Strategic Researcher

The Strategic Researcher provides high-level research and analytical support to advance WSNA’s collective bargaining program and organizational priorities. This role plays a critical part in identifying strategic opportunities, strengthening negotiations, and supporting campaigns that enhance WSNA representation and advance policy initiatives impacting Registered Nurses in Washington State.

• →Supports WSNA Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Goals.
• →Works with others, role modeling collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
• →Strives for excellence in work performance.
• →Remains current in the field of expertise.
• →Performs other duties as assigned to meet association needs, including participation in staff teams and committees.
• →Acquires and maintains knowledge of Microsoft Office.

1. →Conduct in-depth financial, industry, and labor market analysis of hospitals and health systems, worker wages, and benefits to support WSNA bargaining positions and efforts.
2. →Identify and assess strategic leverage points in engagements with employers; develop data-driven, evidence-based narratives to advance organizational objectives.
3. →Serve as subject matter expert during negotiations, analyze employers’ and their stakeholders' financial position, the fiscal impact, labor costs associated with WSNA and employer proposals, especially wages and benefits.
4. →Prepare and deliver clear, persuasive written and verbal analyses to support WSNA bargaining units and leadership decision-making.
5. →Develops educational materials, reports, and presentations to support collective bargaining, organizing efforts, and issue-based campaigns.
6. →Translate complex quantitative and qualitative data into accessible insights for staff, members, and external stakeholders.
7. →Prepares reports, leads training, and provides research-based education to staff, members, and community partners to strengthen engagement and advocacy efforts.
8. →Simplify, through written and verbal communication, complex substantive issues into accessible information for Association leaders, members, and relevant stakeholders.
9. →Monitor and analyze local, state, and national trends within the healthcare industry and the nursing profession, identifying implications for the Association.
10. →Compile, maintain, and disseminate information about contract language, including provisions and best practices across WSNA bargaining units.
11. →Develops and implements surveys and other tools to assess members' priorities and inform bargaining and organizing strategies.
12. →Conduct research and analysis on legislative and policy issues relevant to the Association’s strategic priorities.
13. →Support the evaluation of potential and ongoing organizing campaigns by providing strategic research and analysis to guide resource allocation and decision-making.
14. →Collaborate closely with WSNA bargaining teams and lead negotiators to share findings, refine research approaches, and incorporate feedback.
15. →Advise bargaining teams on feasibility, cost implications, and strategic positioning of proposals, including, but not limited to, options for reconciling differences with WSNA and employer positions.
16. →All other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Health Policy, or a related social science field required; advanced degree preferred. Experience working with or supporting labor unions is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis of employer, industry, and government data; familiarity with legislative and regulatory research and financial analysis is a plus.
• Expertise in advanced research methodologies, including digital information gathering, data synthesis, and analysis. Proven ability to engage professionally with staff, members, and external stakeholders.
• Strong technical proficiency with complex computer applications, along with advanced quantitative, analytical, and computational skills. Project management experience from concept through execution is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the organization to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships, identify common ground, and foster consensus among diverse stakeholders to enhance collaboration.
• Demonstrated capacity to perform effectively in high-pressure environments while managing multiple, concurrent deadlines.
• Skilled in translating complex, in-depth research into clear, compelling narratives that advance organizational strategy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

This job requires:

• Meeting routine office physical demands, including climbing stairs, carrying up to 20-pound objects, and possessing the dexterity and vision to operate office computers and equipment.
• Occasional travel throughout the State, including overnight stays, is required.
• A valid driver’s license in the state of Washington and access to an operational motor vehicle that is currently insured.