Research Associate Position Description

This position monitors programmatic trends in the state arts agency field, documenting the diverse strategies (including grant programs, nongrant services, partnerships and policies) used to foster the arts at the state level. This individual harvests information from a variety of sources and must communicate that information effectively to multiple audiences. The research associate also helps administer surveys that are both qualitative and quantitative in nature.

INFORMATION ACQUISITION

• Conduct qualitative research, including web searches, surveys, phone interviews and literature reviews. Analyze and code qualitative data to identify key themes and facilitate the synthesis of complex information.
• Systematically mine key state arts agency information outlets (newsletters, e-bulletins, publications and websites) to monitor state arts agency trends and to gather examples of nongrant services offered by state arts agencies.
• Maintain up-to-date files of key state arts agency documents (such as advocacy materials, authorizing legislation, survey instruments, strategic plans, National Endowment for the Arts applications, impact studies and performance measurement reports). Organize this material, facilitate its retrieval by the NASAA staff and membership, and mine it to answer information inquiries.
• Maintain a national grant guidelines database describing grant funding programs offered in all 50 states. Review all state arts agency grant guidelines and classify each program according to its primary policy goals and program characteristics. Use the database as a resource for answering information requests and preparing research reports.
• Track state legislation relevant to state arts agencies and cultural policy for inclusion in an annual analysis and report on legislative actions affecting state arts agencies.

INFORMATION SHARING

• Respond to requests for information about state arts agency programs from NASAA staff, NASAA members, the National Endowment for the Arts and the public.
• Prepare reports (in the form of strategy samplers, policy briefs, case studies or other publications) that portray how state arts agencies address specific issues or serve particular constituencies.
• Contribute content to NASAA’s monthly newsletter.
• Maintain the content of selected resource areas on the NASAA website.
• Assist with the promotion of NASAA research services to members. Identify effective ways to package and distribute information for and about state arts agencies.
• Consult with members to verify information and secure approval for NASAA’s portrayal of their work.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct membership surveys. Help the research manager to administer electronic surveys. Track member participation and document communications with respondents. Clean and verify incoming information. Maintain databases and tables needed to systematically process data and archive it for ongoing retrieval.
• Compile charts, maps, presentations and other visual displays that illustrate information and effectively package NASAA’s research.
• Assist with the design and delivery of learning events and products (such as conference sessions, web seminars, etc.) featuring innovative programs.
• Assist with gathering and summarizing information needed to support NASAA’s governance and evaluation functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the senior director of research.
• Fulfills frequent project assignments for the chief program and planning officer.
• In collaboration with NASAA’s communications manager, produces materials consistent with NASAA’s editorial standards.
• Maintains productive and courteous working relationships with NASAA members, partners and staff.
• Participates in NASAA events and contributes to team projects.

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, exempt

Updated January 2020