Changing workplaces. Changing lives.

Research Associate & Writer

Department: Research/Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Practices
Reports To: Senior Director

Responsibilities

The Research Associate and Writer helps conduct research on Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Practices and cutting-edge programs and writes case studies that assist Catalyst members to advance women and create inclusive environments. The Research Associate and Writer will create D&I Practices in the following areas: Women in Leadership, Organizational Change & Effectiveness, and Diverse Women & Inclusion. In addition, he or she will work collaboratively across departments to share information and provide resources from the D&I Practices team. He or she will also have opportunities to develop qualitative interview skills as well as editing skills.

This position requires demonstrated professional skills as a writer, a passion for writing, the ability to quickly grasp various “voices” of Catalyst, and the ability to understand Catalyst Research, other knowledge products, and the positioning of each.

Functions

D&I Practices Project Activities
  • Draft interview protocols and related written project materials. 
  • In conjunction with project team, organize and conduct interviews.
  • Draft versions of D&I Practices.
  • Draft presentation materials for internal and external audiences.
  • Edit collateral for both content and style.
  • Manage organizational details of D&I Practices by tracking updates and the status of timelines for reports.
  • Liaise with members and clients, including scheduling and conducting interviews.
  • Conduct qualitative analyses and summarize results.
  • Help develop, update, and maintain a knowledge base of corporate practices and current workplace demographics and trends; frequently update website and intranet.
  • Conceive and execute efficient processes for the accomplishment of assigned tasks, working together with the team.
General RESEARCH Activities
  • Support Research project teams with writing and editing work as needed.
  • Conduct internal and external research to support writing assignments and help maintain Catalyst’s position as thought-leader on D&I issues.
  • Work with external stakeholders, Research, Global Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Information Center, and Development teams to gather information and supporting materials.
  • Work with graphic designer on layout when applicable.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Excellent oral and written skills.
  • The ability to understand complex technical data and writing.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong research skills.
  • Strong proofreading and editing skills.
  • Organizational and project management skills.
  • Creative problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work effectively on a team as well as independently. 
  • Ability to successfully juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc).
  • Personal computer literacy in a networked Windows environment.

Working Conditions

  • Heavy computer use.
  • Tight deadlines.
  • Multiple priorities.
  • Work with confidential issues and data.
  • Team structure, multiple reporting relationships.
  • Deadline-driven, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and limited turnaround time.
  • Flexibility to adapt to frequent and often unexpected demands.

Education and Experience Requirements

  • B.A. or B.S. (Master's preferred), preferably in English or a related field.
  • At least 2 to 3 years professional experience as a writer.
  • A technical writing background and research experience a plus.
  • Business experience or work in corporate settings a plus.

If you are interested, email your résumé, cover letter, and brief writing sample to jobs@catalyst.org. Applications without requested information will not be considered.