Senior Analyst

Job Title: Senior Analyst

Job ID: 319007

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Full-Time

Department

POLIS (IN-POLI-IUINA)

Department Information

The Polis Center is an applied research center at Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Polis makes data actionable for improving community health, equity, and resilience. We build and use information technology and geographically specific data across a variety of domains and sectors to identify and address our community's most pressing challenges including housing stability, public health, and economic resilience. We are a convener and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.

From inception, The Polis Center has been guided by core values that include making a difference, collaboration, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, accountability, integrity, respect, and stewardship. We emphasize clarity of roles and shared accountability so that team members can work effectively and independently in service of community-based research. Our team is passionate about the work we do, and we love working together. The Polis Center places great value on a positive work/life balance.

Job Summary

The Polis Center seeks an experienced, senior-level analyst to support the data collection, analysis planning, data analysis, and data visualizations we create with and for community-based organizations, public agencies, local governments, researchers, and citizens. The primary role of the senior analyst is to provide guidance in the design and implementation of applied social science analysis projects and in the selection of appropriate statistical methods, models, and software, employing center-wide best practices for analysis to meet project objectives within a fast-paced, multi-project environment. The Senior Analyst is expected to translate high level guidance into concrete analysis plans, timelines, and deliverables, and to independently drive assigned analyses from planning through execution with clear ownership and follow through.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Provides advanced analysis of existing data and data structures and satisfies ad-hoc reporting/analysis requests
• Provides advanced consultation on methodology for analysis team in collaboration with the project lead
• Plans and executes assigned analyses, translating high-level research questions into concrete analytical steps, datasets, and outputs
• Provides advanced guidance and interpretation of complex or evolving data environments
• Executes statistical analysis methods in support of community and academic research projects
• Seeks additional knowledge of current relevant methodologies
• Creates maps and data visualizations
• Performs complex quantitative and qualitative data collection, data analysis, data management, literature research, technical writing, and reporting in support of research project(s)
• Makes recommendations and provides peer review and coaching
• Ensures proper documentation of data analysis efforts (data sources, reporting specifications, tools, issue/problem resolutions)
• Documents assumptions, methods, limitations, and analytic decisions in a manner that supports reproducibility, handoff, and future use by other staff
• Develops reports containing descriptive and statistical analysis that is trustworthy and impactful for a wide range of audiences
• Ensures quality control of data and reports findings to federal and other agencies
• Writes various technical reports, journal articles, and/or develops presentations to disseminate and share research findings
• Performs various analyses to ensure quality assurance of research findings (data quality, reports, etc.)
• Provides advanced consultation to faculty/staff and identifies opportunities for analysis
• Consults with faculty and staff and provides input on project evaluations and research project designs
• Interacts with community and research groups to communicate and interpret results and findings
• Represents the department regarding related research and participates in professional development activities and programs
• Provides additional research project support as needed
• Balances consultation and collaboration with clear accountability for assigned deliverables, deadlines, and outcomes
• Mentors and/or provides guidance to students, faculty, or other staff working on research project(s) through training in related aspects of research techniques and analysis as needed
• May provide daily oversight to less experienced staff or student researchers
• May support applied research initiatives in domains such as housing stability, eviction prevention, public health, and economic resilience, depending on project funding and institutional priorities
• Performs other related duties as assigned

General Responsibilities

• Performs complex data collection, data analysis, data management, literature research, technical writing, and reporting in support of research project(s); performs quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• Ensures quality control of data and reports findings to federal and other agencies
• Consults with faculty researchers and research staff and provides input on research project evaluations and research project designs.
• Writes various technical reports, journal articles, and/or develops presentations to disseminate and share research findings
• Performs various analyses to ensures quality assurance of research findings (data quality, reports, etc.)
• Represents the department with regard to related research and participates in professional development activities and programs
• Mentors and/or provides guidance to students, faculty, or other staff working on research project(s) through training in related aspects of research techniques and analysis as needed; may provide daily oversight to less experienced staff or student researchers
• Provides additional research project support as needed

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

Master's degree (preferably in research-oriented field such as statistics, public health/policy analysis, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 3 years in a related field

Preferred

• 3 years of related professional experience as an analyst
• Experience in a community-oriented organization
• 5 years of related professional experience in a multi-project environment
• Experience working with housing, evictions, or community development data, or closely related policy domains

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
• Strong knowledge and ability to apply qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
• Familiarity with and openness to learn new qualitative and mixed methods
• Knowledge and familiarity with various statistical software

Preferred

Ability to translate complex data findings into clear, audience-appropriate insights for policymakers and community stakeholders.

Ability to work productively in ambiguous or evolving project environments with appropriate autonomy and accountability

Strong quantitative analysis and statistical skills, including methodologies for regression modeling

Knowledge of appropriate statistical and data visualization software, such as R or Python

Experience with ArcGIS software, or equivalent software such as QGIS or spatial libraries in R/Python

Demonstrated experience in applied community research projects

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

This position is grant funded with expected annual renewals. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds.

This position is expected to begin in late summer or early fall 2026. Start date is negotiable based on candidate availability and operational needs.

Work Location

Indianapolis, Indiana

This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule (mix between 2 days remote and 3 days in-person work), subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs.

Advertised Salary

$54,000.00 - 75,000.00 annually

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Research Data Analysis