Research Assistant

CNA is hiring for a role within the Operational Warfighting division (OPS). Staff at this level will conduct and support research at a basic level, supporting project and corporate needs through collecting, processing, vetting, and analyzing data, as well as conducting technical assistance activities such as planning and organizing meetings and seminars. OPS conducts field-based research on projects that help the Department of the Navy and other government agencies improve operational effectiveness through analysis of training methods, organizational alignment, operational concepts, training, experimentation, and assessment.

About the Role

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Employees are committed to helping clients develop effective, data-driven solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall administrative support to assigned Division/Department, including managing calendars, charts, scheduling on- and off-site meetings, arranging complex travel, preparing expense reports, answering telephone calls, relaying messages, and fulfilling other administrative requirements.
• Coordinate and correspond with external counterparts, clients, sponsors, and their staffs on behalf of the Division/Department.
• Develop and maintain advanced proficiency in CNA processes and software tools; evaluate and recommend alternative processes and software as appropriate.
• Draft and edit documents, briefings, and official correspondence, including making substantive suggestions.
• Coordinate production, processing, and distribution of formal and informal documents, project deliverables, correspondence, and PowerPoint briefings for major research projects.
• Support the development of outreach materials; review and contribute to materials produced by others and assist with public affairs and outreach activities, including liaising with corporate communications and public affairs staff.
• Support client/sponsor and other visits to CNA, including arranging scheduled visits, securing meeting locations, procuring mementos, arranging refreshments, and "meeting and greeting."
• Act as backup to other Division/Department administrative and research personnel on an ad-hoc basis.
• Develop basic knowledge about CNA, its organization, key personnel, relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the business environment, including line-item, task-order, and above-ceiling/domestic concepts.
• Identify, recommend improvements, and document administrative processes to increase standardization and efficiency.
• Support conference and event planning, administration, and execution.
• Conduct basic research in support of projects, initiatives, and other efforts; apply standard research methodologies to gather, process, and analyze data.
• Structure problems of moderate scope and design research, technical assistance, or proposal development tasks.
• Develop and manage basic databases, website content, and paper/electronic documents.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, workshops, and roundtables by managing event logistics, assisting in identifying participants, preparing read-ahead materials, taking notes, and assisting in writing conference reports and summaries with limited supervision.
• Maintain awareness of major communication between the project team and client/sponsor points of contact for any involved project.
• Contribute in meetings with client/sponsor and project team as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; physical sciences, data science, or other technical fields preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience, including demonstrated ability to manage multiple activities and tasks in a high-tempo environment; research environment experience preferred.

Skills

• Ability to learn quickly, work accurately under pressure with limited supervision, and proactively take initiative.
• Strong organizational, editing, and writing skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, document processing and database applications, internet searches, and collaborative tools (e.g., SharePoint, MS Teams).
• Follow-through skills and strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Superb interpersonal skills and ability to interact with diverse cultures and high-level U.S. and foreign officials.
• Foreign and domestic travel may be required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.

Work Arrangement

This position is eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the supervisor. Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations, which may result in changes to scheduled telecommuting or hybrid arrangements.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off programs to promote work-life balance.

Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.