Research Associate

Role: Research Associate

Department: Research and Impact

Reports To: Director, Research and Impact

FLSA Status: Exempt, full‑time, in-person

Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000

Position Summary

The Research Associate supports the McElhattan Foundation’s efforts to understand, measure, and communicate the impact of its grantmaking and community initiatives. This role contributes research, data management, and reporting support that strengthens the Foundation’s learning, strategy, and decision‑making. Working under the guidance of the Director of Research and Impact, the Research Associate supports research activities, impact tracking, and internal reporting across the Foundation’s program areas. This position is well‑suited for a candidate early in their career who is developing skills in research methods, data analysis, and impact measurement within a philanthropic setting.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Support

• Conduct literature reviews and landscape analyses related to the Foundation’s program areas.
• Manage citations and bibliographies using reference management tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote.
• Assist with data collection for program evaluations, grantee reporting, surveys, and internal learning initiatives.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using R Studio or similar analytical tools.
• Enter, clean, validate, and maintain datasets using Excel, Google Sheets, or internal systems.
• Support clear documentation of research methodologies, assumptions, and data sources.

2. Impact Measurement & Learning

• Support implementation of established impact and outcomes frameworks across grant portfolios.
• Track outputs and outcomes using predefined indicators and reporting structures.
• Assist with routine monitoring activities, including organizing, reviewing, and validating grantee data submissions.
• Prepare baseline, interim, and summary datasets to support internal analysis and learning.

3. Reporting & Data Communication

• Compile tables, charts, and summaries for internal memos, board materials, and basic impact reports.
• Assist with drafting report sections under supervision, including data summaries, charts, and methodology notes.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity of data used in internal and external communications.

4. Administrative & Project Support

• Maintain well‑organized digital files and research documentation.
• Support meeting preparation, note‑taking, and follow‑up for research, learning, and evaluation discussions.
• Assist with timelines and coordination of recurring research and reporting deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Sociology, Public Policy, or a related field required; Master’s degree or advanced coursework preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Interest in research‑driven philanthropy, learning, and impact measurement.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Experience conducting literature reviews and managing citations using Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as R Studio or similar statistical software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets for data entry, cleaning, and basic analysis.
• Comfort working with datasets, documentation systems, and digital file management.
• Willingness and ability to learn new research, evaluation, and reporting tools as needed.
• Skills in data visualization.

Personal Characteristics (Humble, Hungry, Smart)

• Intellectually curious: Learns new subject areas quickly and applies insights thoughtfully.
• Operationally disciplined: Highly organized, dependable, and detail‑oriented.
• Results‑focused: Prioritizes follow‑through, impact, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative: Builds trust with colleagues, partners, and grantees.
• Professional steward: Represents the Foundation’s values and reputation with care and integrity.

Compensation & Benefits

The Foundation offers a generous benefits package and competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

The salary range for this role is $55,000–$65,000.

About the McElhattan Foundation

The McElhattan Foundation is a Pittsburgh‑based, research‑driven grantmaking organization established in 2018 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation. Approximately 40% of the Foundation’s grantmaking is dedicated to its flagship priority Ending Death on the Job. The Foundation’s remaining grantmaking advances three additional program areas: Economic Development in Knox & Franklin, Out‑of‑School‑Time Learning, and End‑of‑Life Planning and Care. Across all areas, the Foundation emphasizes research-driven grantmaking, measurable outcomes, and continuous improvement to ensure its capital drives real‑world impact.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person