Senior Project Associate u2013 Data + Research Specialist job at Hester Street

Job Description

Reports to

Senior Project Manager

Job Overview:

Hester Street is seeking an early-career data professional to support community-driven planning, design and development projects in New York City and regionally. We are looking for a professional with 2+ years of work experience to join a dynamic team that holds social/racial justice, grass roots planning, and innovation as its core values.

Hester Street is seeking a researcher/analyst with strong GIS and data analysis skills who can utilize innovative spatial data analysis, visualization methods, and tools to provide technical support to Hester Street’s various projects and community-based organizations and partners and help implement community-driven planning and development projects. The successful candidate possesses advanced skills in GIS and spatial data analysis. Additionally, they have the ability to conduct civically-engaged research and design using mixed methods, including conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This is a great opportunity for a highly motivated individual who welcomes work in a collaborative environment.

The Senior Project Associate position offers growth opportunities within the organization, and the ability to plug into a variety of Hester Street’s many exciting projects. In addition, this position offers the scope to weigh in on and inform the internal organizational data strategies at Hester Street, while intentionally building and developing individual leadership skills.

Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will to all aspects of data democratization projects at Hester Street, including but not limited to:

Carry out key GIS and data analysis steps (including but not limited to collecting data, data management, analysis, visualization, and mapping) in support of varied and diverse projects at Hester Street that may include but are not limited to climate and environmental justice, COVID-19 recovery, art and culture work, small business supports, community development, affordable housing, etc.;
Work closely with project teams to develop diverse research and engagement methodologies and reporting structures for project impact.
Develop surveys and utilize a range of digital platforms to collect data, such as Typeform, Survey Monkey, Google Suite, etc.
Collaborate with community partners on project development and data analysis.
Coordinate and manage logistics for community events.
Contribute to the preparation and facilitation of community planning and design workshops.
Work with Hester Street’s team of designers and planners to develop innovative community engagement tools and online mapping and data visualization applications.
Work closely with Hester Street partners and consultants that include government staff, architects, planners, community organizers, academics, evaluation experts and other collaborators.
Manage workflows and effectively prioritize, execute and track tasks across multiple projects, adhering to rigorous timelines.
Research and help implement best practices around research design, community engagement practices, data visualization, and project management.
Demonstrate a strong and ongoing desire to learn about new planning and policy topics and research methodologies to support Hester Street’s mission and portfolio or work.
Be a thought partner to the Hester Street senior leadership team and assist in developing and building out the wider data portfolio and strategy of the organization.
Demonstrate an emotional maturity and curiosity to work with a range of Hester Street staff and project partners and engage with various community members.
Contribute to a healthy, collaborative, and productive work environment at Hester Street.

Qualifications:

More than two years of GIS and data analysis experience, ideally within community planning and relevant fields such as public health or other urban policy fields.
Master’s degree in GIS or Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Architecture or a related field is preferred but not required. Alternatively, an advanced certificate in GIS or a substantial professional GIS and data analysis portfolio can also serve as proof of knowledge and experience.
Demonstrated ability to execute work in a pro-active, deadline-oriented manner and ability to manage and prioritize different workloads.
Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple work streams and project deliverables across different projects. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and ability to communicate findings through clear and engaging visualizations.
Understanding of how to develop various research methods, which incorporate GIS, and ability to synthesize findings and conduct thought provoking analysis
Ability to communicate in a clear and concise way in various forms of written communication, including but not limited to daily correspondence, memos, reports, surveys, project briefs, etc.
Experience working in low-income communities, immigrant and other communities of color and/or experience working with community-based organizations preferred.
Fluency in a language other than English is a plus.

In addition, top candidates will have a mix of the following skills & experience:

Offline GIS: fluency with ESRI ArcGIS Desktop is preferred. Candidates with QGIS knowledge are welcome to apply as well. Candidates with knowledge of advanced spatial analysis methods are preferred.
Online GIS: online map visualization and web app/map development using ArcGIS Online and ESRI Arcade, alternatively fluency in other online mapping methods using JavaScript libraries and open source tools and data such as Leaflet, Turf, D3, Mapbox et., and some light web development skills such as familiarity with HTML5 and CSS.
Data Analysis: excellent skills using spreadsheet software to clean up and analyze quantitative data, working knowledge of SQL, familiarity with DBMS software, knowledge of qualitative data analysis and visualization software. Good knowledge of publicly available data such as Census products, NYC Open Data Portal, City agencies data portals is required. Knowledge of data repositories such as Github is a plus.
Graphic Design and Data Visualization: working knowledge of Adobe AI for map graphics and info graphic design, Adobe ID basic knowledge, knowledge of online services such as Tableau, Canva, Google tools for data visualization and publishing.
Critical Data/Policy Thinking and Research: knowledge of urban planning systems and relevant data concepts in urban planning context and ability to design methods and build critical narratives from data in support of progressive and social/racial justice-oriented projects. Focused and motivated individual with skills to conduct research when/if there are knowledge gaps.

Salary Range

The starting salary range for this position is $60,000 – $65,000/year. In addition, Hester Street offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off - holidays, sick days and vacation time, 100% employer paid health insurance, life insurance, commuter and retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities, among other benefits.

To Apply

Please upload a cover letter, résumé, portfolio or two work samples here.

Hester Street is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a workforce that reflects the populations with whom we partner. We seek to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability or veteran status.

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