Research Support Specialist, Center for Public Policy

The Center for Public Policy in the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs welcomes applications for a part-time Research Support Specialist position. The Center for Public Policy (CPP) examines public issues and social problems through applied research and evaluation techniques to broaden and improve public discourse and decision making. The CPP serves the research and evaluation needs of federal, state, and local government, universities, and organizations in the non-profit and private sectors by providing a diverse range of research activities including polls, specialized survey research projects, evaluation studies, and community-based capacity development programs. The CPP also provides data management services, including set up and design of long-term data collection systems, technical expertise in multi-site data collection, and training for data collection entities.

Position Responsibilities:


The Research Support Specialist assists with a variety of project functions and tasks to help deliver successful project outcomes. Responsibilities include: assisting with the Safer Communities project, the OAG Minor project, the Ceasefire project and the Maternal Health Workgroup. On a daily basis, the Research Support Specialist will assist with the creation of materials to be used on research projects, assisting with focus groups and in person interviewing, analyzing data, writing from data, documenting project activities, performing quality control and project coordination functions to ensure successful project outcomes, and monitoring production to ensure deadlines are met. This work happens in coordination with overall goals and objectives of the CPP. This position may also perform literature search on topical or methodological issues, cleaning and preparing data and documentation for transfer to clients, performing data analyses as assigned, preparing and participating in project briefings and training sessions, providing support when the CPP responds to requests for proposals, and other duties as assigned. This position may work on multiple, diverse, research projects.

The employee understands that the continuation of this position depends on the continuation of grant funding.

The Wilder School’s mission is to:

• Engage, teach and inspire students and leaders to understand and solve challenges in our world.

• Advance research that informs public policy and decision making to improve our communities.

• Collaborate with communities through innovative partnerships to enhance quality of life.

The Wilder School's vision is to be the premier resource for public policy expertise and social equity in public safety, governance, and economic and community development. The 2024-2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings confirm the Wilder School among the top 15% of graduate schools of public affairs at No. 36. The School is also ranked No. 6 in Homeland Security Programs and No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership. The Wilder School has over 1,500 students and more than 11,000 alumni, with an established environment where diverse perspectives thrive and where a common interest in public service and the betterment of society unites these perspectives together. Our academic excellence attracts the highest quality faculty, staff, and students, and our graduates are leaders in their professions.

Our location in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, combined with our proximity to Washington, DC, provides numerous opportunities for engaged scholarship, teaching and community engagement activities. A creative, interdisciplinary School with both academic programs and training/research centers in the social sciences and professional arenas, we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve providing students and faculty with the knowledge, skills, opportunities and experience necessary for success.

For additional information about the Wilder School, please visit our website at wilder.vcu.edu.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree; experience with Microsoft Office Suite; strong written and verbal communication skills; knowledge of or with various social science research skills including research design, data collection and writing research reports - or knowledge and/or experience that could be applied to the Center for Public Policy. Works well independently. Strong in multi-tasking in a fast paced, non-hierarchical atmosphere and meeting direct time constraints.

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience conducting social science based policy work; experience with the Microsoft Office Suite including database design in MS-Access; experience with IBM SPSS; strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills; direct work experience with various social science research methodologies including research design, data collection, data management, and writing technical research reports. Works well independently. Strong in multi-tasking in a fast paced, non-hierarchical atmosphere and meeting direct time constraints.

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:


Physical Demands and Activities (Essential):

• • Light lifting (<20>
• • Pushing/pulling

• • Standing

• • Sitting

• • Emotional Demands (Essential):

• • Fast pace/Average pace

• • Multiple stimuli

• • Frequent change

• • Intense customer interaction

Mental/Sensory Demands (Essential):

• • Memory

• • Reading

• • Reasoning

• • Hearing

• • Logic

• • Analyzing

• • Verbal communication

• • Written Communication

Application Submission/Other Information:


All applications should include a cover letter, a detailed resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

“VCU is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Under Federal and State Equal Employment Opportunity laws and VCU policy, it is prohibited to discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, family medical and genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability”.