Research Analyst

Summary:

Goldbelt C6, LLC., is seeking a Research Analysts (Subject Matter Expert) to support The Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Research and Evaluation Unit (R/PPR/REU)The Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Research and Evaluation Unit (R/PPR/REU). The Research Analysts will provide research services to support the work of public diplomacy practitioners focused on countering adversarial propaganda (CAP).

Essential Job Functions:

• Identify, test and advise on the procurement of digital and social media analytic and research platforms.
• Develop recommendations for new or enhanced policies, processes, technologies, analytic tools, and information-related capabilities. 
• Assist in conceptualizing analysis and research products that are actionable by field practitioners.
• Support the development, review, coordination, and implementation of policies, strategies, plans, concepts, and guidance. 
• Provide technical direction, mentoring, and quality assurance to junior and mid-level analysts. 
• Analyze foreign propaganda, misinformation, disinformation, and coordinated influence campaigns conducted through social media and other digital platforms. 
• Evaluate how foreign governments, state-sponsored organizations, terrorist groups, and other malign actors use social media and digital communications to influence public opinion and targeted audiences.
• Provide context, data and expertise in advance of Bureau Principals' engagement with U.S. government interagency partners, foreign government counterparts, Congress, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
• Conduct network analyses to map to visualize and understands social and bot networks that spread propaganda.
• Conduct netnography studies, thematic analysis and multi-modal analysis to identify and understand emerging narratives.
• Perform sentiment analysis, topci modeling and frequency/volume tracking and other forms of quantitative content analysis.
• Participate in the design of synchronous and asynchronous training for non-expert staff.
• Draft materials, guides and references for non-expert staff.
• Serve as an expert consultant on how PD practitioners can identify, understand and counter foreign adversarial propaganda and influence operations.
• Conduct deep-dive investigations using advanced open-source techniques (Geolocating, metadata analysis, archival research).
• Synthesize fragmented data from public records, digital footprints, and technical telemetry into cohesive reports. 
• Identify and utilize industry standard open-source databases and tools.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Approach problems analytically and holistically, considering the individual problem and the impact on the larger system.
• Proficiency with synthetic media and deepfake detection, generative AI capabilities and concepts of content authentication and provenance. 
• Basic experience with geospatial research and modeling of information and threat networks.
• Ability to translate complex network graphs adn data sets into clear executive-level visual reports. 
• Strong project management skills including experience developing project management plans (PMPs) and/or monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans for programs and initiatives.
• Strong skills in qualitative competencies such as interviewing, synthesis, and analysis, as well as knowledge of survey design and basic quantitative methodologies. Experience collecting qualitative or quantitative data, developing research protocols and other research materials, and administering instruments in English (or other language, as necessary).
• Proficiency in SNA tools (e.g. Gephi, NodeXL, Maltego), social listening platforms (e.g.Brandwatch, Meltwater, Storyzy, Talkwalker), and open-source research. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree in International Relations, Data Science, Political Science, Communication Journalism, or a related field or a bachelor's degree with commensurate experience.
• Academic training should include coursework in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Four or more years' experience with performance monitoring, performance measurement, and performance management for large-scale initiatives or for organizational-wide objectives, including developing performance indicators, establishing data collection business processes, creating data management practices, creating monitoring reports, and designing continuous improvement initiatives. Representative examples include designing and managing employee surveys, organizational communication research projects, and/or conducting stakeholder analysis.
• Five years of experience in intelligence analysis, digital forensics, investigative journalism, or social media analysis.
• Experience conducting formative research into stakeholder needs and country context to guide the development of internal public diplomacy work processes and communication systems.
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, with milestones occurring over one to two years.
• Experience designing, implementing and/or facilitating business process evaluations.
• Experience working with a U.S. government department or agency; international organization; or programs funded by major international development funders (e.g., USAID, DFID, World Bank) preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PH.D. is preferred
• Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies is preferred; Yellow belt or high Six Sigma certification desired
• Currently has an active Top Secret clearance
• Prior experience working with the U.S. Department of State is highly desired to understand the culture and environment.
• Familiarity with project management software.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Pay and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $134,000 - $144,000.00 annually.  

At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.