Beeck Center Georgetown University Beeck Center: Social Impact + Innovation

Student Analysts

Job Description

Fall 2023

About the Student Analyst (SA) Program

Student Analysts at the Beeck Center are motivated self-starters looking to drive social change. They are passionate, responsible, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious. As a Student Analyst, you will be expected to contribute to team efforts, requiring flexibility and a strong work ethic. 

Each position is designed to specifically support action-oriented research across our 

various projects and operations. At the same time, you are charged to connect this work to the larger Beeck Center portfolio, which is focused on social impact by employing the tools of data, design, technology, and innovation.

We care deeply about the academic, professional, and personal development of our Student Analysts. Our program centers on experiential learning through project-based work, and we invite all Student Analysts to further career development through conferences, workshops, webinars, and extended networking. Finally, our Student Analysts participate in introspective exercises that are designed to help the discovery and design of their pathways to careers and, hopefully, the social impact space.

Eligibility

You must be a current student (undergraduate or graduate) at Georgetown University, who is looking for a challenge and wants to grow professionally. Each position description may contain further eligibility requirements. 

We are looking for candidates with a strong combination of skills and abilities, with an emphasis on writing, research, and analytical skills. This position is paid (details below) and students who are work-study eligible are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Highly motivated and accountable, with strong teamwork and collaboration skills
  • The ability to learn quickly and approach projects of any size with confidence 
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Strong writing and editing skills
  • Ability to balance competing priorities and communicate changes in capacity and availability in a timely manner
  • Discretion, maturity, and confidential management of all incidental information acquired on the job
  • Openness to learning project management and communication software including Slack, Airtable, and Asana
  • Creative and agile thinking in unstructured contexts
  • A growth mind-set and openness to learning

Preferred:

  • Research experience, strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Familiarity with Airtable or similar tools for data management
  • Comfortable with a start-up work environment
  • Striving to tackle social challenges greater than yourself
  • An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the social sector
  • Knowledge of ongoing efforts in public interest technology, policy innovation, public service delivery, and data for social good

Open Positions

Digital Benefits Network (DBN):  Qualitative Research — Automation in Public Benefits

We are recruiting one (1) undergraduate or graduate student to join our Digital Benefits Network (DBN) project team and work alongside Researcher Elizabeth Bynum Sorrell (supervisor), Fellow Ariel Kennan and Community Manager Shanelle Roberson. The Student Analyst will support an emerging area of research on questions about the uses of automated technologies and systems (such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine-learning (ML), algorithmic tools, and automated decision making systems) in the digital delivery of public benefits. The Student Analyst will conduct background research and in-depth interviews to identify and document examples of automation in social safety net programs. The student analyst will also have opportunities to research and write concise case studies for the Digital Benefits Hub related to emergent automation work and other benefits topics, including rules as code. The Student Analyst will have many learning opportunities including: gaining experience conducting in-depth qualitative interviews, synthesizing information, and writing actionable research findings that are published to a broad, cross-sector audience; building knowledge of how technology, data and design are used in the safety net; networking with individuals and organizations on the forefront of benefit innovation; and gaining experience in an interdisciplinary team working to move a field forward. We are open to candidates with a range of backgrounds for this position, but this role may be of special interest to students interested in the ethics of using new technology in government, and/or interested in developing or using qualitative research skills.

Digital Benefits Network (DBN):  Research on Unemployment Insurance Technology Modernization

We are recruiting one (1) undergraduate or graduate-level Student Analyst to join our Digital Benefits Network (DBN) project team as part of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Technology Coordinating Coalition, and work alongside Fellow Ariel Kennan (supervisor), Fellow Aaron Snow, Advisors and Coalition Conveners Adam Boborow and Marcus Courtney, Researcher Elizabeth Bynum Sorrell and Community Manager Shanelle Roberson. The Student Analyst will help deliver a technical assistance offering to states. The Student Analyst will help document state challenges, potential solutions, and gaps in the field. In addition, the Student Analyst will assist with gathering information and resources for the quarterly research report published by the coalition, as well as investigating other research questions as needed. The Student Analyst will have many learning opportunities including: conducting research alongside faculty and leading practitioners in the field; interviewing state leaders; learning how to analyze research data and propose a strategic plan; publishing insights from research and engagement; and gaining exposure to the unique challenges of accessing and administering unemployment insurance. 

