Data Analyst Consultant

Position Overview The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission is seeking an experienced data analysis consultant to support the Commission’s research and final report process. This is a short-term consulting position expected to begin in mid-July 2026 and continue through mid-November 2026. The consultant may work remotely and does not need to reside in Vermont. Proficiency with NVivo qualitative data analysis software is required. Overarching responsibilities include, Reviewing the Commission’s existing data analysis process and offering recommendations for improvement, Assisting with strengthening the methodology, Conducting focused qualitative analysis using NVivo, Identifying relevant quantitative data, Providing organized findings that can be used by the Commission and its report-writing team. *This is primarily a data analysis and methodology position. Scope of Work The data analysis consultant will be responsible for the following: Review the Existing Data Process Review the VTRC’s research goals, report framework, and existing data analysis process. Review the current NVivo project, coding structure, coded materials, and available datasets. Identify strengths, gaps, inconsistencies, or limitations within the existing coding and analysis process. Recommend reasonable improvements that can be completed within the contract period and available budget. Develop a Data Analysis Methodology Develop a clear written methodology for analyzing the VTRC’s qualitative and quantitative data. Ensure the methodology is connected to the VTRC’s mandate, research goals, framework, and report needs. Explain how themes, trends, patterns, and limitations will be identified and documented. Recommend a process for connecting testimony and other qualitative evidence with available quantitative data. Document the methodology in plain language so it can be understood by Commissioners, staff, report contributors, and members of the public. Conduct Focused NVivo Analysis Use NVivo to conduct focused analysis of testimony, public submissions, research records, interviews, or other materials already included in the NVivo project. Run agreed-upon queries based on the VTRC’s research questions and report framework. Identify recurring themes, patterns, institutional practices, disparities, and relationships within the analyzed material. Review the underlying source material when needed to confirm that NVivo results are accurate and properly understood. Identify limitations in the available data or coding that may affect the strength of a finding. Complete the primary NVivo analysis and deliver the findings to the Commission no later than September 30, 2026. Recommend Additional Data Identify qualitative or quantitative data that has not yet been included in the Commission’s analysis process. Recommend quantitative data that may help provide context for the qualitative findings. Identify relevant public datasets, agency records, demographic information, or institutional data that may strengthen the Commission’s analysis. Prioritize recommendations based on relevance, accessibility, time, and the Commission’s remaining report schedule. Organize and Present Findings Prepare organized summaries of the major themes, trends, patterns, and limitations identified through the analysis. Develop findings matrices, charts, tables, visual summaries, or other tools that help the report-writing team understand and use the analysis. Present findings in plain language during meetings with Commissioners and staff. Clearly distinguish between findings that are strongly supported, emerging patterns that require further review, and areas where the available evidence is limited. Support the Report-Writing Process Prepare an analytical findings memorandum that summarizes the methodology, major findings, supporting evidence, data limitations, and recommended areas for further review. Provide outlines, findings summaries, tables, charts, and supporting materials that the Commission’s report-writing team can use when drafting the final report. Review limited portions of draft report language to confirm that the data and findings have been represented accurately. Respond to reasonable questions from Commissioners, staff, researchers, or report writers about the consultant’s analysis. The consultant will not be responsible for drafting the full qualitative and quantitative analysis for the final report. Any substantial report-writing assignment would require a separate scope of work, timeline, and budget. Expected Deliverables The final scope of work will be developed with the selected consultant. Expected deliverables may include: A review of the existing NVivo project, coding structure, and analysis process. A written qualitative and quantitative data analysis methodology. Recommendations for improvements to the existing coding and analysis process. A prioritized list of additional quantitative or qualitative data that may strengthen the Commission’s findings. Focused NVivo analysis based on agreed-upon research questions or report topics. Findings matrices, summaries, charts, tables, or other visual materials. An analytical findings memorandum describing: The methodology used Major themes and patterns Relevant quantitative context Supporting evidence Data gaps and limitations Questions or areas requiring additional analysis A presentation of findings to Commissioners and staff. Limited review of draft report language for accuracy and consistency with the analysis. Required Qualifications The successful consultant should have: Demonstrated proficiency with NVivo. Professional experience conducting qualitative data analysis. Experience developing research methodologies, coding frameworks, or data analysis plans. Experience reviewing or improving an existing qualitative coding process. Experience working with quantitative data or interpreting quantitative findings alongside qualitative research. Strong analytical and organizational skills. The ability to communicate complex findings in plain language. Experience working with sensitive, confidential, or trauma-related information. The ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Strong attention to accuracy, documentation, confidentiality, and ethical research practices. Preferred Qualifications Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: Truth and reconciliation processes. Civil rights, human rights, racial justice, disability justice, Indigenous rights, or transitional justice. Government accountability, public policy, institutional harm, or historical research. Community-based, participatory, or trauma-informed research. Analysis of testimony, oral histories, survivor narratives, public records, or administrative data. Research involving multiple communities, institutions, systems, or forms of harm. Creating visual and plain-language summaries of research findings. Supporting public reports, commissions, investigations, or government bodies. Timeline The anticipated contract period is: Mid-July 2026 through mid-November 2026 (onboarding process could take a week) Findings deadline: No later than September 30,2026 Note: Because of the Commission’s final report schedule, the consultant must be available to begin work promptly and complete the agreed-upon deliverables within the contract period. A detailed work plan, meeting schedule, and delivery timeline will be established at the beginning of the contract. Compensation The initial budget for this contract is up to $10,000. The final compensation and payment schedule will be based on the agreed-upon scope of work, deliverables, timeline, estimated hours, and the condition and volume of the existing data. Any work outside the final agreed-upon scope, including substantial original data collection or drafting full sections of the final report, would require separate approval and additional compensation. About the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established to examine and document discrimination and harm caused or permitted by State laws and policies. Its mandate includes examining harm experienced by Native American and Indigenous individuals; individuals with physical, psychiatric, or mental disabilities and their families; Black individuals and other people of color; individuals with French Canadian, French-Indian, or mixed racial or ethnic heritage; and other communities identified by the Commission. The Commission is working to create an accurate public record of institutional, structural, and systemic discrimination in Vermont and to identify actions that may help repair past and present harm and prevent its recurrence. The Commission is committed to analysis that is careful, accessible, community-centered, and grounded in the experiences of people directly affected by State-perpetrated or State-permitted harm. How to Express Interest Interested candidates should provide: A résumé or curriculum vitae. A cover-letter with a brief description of relevant experience. A description of their experience using NVivo. An example of a qualitative or mixed-methods analysis project, when available. A brief description of their approach to reviewing an existing coding and analysis process. Their availability between mid-July and mid-November 2026. Contact information for professional references. Applications and expressions of interest will be reviewed on a rolling basis because this is an immediate hiring need.