Skip to main content

This job has expired

Research Communications Analyst – early career (Communications Analyst I)

Employer
RAND Corporation
Location
Washington D.C.
Salary
71000-105400
Date posted
Mar 23, 2023
Website
https://rand.org

The RAND Office of External Affairs (OEA) has an exciting opportunity in its Research Communications Group for a communications professional who is looking to use their expertise and skills to support RAND’s mission of helping improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis.   

Research Communications Analysts (RCAs) play a key role in collaborating with researchers and RAND leaders to present complex policy analysis in crisp, clear, and compelling ways to audiences ranging from high-level decisionmakers to general audiences. RCAs help RAND researchers improve the logic, structure, clarity and accessibility of primary research documents, summary products, and PowerPoint presentations. Working with researchers they gain understanding of diverse topics and methods and then, either through diplomatic editorial critique or the drafting of products, translate those ideas into language and visuals that policymakers, advocates, and the public can understand and act upon. In doing so, they hone science communications skills across multiple disciplines. They also create diverse communications products including newsletters, text for internal and external web sites, and internal corporate documents and reports.  

Success as an RCA requires strong audience analysis capability, highest-quality writing and editing, and visual and graphic skills to shape prose, speech, and presentations that help inform policy and decisionmaking. 

Qualifications 

Required attributes for this position: 

  • Advanced writing and editing skills, as displayed across varied forms and formats, especially in public policy research or related work 

  • A firm grasp of the challenges of communicating in the various channels available today, including Web-based, interactive, and social media, as well as print formats 

  • Demonstrated skill in analyzing challenging or complex topics and situations, often under tight deadlines, to develop and execute communications tactics with creativity and polish

  • A proven track record in creating, editing, or improving briefings and visual materials (charts, graphs, PowerPoint presentations, informational graphics) 

  • Demonstrated ability to distill complex research into short, compelling narratives  

  • Proficiency with tools in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and basic proficiency with graphics tools including the Adobe Suite (PhotoShop, Illustrator) or their equivalents 

  • Solid project management skills and the ability to navigate organizational complexities to ensure projects meet agreed-upon deadlines at high levels of quality 

  • Flexibility, ingenuity, creativity, diplomacy, and a willingness to learn and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances 

  • Capacity to exercise editorial judgment, self-direction, and independence on multiple projects; also, the ability to work well with and within teams 

  • Ability to contribute throughout the life cycle of a research project with communications analysis, strategy, execution, writing and visuals. 

Education Requirements 

Bachelor’s degree required in English, communications, public policy, or another related field. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred. 

Experience 

Minimum of 3 years of related experience is required.  Previous experience with academic or policy research communications and familiarity with the Department of Defense and/or Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) is preferred.  

Security Clearance 

A successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a United States government security clearances, including classifications from the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. citizenship is required for a Department of Defense security clearance. 

Location 

This position will be located at one of the following RAND offices: Arlington, Va.; Pittsburgh, Pa,; or Santa Monica, Calif. This position is eligible for RAND’s hybrid work environment, which enables a blend of on-site and remote work. Some on-site presence will be required to meet business needs, including on an ad-hoc basis; onsite needs will vary from month to month. 

Work Samples 

Candidates must submit the following examples of their work:  

  • A writing sample that reflects their ability to communicate research or technical topics in clear terms for the intended audience.  

  • A presentation in PowerPoint or a similar platform that reflects their ability to communicate research or technical topics in clear terms for the intended audience. 

For each of the two examples, candidates should submit a version that reflects solely their own work product (e.g., a draft version of the example), plus a finished version of the example that can reflect intellectual contributions from others (e.g., a final, edited product). 

Salary Range 

$71,000 - $105,400 

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including, but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, and expertise; and internal equity. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid time off, and more.   

 

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert