Senior Applied Research Consultant

Title: Senior Applied Research Consultant
Position type: Consultant (Independent Contractor)
Term: March 30, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025
Project Fee: $10,000

Project Overview:

The consultant will lead a comprehensive wants and needs assessment for military and Veteran
families stationed at Ft. Bragg and in the surrounding area. This assessment will focus on identifying
their specific needs and desires for support, evaluating existing resources and potential partners,
determining gaps in programs or support systems and identifying opportunities for Blue Star
Families’ programming to support military and Veteran families in the community. The consultant will
be responsible for designing and executing the assessment, analyzing data, and delivering actionable
recommendations in a final report to improve service provision.

Objectives:

1. Design the Needs Assessment:

○ Develop a detailed plan for the assessment, including methodologies such as surveys,
focus groups, and interviews.
○ Define key areas of focus, such as mental health, childcare, employment, housing, and
social integration.

2. Data Collection:

○ Implement and oversee the distribution of surveys to military and Veteran families,
coordinating with stakeholders and partners.
○ Organize and facilitate focus groups and/or interviews with key stakeholders,
including military spouses, Veterans, service providers, and community leaders.

3. Analysis and Reporting:

○ Analyze qualitative and quantitative data from surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
○ Identify desires, needs, challenges, and gaps in services.
○ Provide a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Planning and Development:

○ Collaborate with project stakeholders to define the scope and goals of the needs
assessment.
○ Develop assessment tools (e.g., surveys, interview guides) tailored to the needs of
military and Veteran families.
○ Establish a timeline and milestones for the assessment process.

2. Engagement and Data Collection:

○ Coordinate outreach to military and Veteran families to encourage participation in
the assessment.
○ Facilitate focus groups and one-on-one interviews with key individuals to gain
insights into unmet needs.
○ Ensure data collection methods comply with ethical standards and maintain
participant confidentiality.

3. Data Analysis:

○ Organize and interpret data to identify recurring themes and unmet needs.
○ Use statistical methods and qualitative analysis to derive insights from the data.
○ Highlight gaps in existing services and opportunities for new or expanded programs.

4. Deliverables:

○ Provide a detailed report of the assessment findings, including both qualitative and
quantitative data.
○ Present prioritized recommendations for addressing service gaps and improving
support systems.
○ Develop a final presentation for key stakeholders to review findings and
recommendations.

Timeline: 2-3 months

Required Skills and Qualifications:

● A Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience
● Expertise in needs assessments, research methodologies, and data analysis.
● Excellent analytical and writing skills.
● Experience working with military families, Veteran communities, or similar populations.
● Strong facilitation and communication skills, especially in focus group settings.
● Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
● Ability and willingness to complete a large scale project with little supervision.