Please note that attending a bi-weekly coalition call from 12-1 pm ET on Thursdays is required as part of this position. 

Digital Benefits Network (DBN): Product Development

We are recruiting one (1) undergraduate or graduate student to join our Digital Benefits Network (DBN) project team and work alongside Fellow Ariel Kennan (supervisor), Community Manager Shanelle Roberson, and Researcher Elizabeth Bynum Sorrell as we iterate on the design of the Digital Benefits Hub, an open-source resource library for practitioners working to improve the delivery of public benefits. Originally launched in October 2022, we are now working on the next version of the Hub. The Student Analyst will help conduct usability testing and collect user feedback on the Hub with our core users including government and nonprofit leaders. The Student Analyst will participate in the product development cycle, including analyzing data and feedback to propose improvements and new features. Additionally, the Student Analyst will support content collection and curation as we work to continually grow the content on the Hub and ensure that it stays up-to-date with the latest work in the field. The Student Analyst will have many learning opportunities including working closely with professional product managers, software engineers, and designers; gaining experience in the process to design and develop digital products; and gaining exposure to public benefits policy and field leaders. We are open to candidates with a range of backgrounds for this position, including those who may have experience with product and web development and those who are eager to learn these skills. 

Digital Service Network (DSN): Spotlight Research (Two Positions)

We are recruiting two (2) graduate students to join our Digital Service Network (DSN) project team and work alongside Researcher Colleen Pulawski (supervisor), Community Manager Michaela Caudill, and Fellow Kirsten Wyatt. As part of the DSN’s broader work to promote peer learning among digital government practitioners and highlight promising initiatives to make government service delivery more equitable and effective, we launched the DSN Spotlight series: short-form write-ups that feature innovative work happening across the DSN’s member governments. Recent Spotlights feature, for example, the implementation of digital accessibility policies and efforts to foster inclusion in gender-based data collection. Over the course of the Fall semester, these Student Analysts will lead research for and write Spotlights in close collaboration with DSN’s Researcher. This will include identifying initiatives to feature, conducting desk research and interviews with government practitioners from across the U.S., and producing well-crafted write-ups. This SA may also have the opportunity to contribute to the DSN’s larger, more long-term research efforts. In this role, you will gain experience with: conducting in-depth qualitative interviews; clearly and concisely synthesizing information from a number of sources; writing actionable research findings that are published to a broad, cross-sector audience; building knowledge of how technology and design can help improve government service delivery; networking with practitioners at the forefront of digital services innovation; and collaborating closely with an interdisciplinary team that holds significant government experience. For this role, we are open to student candidates from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, though a strong interest in or experience with government work is a plus.

Digital Service Network (DSN): Communications + Network Engagement

We are recruiting one (1) undergraduate or graduate student to join the Digital Service Network (DSN) team and work closely with Community Manager Michaela Caudill (supervisor) and Fellow Kirsten Wyatt. The Student Analyst will support the management of the Chief Digital Services Officer (CDSO), User Experience + Research (UX), and State Chief Data Officer (CDO) subnetworks as well as supporting other community events and activities. Responsibilities may include monthly meeting preparation and communications, event planning and support, and ad hoc research support to meet community members’ needs. The Student Analyst will have the opportunity to connect with and support government practitioners across the digital service landscape, and gain insight into the inner workings of digital transformation in government. 

Intergovernmental Software Collaborative (ISC): Community Engagement

We are recruiting one (1) undergraduate or graduate student to join the Intergovernmental Software Collaborative (ISC) and work closely with Community Manager, Nalani Saito (supervisor) and Fellow Dominic Campbell. Responsibilities may include contributing research, data-collection, and communications to a human-centered research pilot on child care subsidy onboarding in the U.S.; supporting community building events and convenings for government practitioners interested in collaborative approaches to technology improvements; and writing short form content, such as blogs and newsletters. This Student Analyst role can be tailored to the interests and skills of the applicant and will involve collaboration with ISC team members, as well as relationship building with external stakeholders. 

