Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) seeks to work across the U.S. network to build a strong outcomes evidence base, demonstrating through rigorous impact measurement and research the power of improved housing conditions and strong communities to create lasting change for those we serve. Moreover, Habitat seeks to invest in understanding and sharing evidence-based practices across its network. Through its investments in measurement and research, Habitat will be equipped with powerful data to better advocate and improve housing conditions for the communities we serve. In FY20, HFHI will expand its U.S. research and measurement team, and the Evidence & Insights Manager is a newly-created, critical role.
The Evidence & Insights Manager identifies critical research questions and works with the right set of internal and external stakeholders to answer them. The focus of this role is on research questions that can be tackled by Habitat (instead of an external evaluator), enabling HFHI to be nimbler and more cost-effective in this critical function. The Evidence & Insights Manager serves as an internal consultant/analyst who can produce original research and associated data products for affiliates and external stakeholders to put findings into practice. The initial focus will be on supporting the development of the U.S. Research Agenda with a diverse set of stakeholders across the U.S. network and conducting targeted literature reviews to help affiliate leaders and HFHI staff understand the existing evidence base tied to Habitat’s core U.S. programs.
- Develop, design, and conduct research projects aligned with Habitat’s evolving U.S. Research Agenda. Support and/or lead the development of white papers and research reports with supporting data visualizations for affiliate leaders, HFHI staff, and external audiences
- Help identify and prioritize opportunities to improve program outcomes through actionable, research-driven insights; initial focus is to support the development of a U.S. Research Agenda
- Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings for either technical or non-technical audiences, as appropriate, to help Habitat understand and build on the existing evidence base
- Design and test data collection instruments and protocols and conduct data collection activities, including obtaining informed consent, protecting data privacy and security, administering surveys, conducting in-depth interviews, or facilitating focus groups as needed
- Identify and analyze relevant external data sources as appropriate based on the research question (e.g., Census, American Housing Survey, Survey of Consumer Finances, Panel Study of Income Dynamics, etc.)
- Analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data using appropriate analytical software (e.g., Stata, SAS, SPSS, R, or nVivo)
- Recruit affiliates to participate in active research projects and coordinate affiliate relationship management with other parts of HFHI to ensure a high-quality affiliate experience
- Inform affiliate leaders about interim and final findings of research projects, develop materials to help affiliate leaders put findings into practice and support effective organizational knowledge management practices
- Manage projects by developing and tracking project charters, plans, and budgets; identifying and addressing risks/issues; and managing stakeholder relationships with affiliate leaders, HFHI staff, external experts, and university partners
- Other duties as assigned to support the broader team
- Strong understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies
- Experience designing, testing, and administering data collection instruments and protocols required
- Strong project management, coordination, and facilitation skills required
- Experience with large data sets required; experience with relevant external data sets strongly preferred (e.g., Census, American Housing Survey, Survey of Consumer Finances, Panel Study of Income Dynamics, etc.)
- Understanding of or experience with federated networks a plus
- Ability to learn new software solutions and strong computer aptitude - proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, extensive experience with analytical software (e.g., Stata, SAS, SPSS, or R) required, online survey tools
- Strong knowledge of evidence-based practices in housing and/or community development required; knowledge of affordable homeownership preferred
- Highly independent and intellectually curious
- Relentless focus on practical application and using the appropriate level of rigor
- Identifies deeply with and lives the Habitat for Humanity mission and values
- Ability to build high-caliber partnerships with universities and/or think thanks
- Strong communicator with solid oral and written communication skills as well as strong presentation skills
- Good interpersonal and organizational skills
- Quality and detail oriented
- Ability to interface with and provide excellent service to all levels of the organization (senior leaders, middle management, program subject matter experts, and administrative staff globally)
- Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration