GIS Research Assistant

Job Description

Tapping into a passion for improving the world by strengthening nonprofits, the GIS/Research Assistant solves real-world community development problems using spatial analytics and data analysis. S/he assists with mapping projects, from collecting and cleaning data to mapping data. S/he extracts actionable insights from trends, patterns and spatial relationships. S/he presents her spatial analytics in high-quality maps and written materials. S/he provides administrative and research support, as needed. S/he is part of a team that works hard every day on something that really matters and thus is a strong team player. Concurrently, s/he is self-directed and able to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. The GIS Analyst must be curious about spatial relationships and its related software technology, and show a strong commitment to and passion for ongoing independent learning.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Collects, cleans and prepares data to support research projects. Wrangle large, complex datasets.
• Provide administrative support to the research team, as needed.
• Provide spatial analytic support and actionable insights to guide nonprofits, foundations, elected officials and government agencies in their investments and strategic plans. Make easily consumed, aesthetically appealing and visually impactful maps.
• Assist in developing spatial analytic frameworks, maps, and geographic tools that support IFF and its partners, as learning organizations, in having a transformational impact on low-income and disabled communities. Create mapping tools in ArcGIS online to support strategic and analytical thinking vis-à-vis identifying spatial relationships, patterns and trends.
• Assists with preparation and presentation of research reports. Present place-based and spatial-relationships findings and contribute maps and written materials to reports, publications and proposals. Assist with presentations, quantitative data visualizations and written materials.
• Participate on staff inter-departmental teams to complete multi-disciplinary research projects that provide solutions to internal and external clients.
• Values life-long learning. Strives for continuous professional growth and development, and the pursuit of excellence.

Position Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Advanced Degree in geography, urban studies, planning or related field and experience a bonus.

Previous Experience:

• Demonstrated proficiency in GIS software and geospatial analysis through schoolwork or on-the-job training.
• Three years relevant experience in an analytic setting or research-related economic or community development, public policy, nonprofit or think-tank position a bonus.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

• Passion for IFF’s mission. Knowledge of, experience in or willingness to learn about nonprofits, community development and issues facing low-income communities is essential.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS online tools with demonstrated ability to build custom online apps and sophisticated online GIS tools. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of HTML and Python preferred.
• Familiarity with IBM SPSS Statics or related statistical software programs with demonstrated ability to learn how to write syntax in SPSS; proficiency in Microsoft Office suite required; and familiarity with Tableau preferred.
• Exceptional analytic skills in spatial relationships, geography, financial data, demographic, healthcare, educational, housing or economic data.
• Advanced critical thinking skills, exhibited by the ability to take information from a wide variety of sources and synthesize/analyze the information in the context of a research project.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Willingness to take on administrative tasks to support the team.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to jkraemer@iff.org with “GIS/ Research Assistant Analyst” in the subject line.