Joint Venture Silicon Valley is seeking a Senior reacher who is capable of both high-level research and low-level repetitive tasks. This role is for a meticulous and inquisitive candidate to provide data and analysis for public benefit while studying one of the world's most unique and globally impactful ecosystems. Initially, the senior researcher will work alongside the institute's research staff to learn about the region and the institute's research methodologies, policies, and procedures, before playing a critical role in gathering, interpreting, and presenting data to provide valuable insights into Silicon Valley's economic and community health.
About Joint Venture Silicon Valley
Established in 1993, Joint Venture Silicon Valley is a platform for analysis supported by major sectors such as business, government, labor, and academia. The organization's research arm is the Silicon Valley Institute for Regional Studies, which conducts research on economic and community health issues in Silicon Valley, the greater Bay Area, and broader regional issues. The Institute manages various regional resources for the public benefit and provides a steady stream of research products to the community. It also offers contract-based work that ranges from custom data requests to full research studies.
Qualifications
Five to seven years of relevant work experience.
Thesis-based master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field preferred.
Expertise working with various data analysis and visualization tools. Advanced abilities using Microsoft Excel are a must.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience writing and presenting to a variety of audiences.
Willingness to take on difficult assignments independently, then distill complex data into clear and actionable insights.
Meticulous attention to detail, demonstrated by consistently thorough and accurate research processes.
A desire to work in the nonprofit sector, contributing to the region’s collective knowledge and wellbeing.
Experience working with demographic data, economic indicators, innovation and/or other relevant metrics. Familiarity with the Silicon Valley ecosystem, its economic drivers, and its technological landscape is a plus.
Strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for uncovering insights through data.
Methodical and organized approach to research, ensuring all data sources are thoroughly vetted and accurately represented.
A deep commitment to unbiased research, equity, transparency, and collaboration.
responsibilities
Data Acquisition: Lead the process of identifying, collecting, and curating a wide range of data sources relevant to the Silicon Valley ecosystem, including economic indicators, innovation metrics, workforce trends, and more.
Data Analysis: Apply statistical and analytical techniques to extract meaningful insights from collected data, identify key trends, patterns, and correlations that shed light on the region's economic health and community wellbeing.
Research Strategy: Collaborate with the research team to develop and refine research strategies, data sources, and methodologies.
Communication: Produce comprehensive reports and presentations that effectively communicate research findings to various audiences, including partners, policymakers, and community members.
Intern/Volunteer Management: Provide guidance and mentorship to interns/volunteers, helping them to envision research projects that will contribute to the Institute’s body of work while also providing a rich educational opportunity.
Overview of the Position
Collect and analyze data in support of the annual Silicon Valley Index and other Institute research efforts;
Create back-end materials, such as Data-for-Designer and Public Data files;
Envision projects and draft proposals related to the Institute’s overall annual research agenda; and
Create data visualizations and effective means by which to communicate the results internally, to partners, and to broader audiences (e.g., through media releases, research reports, social media, and/or other methods).
Work remotely, with the exception of occasional in-person meetings/events in San Jose or other parts of Silicon Valley.
Attend weekly Joint Venture staff meetings, and participate in regular check-ins with Institute team members.
COmpensation and Benefits
$10,500 to $12,500 per month ($126,000 to $150,000 annually), commensurate with experience. As a full-time permanent position, it will include a full benefits package including but not limited to health insurance, 401k, life insurance, and a generous paid time off policy. The position includes paid sick leave, unemployment and workers compensation in accordance with CA state law.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Melinda Chacon (chacon@jointventure.org) with the email subject heading “Senior Researcher Position” along with 3 relevant writing samples for which you were the primary (or only) author. Please submit all materials in ONE single document.
