The American Foundation for the Blind is seeking a Researcher. AFB's Public Policy and Research Institute collaborates with policymakers in Congress and executive agencies to ensure that people who are blind or have low vision in the United States have equal rights and opportunities to participate fully in society. The position reports to the Director of Research. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing specialized knowledge and expertise in developing and conducting AFB’s research activities.
About the American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships.
We are committed to creating a future of possibilities for blind Americans—a world where individuals with vision loss at every stage of life can live, work, learn, and play at their full potential.
To achieve this goal, AFB values learning, collaboration, impact, and excellence. We are a dynamic, creative, results-driven organization. Our workplace is lean, fast-paced, and virtual, and our work is project- and team-oriented. Performance expectations are aligned with the organization's goals and values, and employees are empowered to make decisions and take care of business. We value and invest in our people and their tools, expanding our expertise and utilizing the latest accessible technology. We deliver excellence to our customers, partners, and constituents.
For more information, please see our Strategic Plan, which includes our Vision and Strategic Goals to achieve it.
Duties and Responsibilities Include
- As a member of the research team, develops and implements research projects, including but not limited to scientific and policy research, research with external partners, demographic studies, and program and product/service evaluation. Develops survey instruments, conducts focus groups and interviews, and assists in the data cleaning and analysis process. Offers expert guidance to other AFB staff undertaking research-related activities. Assists with the formulation of research-based public policy and program evaluation recommendations.
- Undertakes and supports the dissemination of original research and research-based knowledge. Prepares and delivers conference presentations and assists in the drafting of research reports and peer-reviewed journal manuscripts. Communicates research and evaluation findings to internal AFB stakeholders and external client partners orally and in writing. Participates in the design and delivery of research-related webinars and live AFB conference sessions to foster discussion, debate, and information sharing.
- Expertly supports writing grant and contract proposals for outside-funded projects (federal, state, and/or private), helping to advance and implement AFB's research objectives. Monitors and assesses potential grant opportunities, paid research partnership opportunities, and other opportunities for research revenue. Serves as grant peer reviewer for federal agencies, as appropriate and assigned.
- Serves as an authority on AFB's behalf, participating in disability-based and discipline-based coalitions and other venues to advance AFB's public policy agenda and to promote partnership opportunities among interested stakeholders for conducting and disseminating research.
- Maintains professional development in research techniques, and social and policy issues affecting people and services in the vision loss and disability fields, in order to integrate the "state of the art" into AFB's research efforts.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in a research-related discipline, and at least two years of experience conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research studies. Preference for those who have training and experience in quantitative analytic techniques (such as descriptive and inferential statistics), qualitative analytic techniques (e.g., thematic coding), and/or programming online surveys. Demonstrated exceptional speaking and writing skills. Expertise in labor research, technology research, public health, public administration, or disability-related disciplines strongly preferred. Knowledge of and experience in vision loss/disability studies, and experience with involving members of under-represented groups in research are a plus. Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment under deadlines necessary.
Demonstrate AFB Key Values & Competencies Including:
- Integrity & Respect
- Collaboration
- Job Excellence & Impact
- Life-Long Learning
- Initiative
- Communication
- Desire to Serve
- Leadership
Compensation
Salary based on experience, market analysis and location.
Location
This is a full-time telecommuting position, with the opportunity to work part-time from AFB’s Arlington, VA office. Some travel required. Strong preference given to applicants residing in VA, MD, DC, WV, NY, PA, or FL.
How to Apply
Interested parties, please email a Cover Letter and a Resume/CV to careers@afb.org.
At AFB we do not just accept difference, we celebrate it. AFB is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact Human Resources at careers@afb.org.
