Senior Research Analyst

Senior Research Analyst

Technology and Business Intelligence

United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability.


To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, collaborative, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence. We partner to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty and striving for a brighter future. Our vision is that Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals and families thrive; neighbors care for each other; and we are proud of all our residents' quality of life.

Position Summary

The Senior Research Analyst is responsible for executing organization-wide research and business intelligence initiatives that inform strategic decision-making. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Insights and Business Intelligence, this role partners cross-functionally with Finance, Fundraising, Marketing, and Community Impact leaders to design, conduct, and deliver rigorous, decision-oriented business intelligence insights.

This position independently leads the execution of business intelligence projects from discovery through delivery. The Senior Research Analyst ensures that the appropriate research methodology, data, analysis, reporting tools, and end products are utilized. The work of this role equips the organization with clear, evidence-based insights that guide planning, resource allocation, performance management, and long-term strategy across the organization.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.


Organization-Wide Research Execution & Strategic Analytics


Execute rigorous research and advanced analytics that directly inform strategic planning and leadership decision-making across the organization.

• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to define research questions aligned to finance, fundraising, marketing, and community impact outcomes.

• Design and implement research methodologies aligned with organizational priorities.

• Execute analytical initiatives from discovery through delivery, including data extraction, modeling, evaluation, and interpretation.

• Conduct donor analysis, campaign effectiveness studies, financial performance assessments, and program evaluations as required by strategic priorities.

• Develop statistical models and predictive analytics to inform investment decisions, resource allocation, and performance improvement.

• Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations tailored to stakeholder decision needs.

• Provide analytical guidance and subject matter expertise to cross-functional teams, influencing decisions through well-supported recommendations.

Business Intelligence & Decision Support

• Deliver timely, reliable, and forward-looking intelligence that enables leaders to monitor performance and adjust strategy confidently.

• Develop and maintain dashboards in PowerBI and Tableau that track key performance indicators across finance, fundraising, marketing, and community impact.

• Produce reports and analyses that support strategy, oversight, management, and program effectiveness.

• Build forward-looking and trend-based analyses that help leadership anticipate shifts and proactively adjust strategy.

• Ensure reporting frameworks and evaluation plans are aligned to stakeholder decisions rather than simply producing data outputs.

• Maintain documentation to support sustainability and consistency of reporting tools.

• Continuously evaluate reporting approaches to improve clarity, usability, and strategic value.

Measurement Strategy Support, Data Collection & Strategic Storytelling

• Select and deploy the appropriate research methods and analytical tools for each strategic question, ensuring insights are clearly communicated and actionable.

• Design and implement internal and external surveys aligned with defined survey objectives.

• Analyze stakeholder feedback and translate results into structured, decision-oriented recommendations.

• Utilize ESRI ArcGIS tools to conduct spatial analysis and create mapping visualizations when geographic insight is required.

• Determine the most appropriate analytical and visualization approach, including surveys, GIS mapping, dashboards, statistical modeling, and executive presentations, based on the question being asked and the stakeholder audience.

• Present findings in concise formats that drive understanding, alignment, and action.

• Continuously assess and refine analytical methodologies and storytelling techniques to enhance strategic impact.

Data Infrastructure Support & Analytical Continuity

• Contribute to the stability, integrity, and continuity of the organization's data infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted analytical capability.

• Partner with the Director of Data Analytics and Data Warehouse to maintain continuity of core data operations in data warehouses.

• Utilize SQL to extract, manage, and analyze data within Azure Data Warehouse and Salesforce CRM.

• Support data validation, quality assurance, and troubleshooting efforts to maintain reliability of reporting and dashboards.

• Identify data gaps or structural limitations and communicate improvement recommendations to strengthen overall analytical capacity.

• Explore opportunities to leverage automation, advanced analytics techniques, or AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency and analytical effectiveness where appropriate.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Ownership

• Partner effectively across the organization while independently executing high-quality research and analytical work.

• Work closely with leaders in Finance, Fundraising, Marketing, and Community Impact to clarify analytical needs and project scope.

• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously with clear timelines and deliverables.

• Maintain proactive communication throughout project lifecycles.

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy while aligning work with Senior Director guidance and divisional priorities.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of team processes, analytical standards, and cross-functional collaboration practices.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education where appropriate.

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred

• 4-6 years of relevant experience required

• Strong proficiency in SQL and relational databases

• Experience developing dashboards using PowerBI and/or Tableau

• Experience with Salesforce CRM or comparable systems preferred

• Knowledge of statistical modeling and predictive analytics techniques

• Familiarity with ArcGIS tools and survey design/analysis platforms preferred

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Ability to execute end-to-end research and business intelligence initiatives, from defining questions through delivering actionable insights

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract, model, and interpret data using SQL and other tools

• Ability to apply appropriate research methods, including statistical modeling, predictive analytics, surveys, and program evaluation

• Ability to translate complex analysis into clear, decision-oriented insights for diverse stakeholders

• Strong understanding of how analytics supports strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance management

• Ability to manage multiple analytical projects and partner effectively across Finance, Fundraising, Marketing, and Community Impact teams

• High standards for data integrity, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of reporting and analytical approaches

Position Leader: Senior Director of Strategic Insights and Business Intelligence

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: Upper 60's to upper 70's

Benefits: Complete Benefits Package Available

Equal Opportunity Employer

United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

To apply, please visit uwci.org/careers.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not a contract of employment. Employment with UWCI is at-will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. UWCI reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this position description as needed and to assign additional duties as appropriate.