Tennessee-based Graduate Student Analyst

Department :

Kenan Institute of Private Ent - 331600

Career Area :

Research Professionals

Posting Open Date : 10 / 27 / 2025

Application Deadline :

11 / 20 / 2025

Position Type :

Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title :

Tennessee-based Graduate Student Analyst

Position Number : 01059011

Vacancy ID : S026303

Full-time / Part-time :

Part-Time Temporary

Hours per week : 20

Work Schedule :

Monday – Friday, mostly between the hours of 8 : 30 AM and 5 : 00 PM. Evening work and traveling, occasionally.

Position Location : Tennessee, US

Hiring Range : $22.00 / per hour

Proposed Start Date :

11 / 17 / 2025

Estimated Duration of Appointment :

6 months not to exceed 11 months

Be a Tar Heel! :

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit :

NCGrowth is a national center building an economy with opportunities for all to prosper. We provide technical assistance to businesses, governments, anchor institutions, and other organizations to create good jobs and new wealth in economically distressed communities. We produce applied research and develop innovative policies that promote equitable development. We host unique, cross-sector convenings and workshops to bring together diverse perspectives. With staff in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington, DC, our work and thought leadership range in scope from hyper-local to international. NCGrowth is an affiliated center of the UNC Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise.

Position Summary :

Analysts work alongside other NCGrowth staff to provide technical assistance to community leaders, business owners, policymakers, and anchor institution leaders in order to create good jobs and new wealth in economically distressed communities. Since 2012, analysts have helped hundreds of NCGrowth clients. This position would be working in East Tennessee.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct in person, phone, video conference-based interviews and surveys with small business owners, community leaders, and lenders in eastern Tennessee, including Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties.

Assist with data collection and market research on local lending products, financial institutions, and small business trends.

Support analysis and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data for inclusion in reports and presentations.

Build and maintain professional relationships with local partners, businesses, and organizations to facilitate community engagement.

Collaborate with the NCGrowth project team to prepare written summaries, presentations, and deliverables.

Participate in site visits and represent the project professionally during community and stakeholder meetings.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience :

Currently enrolled in related program (preferred fields : Business, Public Administration, Economics, Planning, Communications, or related disciplines).

Excellent verbal communication and interviewing skills; comfortable independently engaging diverse community stakeholders.

Strong writing and analytical abilities, including experience organizing qualitative or survey data.

Outgoing and professional demeanor; able to build trust quickly with small business owners and community leaders.

Valid driver’s license. Willingness and ability to travel independently throughout Eastern Tennessee’s eight county service area, including Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties. Travel reimbursement provided.

Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage tasks independently while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience :

Familiarity with East Tennessee or other rural communities.

Experience conducting community-based research, business outreach, or economic development projects.

Familiarity with survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Google Forms) and data analysis software (Excel).

Understanding of small business ecosystems, community lending, or CDFI programs.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities :

Not Applicable.