Strategic Analyst

Job Title:

Strategic Analyst for Rural Housing Innovation & Network Engagement

Division:

OCOO

Work Schedule:

Full-time

Department:

National Initiatives

Reports to:

Elena Kaye-Bone, Senior Program Manager, Rural Initiative

Location:

DC HQ Office

Hourly Rate:

$20/ Hr

Employment Type/ FLSA Status:

Temporary

Non-Exempt

Purpose of Division:

The National Initiatives Division of NeighborWorks America seeks to equip organizations to meet the changing needs of their communities and address systemic inequities. The division mission is to accelerate the adoption of promising practices, primarily through investment in and support of the approximately 250 NeighborWorks organizations located across the country in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and on Native lands. The division is structured around 3 areas of focus (1) affordable housing development and asset management, (2) homeownership, lending and wealth building and (3) community initiatives - strengthened by an operations team. In addition, National Initiatives resources tailored strategies to advance impact in rural and Native communities. The team is animated by values of collaboration, responsiveness, curiosity, intentionality and excellence.

Project Summary:

The Summer Scholar will support the Rural Initiative team within National Initiatives by leading a strategic analytics project focused on rural housing innovation and network engagement. This role will analyze internal and external data to inform the 2026 alternative construction strategies work plan and the refreshed Rural Strategy. The position will translate complex datasets into actionable insights that strengthen rural housing impact and corporate-wide strategic alignment.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

This project will analyze (1) Alternative Construction Survey results and (2) Rural Initiative membership composition data (using rural residents served as a proxy for engagement) to develop actionable frameworks that inform:

• The 2026 Manufactured Housing Blueprint for Affordability Dashboard (funded by Clayton Homes). 
• The rollout of the refreshed Rural Strategy.
• Partner engagement with Clayton Homes, Next Step, and the Lincoln Institute.
• Targeted recruitment, retention, and peer learning strategies across the network.
• Serve as a key component of the Rural Strategy refresh and will support broader organizational alignment and integration of rural priorities within NeighborWorks America’s corporate strategic plan. By grounding membership engagement in data, this work will help clarify how rural impact is defined, supported, and scaled across divisions and NeighborWorks America.
• Translate complex datasets into clear strategy recommendations, partner-ready materials, and engagement frameworks that strengthen NeighborWorks America’s rural housing innovation efforts.

The Scholar will also have the opportunity to:

• Participate in strategy discussions with Rural Initiative leadership.
• Engage with Business Intelligence (CSI) to understand internal data  systems.
• Attend partner calls with Clayton Homes, Next Step, and Lincoln Institute as relevant.
• Observe cross-divisional coordination between Rural Initiative, National Initiatives, and external/funding partners.
• Present findings to senior staff at the conclusion of the program.

Project-Specific Objectives

• Translate raw internal and external data into actionable strategy.
• Identify patterns in housing innovation readiness across the network.
• Develop tiered engagement models to support differentiated rural and housing strategies. 
• Align findings with FY26 Blueprint and Rural Strategy priorities.
• Contribute to the larger effort to integrate and align rural impact more intentionally within NeighborWorks America's corporate strategic direction. 
• Establish replicable frameworks for annual data-informed planning.

Nature of Work Contacts:

Interfaces with NeighborWorks® America staff, NeighborWorks network organizations, and external partners.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

N/A

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a related field
  • Minimum Education: Rising senior or above
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 or above

Experience:

• At least 3 (+) years of undergraduate-level coursework in a related field of study.
• Demonstrated coursework or academic experience in data analysis,  community development, geography, urban or regional planning, policy analysis, economics, or related fields.

Licenses, Certifications:

None required.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear written and visual formats. 
• Experience working with datasets in excel or similar tools.
• Ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Interest in affordable housing, rural development, and community impact.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and project milestones. 
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.

NeighborWorks America Staff are expected to demonstrate excellence in the following: 

• Sensitivity to racial, gender, sexual orientation and cultural differences
• Effective, respectful, and timely communications with internal and external stakeholders
• Listening effectively, seeks and accepts feedback
• Analytic, thoughtful and strategic thinking
• Considering the mission, objectives, and goals of NeighborWorks and  demonstrating an understanding of the impact of her/his/their decisions and behavior on the organization

Technology:

• Access to Tableau dashboards
• Standard Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong quantitative analysis, synthesis, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills preferred.

Working Conditions:

Travel:

There will be an opportunity for one week of travel from Aug 10-14 to attend the Miami National Training Institute. 

Physical/Sensory Demands:

N/A

In-Office Requirement:

Hybrid Schedule - Required to work in the office (DC HQ) at least two days a week.

Special Provisions:

N/A