Published on 4 August 2026 by Inspire to Change

Research Coordinator

The research coordinator will work in collaboration with the Lead Researcher and President of Inspire to Change to develop, implement, and maintain the project plans, including cost, resource allocation, and schedule; facilitate project planning sessions with the team and develop project schedules; defi ne project scope, tasks, lists, and schedule; coordinate communications plan with collaborators and stakeholders; conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection (e.g., ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, surveys) and analysis; writing, proofreading, and editing of presentations, protocols, and reports. Will work across multiple project components.

Proven experience in collaborating with team members and colleagues. Proficiency in project planning and team facilitation.

Excellent communication skills for coordinating with collaborators and stakeholders. Experience in qualitative data collection methods, including ethnographic fieldwork and interviews.

Proficiency in quantitative data collection techniques, especially interviews and surveys.

Experience with transcription tools, such as Zoom and Otter.ai.

Familiarity with qualitative data analysis so ware, specifically MaxQDA.

Proficient writing skills for creating presentations, protocols, and reports.

Collaborate with the Lead Researcher and President to develop project plans. Monitor project costs, resource allocation, and schedules

Conduct qualitative data collection, including ethnographic fieldwork and interviews. Conduct quantitative data collection, such as surveys.

For consideration, send your CV and a brief cover letter to .

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Understanding the Role in Context

Inspire to Change is a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering personal growth, social justice, and systemic transformation through research, education, and collaborative action. The Research Coordinator sits at the heart of this mission, translating big-picture goals into concrete, data-driven projects. Unlike a purely academic researcher, this role requires a balance of methodological rigor and practical project management, ensuring that every study we undertake is not only scientifically sound but also directly useful to the communities we serve.

Our work spans multiple domains—from community health and education to organizational development and policy advocacy. The Research Coordinator helps us navigate this complexity by keeping projects on track, engaging stakeholders meaningfully, and producing insights that inform real-world decisions. You will be joining a team that values curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to equity. We believe that good research is not just about collecting data; it is about listening, learning, and turning knowledge into action.

Because our projects often involve partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local government agencies, the Research Coordinator must be comfortable working in diverse settings. You may find yourself facilitating a planning meeting one day, conducting an ethnographic interview the next, and drafting a report for a community forum later that week. This variety is what makes the role both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Key Responsibilities and Day-to-Day Work

While the core duties are outlined above, it is helpful to understand what a typical week might look like. The Research Coordinator is not a passive executor of tasks but an active contributor to the intellectual and logistical life of each project. You will be expected to anticipate needs, identify potential roadblocks, and propose solutions that keep the work moving forward.

• Project Planning and Coordination: You will work closely with the Lead Researcher and President to break down project goals into actionable steps. This includes creating detailed work plans, setting milestones, and adjusting timelines as needed. You will also be responsible for tracking progress and communicating updates to all stakeholders.
• Data Collection and Management: Depending on the project, you may conduct in-depth interviews, facilitate focus groups, administer surveys, or engage in ethnographic observation. You will need to ensure that all data is collected ethically, stored securely, and organized for analysis.
• Analysis and Interpretation: Using tools like MaxQDA, you will code qualitative data, identify themes, and synthesize findings. For quantitative data, you will use basic statistical techniques to summarize results and test hypotheses. Your ability to draw meaningful conclusions from raw data is critical.
• Reporting and Dissemination: You will draft reports, create presentations, and prepare protocols that translate research findings into accessible formats for diverse audiences. This includes writing for academic partners, community members, and funders.
• Communication and Collaboration: You will serve as a liaison between the research team and external collaborators. This involves scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and ensuring that everyone is aligned on project goals and expectations.

This is a hands-on role that requires both independence and teamwork. You will have the autonomy to manage your own tasks, but you will also be expected to contribute to a collaborative environment where ideas are shared openly and feedback is welcomed.

Skills and Competencies for Success

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and a genuine passion for social change. While the specific qualifications are listed above, we want to emphasize the qualities that will help you thrive in this position.

Methodological Versatility: You should be comfortable moving between qualitative and quantitative methods. Ethnographic fieldwork requires patience, observation skills, and cultural sensitivity, while survey design demands attention to sampling, question wording, and data quality. The ability to switch between these modes is essential.

Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with transcription tools like Zoom and Otter.ai is a must, as is experience with qualitative analysis software such as MaxQDA. You should also be comfortable with standard office software and project management tools. If you have experience with statistical packages like SPSS or R, that is a plus, but not required.

Communication and Writing: Much of your work will involve translating complex ideas into clear, compelling prose. You should be able to write for different audiences—academic, professional, and community-based—without losing precision or nuance. Strong proofreading and editing skills are also important, as you will be responsible for producing polished final documents.

Organizational and Time Management: You will be juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own deadlines and stakeholders. The ability to prioritize, delegate when appropriate, and maintain attention to detail is crucial. You should be proactive in identifying potential delays and communicating them early.

Interpersonal and Cultural Competence: Our work is grounded in respect for diverse perspectives. You must be able to build trust with research participants, collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds, and navigate sensitive topics with care. A commitment to equity and inclusion is non-negotiable.

How the Research Coordinator Fits into Our Team

Inspire to Change is a small but dynamic organization, which means that every team member wears multiple hats. The Research Coordinator works most closely with the Lead Researcher and the President, but you will also interact with other staff, volunteers, and external partners. We operate with a flat hierarchy where ideas are valued based on merit, not title.

You will be expected to contribute to the intellectual direction of projects, not just their execution. This means asking critical questions, suggesting alternative approaches, and bringing your own insights to the table. We believe that the best research emerges from collaborative dialogue, and we want you to be an active participant in that process.

Because our work is community-centered, you will also have opportunities to engage directly with the people our research is meant to serve. This might involve attending community meetings, facilitating workshops, or presenting findings at local events. These experiences will deepen your understanding of the issues and help you see the real-world impact of your work.

Professional Development and Growth

We are committed to supporting the professional growth of our team members. As a Research Coordinator, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, including workshops on advanced research methods, project management, and leadership. We encourage you to pursue areas of interest that align with our mission and to share your learning with the team.

This role is an excellent stepping stone for those considering a career in research, program evaluation, or nonprofit management. You will gain hands-on experience in every phase of the research process, from design to dissemination, and you will build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills. Many of our past Research Coordinators have gone on to pursue graduate degrees or take on leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.

We also recognize the importance of work-life balance and strive to create a supportive, flexible work environment. While the role can be demanding, we believe that sustainable work practices lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Inspire to Change is an equal opportunity employer, and we are deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We know that research is stronger when it reflects the perspectives of the communities it serves, and we actively seek candidates from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the research field, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience of the issues we study.

We also recognize that traditional hiring practices can exclude talented individuals. If you are excited about this role but do not meet every single qualification, we still want to hear from you. We value potential, passion, and a willingness to learn as much as we value specific experience.

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” — Zora Neale Hurston

This quote captures the spirit of our work. We are looking for someone who is curious, purposeful, and ready to make a difference. If that sounds like you, we invite you to apply.

Written by Inspire to Change