Research Assistant

KFF
KFF is the leading health policy organization in the U.S. As a one-of-a-kind information organization, we bring together substantial capabilities in policy research, polling, and journalism in one organization to meet the need for a trusted, independent source of information on national health issues—one with the scope and reach to be a counterweight to health care’s vested interests and a voice for people. We have five major program areas: policy analysis, polling, journalism, public health information campaigns, and health information and trust.

KFF is not a foundation and has no connection to Kaiser Permanente. Legally, we are a public charity (an endowed national nonprofit organization). We are headquartered in San Francisco with a building in Washington, DC, conference centers in both offices, and staff members in almost every state.

The Team
The public opinion and survey research team conducts and analyzes original research on Americans’ attitudes, knowledge, and experiences with the health care system with the goal of amplifying the public’s voice in major national debates, particularly the voice of often-disenfranchised groups, such as the low income and uninsured populations.

Your Role
KFF is seeking a qualified candidate for a Research Assistant to join the Public Opinion and Survey Research team. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in American politics and be interested in analyzing survey data to provide unique insights into elections and other aspects of politics and public policy today. The Research Assistant will participate in various aspects of polling work, including assisting with background research, questionnaire design, analysis of survey data, and preparation of graphics and written reports. The successful candidate will have strong quantitative and data visualization skills, experience with public opinion surveys, and an ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously under tight deadlines. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or someone with 1-2 years of work experience to hone their survey research skills with an experienced and well-respected team of public opinion researchers.

What You’ll Do
• Perform basic data analyses of survey data; 
• Prepare graphs, tables, and other visual presentations of data for written reports and staff presentations;
• Proofread and prepare research reports for publication on the web;
• Track news coverage related to elections, politics, and health policy;
• Participate in the design of survey questionnaires;

Minimum Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent is required; Master’s Degree and/or 1-2 years experience working in a related field, a plus; 
• Strong quantitative skills, including experience with data manipulation and analysis;
• Experience preparing charts and other graphical representations of data;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to describe data in writing;
• Strong interest in polling, survey research, and U.S. elections;
• Familiarity with, and interest in, key issues in health care, racial disparities, social justice, and social policy; 
• A desire to work in a fast-paced environment producing timely and policy-relevant research;
• Strong organizational and time management skills; 
• Experience with SPSS, R, or other statistical analysis software; 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or equivalent;
• Familiarity with Datawrapper, Tableau, or other web-based graphing software, a plus; and 
• Ability to work independently and efficiently on concurrent projects.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

This full-time position will be based in KFF’s Washington, DC office, located downtown near Metro Center (preferred) but there is a possibility for it to be based in KFF’s San Francisco headquarters. KFF is currently working a hybrid schedule and requires all staff to work in the office a minimum of two days a week.

Compensation 
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation includes an outstanding benefits package equivalent in value to approximately fifty percent of base salary including a generous and immediately vested defined contribution plan and zero-premium health coverage.

The annual salary range for the Research Assistant position is between $69,600-$73,000. Our job titles and salary ranges may span more than one career level, and the salary offered to a candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, job-related knowledge and skill set, depth of experience, certifications and/or degrees, and our practice of upholding salary equity within the organization.

How to Apply
If this position is of interest to you, and you have the requisite experience and qualifications, please click the button to apply.

KFF has an efficient applicant review process and will contact candidates who have applied for this position and whose qualifications most closely fit the criteria for the job. No phone inquiries please.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Candidate Accommodations
If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.

Inclusion Statement
KFF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.