Just Migration Communications Research Analyst
Philadelphia, PA - USA
Job Summary
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker religious organization that promotes lasting peace with justice as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of many backgrounds we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Just Migration Communications Research Analyst
JOB CATEGORY: Exempt (Salary)
STATUS: Full-Time
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Specific Term Two Years
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
REGION/UNIT: US/CENTRAL OFFICE
LOCATION: Philadelphia PA USA Hybrid.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 20 2026.
For consideration please attach your Cover Letter and Resume to the online application in addition to answering the Application Questions.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Just Migration Communications Research Analyst will serve as a key member of AFSCs Communications Department with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the U.S. Migration Director. The Research Analyst will lead a portfolio of research and communications initiatives aimed at shaping public narratives around migration detention and deportation in the United States for AFSCs Just Migration programs.
The Research Analyst will update and expand AFSCs previous research on public attitudes toward immigrants migration and detention and deportation. They will design new approaches to understanding public sentiment on these issues and develop strategies to shape opinion through effective language messaging and this capacity the Research Analyst will lead new message-testing and polling projects manage relationships with research vendors and translate findings into actionable insights that guide AFSCs national communications and advocacy efforts.
This position offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced academic research to real-world social change in a national nonprofit context. The Research Analyst will work collaboratively with AFSCs six (6) Migration Justice programs (New Jersey New Hampshire Florida Colorado Oregon and California) to integrate study findings into their local advocacy and outreach efforts while also contributing to AFSCs broader national communications strategy. These programs use varied methods and strategies to ensure immigrants are recognized as community leaders and are part of efforts to stop detentions and deportations build community power and advocate for fair and humane policies for immigrants at the local state and federal levels. This local work is complemented by national leadership that builds cohesiveness across programs and develops externally facing campaigns materials and opportunities to share AFSCs work more broadly.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Lead the design implementation and evaluation of a new national public opinion and message-testing study on immigration and immigrant justice building on AFSCs 2024 research.
- Collaborate with AFSCs Just Migration and Communications staff to develop a topic guide survey questions and messaging frames that explore public attitudes and identify effective language for shifting narratives.
- Direct the process of vetting hiring and supervising a survey research vendor; oversee project timelines deliverables and methodological integrity.
- Analyze research findings and translate results into actionable insights that inform AFSCs national communications and advocacy strategies.
- Develop and implement with Communications and Just Migration teams a campaign plan grounded in research findings ensuring consistent messaging across platforms.
- Supervise and coordinate the production of outreach materials and digital content that reflect tested messages and support the campaigns goals.
- Develop and monitor metrics to track campaign reach and engagement including impressions media coverage and online performance.
- Lead and conduct a follow-up study to assess changes in public attitudes about immigration and document lessons learned.
- Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
- Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.
- Other duties and projects as assigned.
SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
N/A
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD or PhD candidate in humanities studies social sciences or related field required.
- Minimum 3 years meaningful experience professionally or academic setting in research and writing required.
- Minimum one publication or panel/poster/conference presentation.
- Fluency in Spanish preferred.
- Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and to travel as
- Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
- Experience with standard Microsoft Office and related technology.
- Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
- Understanding of and commitment to the principles concerns and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race class nationality religion age gender and sexual orientation and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
- Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
- Respect for and sensitivity to cultural ethnic racial gender and religious diversity and familiarity with non-violent approaches to problem solving.
- Ability to organize plan ahead and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Understanding of and commitment to the principles concerns and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race class nationality religion age gender and sexual orientation and disabilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
COMPENSATION
The AFSC offers a competitive Total Rewards package. This position is Salary Family: Communications Job Code Communications/Research Analyst. Salary Family Range $69000 - $88955. Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life STD & LTD defined benefit pension plan 403b match plus other benefits including vacation PTO sabbaticals extended leaves holidays participation in unemployment and workers compensation and social security.
The American Friends Service Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity within our organization. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation race age sex gender identity sexual orientation or disability.
AFSCs Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is represented.
AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities. The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Position duties and expectations change over time. This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive exclusive or exhaustive list of the job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. If there is ever a time that you are unsure what is expected of you you are expected to meet with your manager and ask questions. If you are unsure how to perform a certain task ask your manager before performing.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
AFSC works for a just, peaceful, and sustainable world free of violence, inequality, and oppression.