The Opportunity Project for Cities (TOPC)

We are recruiting one (1) undergraduate or graduate student to support The Opportunity Project for Cities, working alongside Senior Technical Advisor Harold Moore. This project involves hands-on collaboration with program partners at the Centre for Public Impact and Google.org, as well as delivery of technical assistance and program support to city participants in the TOPC 20-week design sprint in four or more cities. The Student Analyst will gain experience in cross-sector collaboration, open data, local government reform, facilitation, qualitative research, storytelling, and strategic decision-making. The Student Analyst will supplement city support through the TOPC sprint, developing communications products like blog posts, reports, or features, generating insights about program design, and designing learning resources for the TOPC community of practice.  

Data Labs: Documenting Best Practices + Lessons Learned

We are recruiting one (1) graduate student to support Data Labs, reporting to Program Lead Ali Benson, and collaborating with Program Managers Vinith Annam, Jen Puma, and Isaac Yoder. The Student Analyst will document best practices and lessons learned from the second cohort of Data Labs by developing personas of state data projects and summarizing key takeaways. The role may also involve providing ad hoc support to the team as we conclude the program. The Student Analyst will have the opportunity to learn about how data can inform better government service delivery, as well as common, often non-technical challenges facing states. They will hone their skills in conducting research, analyzing findings, and communicating results. The Student Analyst will also have the opportunity to attend Data Labs workshops, hear directly from states, and gain exposure to best practices in instructional design, capacity building, and facilitation.

State Chief Data Officers (State CDO) Network: Research

State CDO network is researching where and how to place data leaders for maximum impact. We are recruiting one (1) graduate-level student analyst to join the research project team and work alongside Fellow Milda Aksamitauskas. The student analyst will finish collecting data from the CDOs using the semi-structured interview protocol, enter data into the database, systemize collected data and report out the findings. The Student Analyst will have many learning opportunities including: conducting research alongside leading practitioners in the field; interviewing state leaders; learning how to analyze research data; publishing insights from research and engagement; and gaining exposure to the unique challenges of chief data officers.

Beeck Center Communications

The Beeck Center Communications team is recruiting one (1) undergraduate or graduate student to help communicate and amplify the work taking place across our portfolio, which spans four different projects led by expert fellows who conduct leading-edge research and convene individuals and organizations across the public interest technology space to collaborate on solutions and build a broader sense of community. The communications student analyst will hone their skills in digital communications, content marketing, and audience engagement by: drafting and editing written content, including blog posts, case studies, social media posts, guides, playbooks, and templates; conducting interviews with fellows and other experts in the field;  supporting project teams with preparation and promotion; participating in weekly strategy and editorial meetings; and collecting data on content performance for analysis. Candidates should have a strong combination of skills and abilities, with an emphasis on writing, editing, and content promotion.

Hours and Compensation

Student Analysts should expect to work up to 20 hours/week, and must be able to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week. Wages for hourly student employees are based on Georgetown University’s Student Employment Office guidelines: $17/hour for undergraduates and $22/hour for graduates.

Location

The Beeck Center has two Washington, DC office locations. Consistent with the university’s pandemic response, student analysts will work a hybrid schedule (3 days remote, 2 days in-person) at one of the following locations (subject to change):

Main Campus
Bunn Intercultural Center (ICC 100)
3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057		 Capitol Campus
500 First (6th Floor)
500 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001 

To Apply

Please submit your application through the form linked below. There is only one application, but several open positions. Please be sure to upload your (1) resume and (2) a writing sample (both required), as indicated on the online application form. 

Applications will close Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET. We are unable to accept any applications after this deadline, so students are strongly encouraged to apply early. All candidates will be notified of hiring decisions no later than Friday, August 25. All student analysts will begin work on Monday, September 11 and conclude Friday, December 1, 2023. Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, and if you don’t see the answer, please email beeckcenter@georgetown.edu.

APPLY HERE

About the Beeck Center

The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University brings together students, expert practitioners, and extended networks to work on projects that solve societal challenges using data, design, technology, and policy. Our projects test new ways for public and private institutions to leverage data and analytics, digital technologies, and service design to help more people.

Needs Assistance

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at 202-687-4798 or ideaa@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown’s commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement

The Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation at Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.