Senior Research Analyst
3 days ago
Indianapolis
Job Description Senior Research Analyst Technology and Business Intelligence United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability. To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, collaborative, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence. We partner to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty and striving for a brighter future. Our vision is that Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals and families thrive; neighbors care for each other; and we are proud of all our residents’ quality of life. Position Summary The Senior Research Analyst is responsible for executing organization-wide research and business intelligence initiatives that inform strategic decision-making. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Insights and Business Intelligence, this role partners cross-functionally with Finance, Fundraising, Marketing, and Community Impact leaders to design, conduct, and deliver rigorous, decision-oriented business intelligence insights. This position independently leads the execution of business intelligence projects from discovery through delivery. The Senior Research Analyst ensures that the appropriate research methodology, data, analysis, reporting tools, and end products are utilized. The work of this role equips the organization with clear, evidence-based insights that guide planning, resource allocation, performance management, and long-term strategy across the organization. Position Duties & Responsibilities The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Organization-Wide Research Execution & Strategic Analytics Execute rigorous research and advanced analytics that directly inform strategic planning and leadership decision-making across the organization. • Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to define research questions aligned to finance, fundraising, marketing, and community impact outcomes., • Design and implement research methodologies aligned with organizational priorities., • Execute analytical initiatives from discovery through delivery, including data extraction, modeling, evaluation, and interpretation., • Conduct donor analysis, campaign effectiveness studies, financial performance assessments, and program evaluations as required by strategic priorities., • Develop statistical models and predictive analytics to inform investment decisions, resource allocation, and performance improvement., • Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations tailored to stakeholder decision needs., • Provide analytical guidance and subject matter expertise to cross-functional teams, influencing decisions through well-supported recommendations. Business Intelligence & Decision Support • Deliver timely, reliable, and forward-looking intelligence that enables leaders to monitor performance and adjust strategy confidently., • Develop and maintain dashboards in PowerBI and Tableau that track key performance indicators across finance, fundraising, marketing, and community impact., • Produce reports and analyses that support strategy, oversight, management, and program effectiveness., • Build forward-looking and trend-based analyses that help leadership anticipate shifts and proactively adjust strategy., • Ensure reporting frameworks and evaluation plans are aligned to stakeholder decisions rather than simply producing data outputs., • Maintain documentation to support sustainability and consistency of reporting tools., • Continuously evaluate reporting approaches to improve clarity, usability, and strategic value. Measurement Strategy Support, Data Collection & Strategic Storytelling • Select and deploy the appropriate research methods and analytical tools for each strategic question, ensuring insights are clearly communicated and actionable., • Design and implement internal and external surveys aligned with defined survey objectives., • Analyze stakeholder feedback and translate results into structured, decision-oriented recommendations., • Utilize ESRI ArcGIS tools to conduct spatial analysis and create mapping visualizations when geographic insight is required., • Determine the most appropriate analytical and visualization approach, including surveys, GIS mapping, dashboards, statistical modeling, and executive presentations, based on the question being asked and the stakeholder audience., • Present findings in concise formats that drive understanding, alignment, and action., • Continuously assess and refine analytical methodologies and storytelling techniques to enhance strategic impact. Data Infrastructure Support & Analytical Continuity • Contribute to the stability, integrity, and continuity of the organization’s data infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted analytical capability.