<p>The Social and Demographic Research Associate will design and conduct research and analysis of demographic, economic, environmental, social, and other characteristics and trends to provide insights for public policy and strategic decision-making in various sectors, including business, public policy, and social programs. The individual will gather, interpret, and present demographic, economic, and social data to understand how those characteristics impact various outcomes in an urban environment.</p> <p>Social researchers use social scientific methods to study and understand human behavior and social issues, aiming to describe, explain, and predict social phenomena for policy makers and others and to inform decision-making. </p> <p>Metropolitan Social Services (MSS), a department of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, focuses on topics and issues continually effecting the economic and social wellbeing of Nashvillians. National and local policy choices have resulted in a deterioration of standard of living and put more people into poverty. Poverty can be multidimensional and result from long-term processes of inequality, persistent exclusion, concentration of economic power, access to wealth-building and social capital, as well as broad transformations in work and society.</p> <ul> <li>Applies formal research methods, including survey research, qualitative and quantitative approaches, statistical analysis, and spatial analysis with the ability to adapt those methods to a wide variety of topics, issues, designs and settings. </li><li>Writes reports documenting socioeconomic issues about topics related to poverty, neighborhoods, gentrification, wealth building, lack of economic mobility, education, labor-market dynamics and earnings, as well as racial disparities.  </li><li>Recognizes and investigates national trends and emerging socioeconomic patterns that are relevant to economic and social wellbeing. </li><li>Performs writing and analysis aimed at influencing public policy in organized, easily digestible formats to portray trends and patterns in socioeconomic topics.  </li><li>Designs research projects, choosing appropriate methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, experiments) to gather data relevant to their research questions.  </li><li>Collects and analyses data using various methods such as collecting data, looking for patterns, trends, and insights to answer their research questions, ensuring ethical guidelines, and participating in confidentiality. </li></ul> <p>Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of professional  experience, including two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.</p> <ul> <li>No Substitutions* </li></ul> <p>Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.</p> <p>Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Master's degree in Demography, Sociology, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, Statistics or a related field.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience using statistical software and other tools to analyze data.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience with public policy research and analysis.</p> </li></ul> <p>We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.</p> <p>Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.</p> <p>Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.</p>