Assistant Program Manager, Innovation and Research

Job Description

Job Description

Who we are:

ICMA is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional local government. Founded in 1914, ICMA is the leading professional association for local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders – serving more than 14,000 members across the globe. As a membership association, we equip professionals with the research, knowledge, and tools needed to create and sustain thriving communities.

By advancing professional local government, we help communities deliver better services, engage residents, enable economic development, strengthen leadership, uphold ethics, and provide forward-thinking management.

We ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace by welcoming people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and by learning from each other, individually and collectively.

A Great Opportunity:

Do you have prior experience supporting research projects or surveys? Does mission-driven work and making a meaningful impact excite you? If so, we have an excellent opportunity waiting for you!

We are seeking an energetic and motivated Assistant Program Manager to support ICMA's innovation and research activities, equipping local government professionals with information about leading practices, policies, programs, and other strategies in areas such as management, service delivery, resiliency and livability, community and economic development, and more. The APM will focus on survey research and data analysis, as well as qualitative approaches such as case studies and literature reviews.

The ideal candidate will work onsite in our Washington, D.C. headquarters a minimum of three days per week, or more as needed based on the organization's priorities.

The salary for the Assistant Program Manager, Innovation and Research role is based on experience, with a range of $52,910 - $66,137.

This position reports to the Director of Research.

What you'll do:

1. Support the design and administration of national surveys examining local government policies, practices, programs, partnerships, performance measures, staffing strategies, and budget allocations.
2. Clean, analyze, and summarize survey data to produce research briefs, reports, and datasets that inform internal priorities and external research efforts.
3. Conduct rigorous background research, literature reviews, and case study analysis on emerging and persistent issues affecting local government leadership, management, and service delivery.
4. Support the Director of Research and Managing Director of Innovation and Research in advancing internal priorities, including research, content, and data requests from ICMA's Executive Board, CEO, and policy or advocacy initiatives.
5. Contribute to the editing, refinement, and production of research-based publications and deliverables, including books, reports, papers, and articles.

What you need to be successful in this role:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, business, economics, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience in conducting research, data analysis, and interpreting and communicating research findings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Up to one (1) to three (3) years of applicable experience (including internships and/or volunteer work).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong quantitative research skills, including high degree of proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with common survey platforms (Qualtrics) and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, SAS, or R) are highly desired.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce deliverables that are on time and of high quality.
• Excellent project management skills; ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines and propose solutions to problems and challenges.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Working knowledge and a strong passion about the important roles of local governments and professional city and county management.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in-person at ICMA's headquarters in Washington, D.C., three days per week, with the remaining days in a home office environment. Additional onsite work may be required.
• Work is typically performed in an office environment free from hazards or unpleasant environmental
• Work requires occasional travel to conferences and events, primarily within the S.

What we can offer you:

• A collaborative and collegial working environment where teamwork and individual contributions are valued
• A competitive salary
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer sponsored health, dental, life, disability, and employee assistance benefits
• Paid time off to include vacation, sick leave, holidays, and floating days
• Generous retirement plan
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development

This position is based out of ICMA's headquarters, located in Washington, D.C. The selected individual must be able to work the core business hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

A high-speed internet connection is required when working virtually. Personnel will provide the internet service at their own expense. The internet connection must be of sufficient bandwidth to allow the team member to efficiently perform their regular job functions and participate in virtual meetings.

The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

EEO Statement

At ICMA, we strive to promote and sustain a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging every day. ICMA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or on any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. We proudly support and encourage people with military experience (active, veterans, reservists, and National Guard) as well as military spouses to apply for ICMA job opportunities.