; planning and assisting with focus groups; conducting interviews; entering, coding, and analyzing data; administering surveys; and assisting with the preparation and editing of reports. Some travel within California necessary. The ideal candidate would contribute to the diversity of Harder+Company and enjoy contributing to the effectiveness of organizations working for social change.

Position Responsibilities:
* Enter data, prepare and label SPSS data files for analysis and reporting. Analyze survey data, including frequencies, cross-tabulations, means tables, and tests of statistical significance.
* Assist with quantitative and qualitative primary data collection including interviews, focus groups, case studies, and surveys. May include assisting with the facilitation of focus groups.
* Manage logistics for focus groups, case studies, surveys, and external meetings.
* Conduct literature reviews and internet research.
* Maintain communication with project team through emails and team meetings as needed.
* Manage resources and time effectively and adjust to changing demands and priorities.
* Assist with preparation of reports and presentations, including write-ups, editing, tables, charts, and formatting.
* Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients and their stakeholders.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or related field
• At least 1 year of research experience, preferably outside the classroom
• Demonstrated understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent writing and oral communications skills
• Detail oriented with effective time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Ability to be an effective team player and to work independently
• Bilingual preferred, but not required

This position is full time with an annual starting salary of $35,000 to $40,000 commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, vacation, holiday, and 401k provided. Harder+Company is an equal opportunity employer. Information on the company is available at http://www.harderco.com

To apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to: davisjobs@harderco.com with subject line of “Davis Research Assistant.”

This job is open until filled. No phone calls or faxes, please. H+Co is an equal opportunity employer. Information on the
company is available at http://www.harderco.com

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