Research & Data Officer (Charity Sector)
Generating evidence-based insights to support charitable campaigns, policy advocacy, and internal program evaluations.
Overview
This career involves a blend of technical data manipulation and narrative communication within a mission-driven context. On a daily basis, a Research and Data Officer might transition from cleaning large datasets collected from service users to drafting a policy briefing that simplifies complex findings for non-technical stakeholders. The rhythm of the work often follows grant cycles or legislative sessions, requiring periods of intense focus on data integrity and statistical validity followed by collaborative phases of strategy and dissemination.
Success in this role depends on a meticulous approach to data ethics and a thorough understanding of the social issues the charity addresses. Professionals who thrive here generally possess a strong sense of intellectual curiosity and the patience to navigate messy, real-world data that lacks the cleanliness of academic or commercial sets. The work feels purposeful and intellectually demanding, as the outcomes directly inform how resources are allocated to support vulnerable populations or advocate for social change.
responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Design and implement data collection tools such as surveys and semi-structured interview guides.
- Analyse complex datasets using statistical software to identify trends and measure program impact.
- Produce high-quality reports and data visualisations for internal leadership and external donors.
- Ensure all data processing activities comply with data protection regulations and ethical research standards.
- Collaborate with campaign teams to provide evidence for policy recommendations and public-facing advocacy.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of charity programs through rigorous longitudinal studies.
- Manage internal databases and CRM systems to maintain high standards of data hygiene and accessibility.
Qualifications
- A bachelor or master degree in a social science, statistics, or a related quantitative field.
- Professional experience in data analysis, particularly within the non-profit or public sector.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis tools such as R, Stata, SPSS, or advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical research findings to a non-specialist audience.
- Thorough knowledge of data protection laws and ethical considerations in research involving human subjects.
Nice to have
- Experience with data visualisation software such as Tableau or Power BI.
- Knowledge of SQL or Python for more complex data extraction and processing tasks.
- A track record of published research or significant contributions to policy white papers.
- Experience in grant writing or reporting for large institutional funders.
Work environment
- Work is typically performed in a hybrid office setting with a collaborative and mission-focused team culture.
- Standard office hours are common, though deadlines for major reports or campaigns may require occasional overtime.
- Digital tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and specialized project management software are used daily.
- The role involves regular interaction with program managers, policy experts, and occasionally service users.
- Minimal travel is required, typically limited to occasional site visits or professional conferences.
Benefits & growth
- Career progression leads to roles such as Head of Impact, Research Manager, or Policy Director.
- Compensation packages often include enhanced pension contributions and generous annual leave compared to the private sector.
- Professional development is supported through specialized training in data science and evaluation methodologies.
- Many organisations offer flexible working arrangements to support a sustainable work-life balance for employees.
- The role provides significant networking opportunities within the broader non-profit and public policy ecosystems.
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