Research & Communications Analyst

Research and Communications Analyst – Agriculture

Nexight Group is seeking a research and communications analyst with proven experience in quickly becoming conversant in new technical topic areas, mainly related to food and agriculture, policy, and regulations. The ideal analyst conducts desktop research efficiently, offers critical analysis, synthesizes information to draw meaningful conclusions, and writes original and engaging content that accurately translates complex information into clear and compelling content for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Nexight Group is a small technical and management consulting firm that serves a variety of clients in many topic areas. Adaptability, critical thinking, curiosity, and taking pride in hard work are all equally important to skills and subject matter expertise. Nexight has curated a culture of professionals striving to do good work together. To learn more about the company please visit our careers page. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Applicants should have the necessary skills to perform the following job responsibilities:

• Rapidly build subject matter expertise to effectively research, analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex topics, data, and expert viewpoints at a level appropriate to the specified audience (e.g., non-technical audiences, technical experts, managers, and leadership within both government and non-government organizations)
• Organize, evaluate, and synthesize large volumes of information and data, including regulations, stakeholder input, and technical documentation, to support informed decision-making

• Write concise and engaging content for reports, publications, presentations, policy briefings, fact sheets, executive summaries, training materials, and digital platforms (e.g., websites, social media, newsletters)

• Ensure technical accuracy of materials while improving grammar, punctuation, scannability, readability, style, flow, and persuasiveness to engage target audiences

• Research and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, trends, and future directions to develop insightful and accurate syntheses and visualizations of key issues

• Develop and track project schedules to ensure continuous progress needed to meet a known deadline

• Apply critical thinking skills to research, analyze, communicate, solve complex problems, and develop creative solutions tailored to specific clients and projects

• Engage with subject matter experts via surveys and interviews, and facilitate meetings to gather individual perspectives, clarify specific trends, reach consensus decisions, and achieve client objectives

• Perform the above duties individually and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Nexight's offices are in Silver Spring, MD. The position is open to in-person, remote, or hybrid candidates. Candidates must be willing to occasionally travel within the continental United States—most often the Washington, D.C. area—to support clients. Applicants should also expect to travel to Nexight's offices at least once per quarter.

This is a primarily sedentary position in an environmentally controlled office setting, although moving between work areas may be required. Manipulating a computer keyboard or mouse and operating standard office equipment is required for this position. Additionally, in support of client meetings, conferences, workshops, and events, occasional travel and onsite support may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Summary of Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• One of the following combinations of degree and experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, education, English, public policy, or a related field (e.g., a writing-heavy humanities or social science discipline) with demonstrated familiarity and/or interest in agriculture, public policy, data analysis, technology, and/or engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, food and agriculture, health sciences, or related scientific fields with demonstrated experience writing for non-technical audiences
• At least 1 year of professional experience

• In lieu of degree requirements, the equivalent of 5 years of relevant professional experience

Required Demonstrated Ability and Skill

Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they can apply the following abilities and skills to consistently and reliably produce high-quality work:

• Ability to quickly review, comprehend, analyze, and synthesize qualitative or quantitative data and information from various sources (such as surveys, interviews, technical and scientific reports, law and regulation, policy)

• With strict attention to detail and accuracy, communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences via scannable formats (such as briefings and presentations, newsletters, executive summaries, educational content, fact sheets, memos, videos, web, and social media content)

• Ability to coordinate tasks across project teams and maintain attention to detail while balancing competing priorities

• Ability to comfortably and professionally interact and communicate in written and verbal form with colleagues and external partners with diverse backgrounds and at all levels of seniority
• Ability to work independently and directly with clients in a professional environment, with supervision and collaboration with other team members.

• Curiosity, initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed; enjoys learning through hands-on experience and continuously seeks ways to improve

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to obtain a public trust clearance (including criminal and financial background check)

• U.S. Citizenship (required due to work with government clients)

Preferred

• 3+ years of professional experience

• Previous professional experience in food and agriculture, public policy, and/or project management
• Previous experience in management consulting; supporting or working for a federal government client; or with professional, technical, or trade organizations

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $55,000 to $75,000.

All full-time employees of Nexight Group receive a competitive salary and attractive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid parental leave; company contributions to employee health savings accounts (HSAs); company 401(k) contributions; profit sharing; and an annual bonus program.

To Apply

Please submit the following information:

• Resume

• A cover letter that articulates your qualifications, uses examples that demonstrate your skills and background relevant to the position, and details your motivation for this position. 

• Two writing samples that demonstrate your research acumen and ability to synthesize technical information and present it clearly, such as briefings, executive summaries, brief reports that analyze or communicate technical information, presentations, fact sheets, training or educational material, newsletters, or web articles. 

Failure to submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples will result in your application not being considered.  

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact: careers@nexightgroup.com.

Nexight Group LLC provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This involves all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity, or age limitations will be adhered to by the company where appropriate.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. PRINCIPALS ONLY. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Priority referrals of protected veterans desired. Equal Opportunity Employer.