Description

Position Summary

The Research & Evaluation Analyst plays a central role in strengthening NASFAA’s capacity to produce timely, credible, and actionable research that supports the financial aid profession. Working under a newly expanded department of research and grants, this position leads key components of NASFAA’s membership-focused research, internal evaluations, data analysis, and practitioner-facing resources. The Analyst will coordinate surveys, assist with qualitative and quantitative research, prepare written deliverables, and support the expansion of evidence-based tools and insights for NASFAA members. 

A Senior Analyst designation may be considered for candidates with advanced skills, experience, or subject-matter expertise. Senior-level expectations are noted where applicable.

Requirements

NASFAA Work Environment

NASFAA offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits and opportunities for growth. NASFAA is a mobile-first organization, meaning that we cultivate a work environment that prioritizes and optimizes the flexibility for staff to work remotely most - or all - of the time without sacrificing our ability to fulfill the mission of the organization or the quality of our products or services. This position is slotted for remote work with minimal associated travel requirements.

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is the only national, nonprofit association with a primary focus on information dissemination, professional development, and legislative and regulatory analysis related to federal student aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Our membership consists of more than 29,000 financial aid professionals at nearly 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the country. NASFAA member institutions serve nine out of every 10 undergraduates in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to the following work activities. 

Research & Data Analysis for Membership and Association Needs

• Coordinate and execute research projects supporting NASFAA’s membership and internal association priorities, including survey design, fielding, data analysis, and interpretation. Projects may include:
  • Literature reviews, environmental scans, and benchmarking summaries with a focus on research relevant to the profession.
  • Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis methods, including interviews, focus groups, and practitioner consultations.
• Oversee the production of benchmarking tools, data dashboards, and practice-oriented insights for membership.
• Monitor practitioner-focused research produced by other associations and third-party vendors and keep NASFAA leadership informed of relevant trends and tools.
• Senior Analyst add-on:
  • Independently design research approaches, oversee complex mixed-methods projects, and provide methodological guidance.
  • Serve as project lead on practitioner-focused studies and propose new lines of inquiry aligned with member and Board priorities. 

Internal Evaluation Leadership

• Serve as the primary resource for cross-departmental evaluation initiatives, including survey development, analysis, and reporting.
• Coordinate evaluation timelines, instrument design, and follow-up summaries for departments across NASFAA.
• Lead data collection for internal evaluations (e.g., conferences, trainings, scholarships, volunteer structures, consulting engagements).
• Senior Analyst add-on: Lead evaluation planning discussions with department heads and provide higher-level oversight of evaluation strategy.

Writing, Reporting, and Presentation Development

• Collaborate with the Communications Department to support the dissemination of research outputs and, when appropriate, contribute to marketing plans that promote practitioner-facing research.
• Develop presentations, articles, reports, and other materials related to NASFAA’s practitioner-focused research and data initiatives.
• Prepare high-quality written deliverables, including briefs, reports, slide decks, survey summaries, and data visualizations, to support effective communication and informed decision-making.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for practitioners, NASFAA leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to ad hoc research needs from NASFAA departments, the Director, and the Policy & Federal Relations team.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum education: A bachelor’s degree and current enrollment in or completion of a master’s degree in higher education, program evaluation, organizational psychology, data analytics, public policy, social sciences, or a related field; or enrollment in a doctoral program. Combinations of related education and experience in higher education administration or public policy may be considered in lieu of advanced degree requirements.
• Minimum experience: 2-3 years of relevant work experience.
• NASFAA U credentials not required.
• Skills: 
  • Demonstrated experience conducting survey research, program evaluation, or applied social science research.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills; proficiency with Excel required. (Experience with statistical tools such as SPSS, Stata, or R is a plus.)
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially in translating data for non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across departments.
  • High degree of integrity, accountability, adaptability, and initiative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or researching postsecondary education, financial aid, or program evaluation.
• Experience with survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics).
• Familiarity with federal datasets (IPEDS, NPSAS, FSA Data Center) or a willingness to learn.
• Experience working with AI tools in research and data analysis, or a willingness to learn. 

Job title of Analyst or Senior Analyst will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate comfort working in a remote-first mission-driven organization where individual goals align with strategic priorities.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment that values team-based accountability and organizational results.
• Approach tasks with initiative, ownership, and a commitment to high-quality HR service.
• Embody and uphold NASFAA’s staff-developed Core Operating Values.

NASFAA Culture

NASFAA is a mission-driven national organization dedicated to supporting the financial aid profession and advocating for policies that expand student access and success in higher education. NASFAA maintains a fast-paced environment grounded in strategic planning, creativity, and problem-solving. 

NASFAA is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. It is the policy of NASFAA not to discriminate against any applicant for employment based on disability or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are provided to employees whose ability to perform their job is affected by pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions. NASFAA is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply

This is a full-time, exempt position.  The salary range is $75,000 - $80,000.  NASFAA offers excellent benefits including 100% paid health insurance premium for the employee and partially covered dependent coverage, and a contributory retirement savings plan. Interested applicants should apply at https://www.nasfaa.org/research_evaluation_analyst. Interested applicants should apply by Monday March 16, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.