PRIMARY PURPOSE
This position is located in Houston, TX.
CNA’s Center for Homeland Security and Infrastructure Resilience develops data-driven, analytic solutions to address complex and emerging problems. We conduct analysis and planning, build decision-support tools, and create training and exercises that support the safety and security of our nation’s residents, visitors, environment, infrastructure, economy and cyberspace.
We are hiring for a Research Specialist to work out of Houston, TX (relocation is not allocated for this role). This is a hybrid role that would consist of remote work and travelling to client sites.
Staff at this level would support project and other corporate needs including through (1) collecting, processing, vetting, and analyzing pertinent data, especially geospatial data, for further use and/or (2) conducting technical assistance activities such as planning and organizing meetings and seminars, and/or (3) supporting the process of developing and submitting proposals through collecting and organizing resumes, past performance reports, and corporate capabilities.
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. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES
1. Apply standard research methodologies to gather, process, and analyze data. Use relevant database software to effectively organize and present data and generate reports. Demonstrate facility at the intermediate level with Microsoft Office and other standard CNA software packages to accomplish primary duties.
2. Develop a basic familiarity with the missions and organizational structure of the division or team's major client/sponsors.
3. Participate in meetings with project team. Support preparation for client/sponsor interactions. Identify client/sponsor POC for their projects.
4. Develop a sufficient understanding or expertise on specific tasks, issues or data so as to make a positive contribution to project outcomes.
5. Develop basic knowledge about CNA, its organization, key personnel and personalities, and relevant CNA standard operating procedures (SOPs), to include basic knowledge of CNA business environment. Understand the concepts of core, above core, and above ceiling/ domestic. Have basic awareness of the project development process.
6. Possess the skills necessary to communicate information concisely, precisely, and in a grammatically correct manner in oral and written communication. Present and summarize data effectively.
7. Work under close supervision on focused, well-structured pieces of projects. Tracks personal project spending.
8. Exhibit a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues, clients/sponsors, and staff. Take initiative offering assistance when opportunities arise.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience required.
2. Experience: Strong preference will be given to candidates that have experience with the following:
- Professional work experience, ideally in support of a government agency and ideally applying geospatial analysis
- Geospatial analysis software, especially ArcGIS Online (AGOL), as well as ArcPro and the entire suite of Esri products for mapping, data visualization, and analysis. Demonstrate proficiency with Esri’s Arc GIS Online (AGOL), including the software’s functionality and organization administration.
- Statistical analysis and use of interactive dashboarding tools such as Power BI
- Experience working in Python or R
- Ability to work independently on discrete tasks
3. Skills:
- Computer skills; Microsoft Office; database management
- Coding, analysis, and dashboarding
- Very good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
- Training and presenting
- Strong critical thinking and organizational skills
4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
CNA follows a broadband compensation framework that considers a range of criteria in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: skill sets; experience; degree, certifications, other business and organizational needs. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is around $64,200 - $70,000.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Professional work experience, ideally supporting a government agency and applying geospatial analysis
- Experience with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and Esri products for mapping, visualization, and analysis
- Proficiency with ArcGIS Online functionality and organization administration
- Statistical analysis and interactive dashboarding tools such as Power BI
- Experience working in Python or R
- Ability to work independently on discrete tasks
- Computer skills, Microsoft Office proficiency, and database management
- Coding, analysis, and dashboarding skills
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Training and presentation skills
- Strong critical-thinking and organizational skills
CNA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CNA and has not been reviewed or approved by CNA.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions are described as notably strong, with a 401(k) featuring company contributions. Examples include an automatic employer contribution plus a dollar‑for‑dollar match on employee deferrals, supporting long‑term savings.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is described as generous, with PTO purchase options and paid family leave highlighted. Examples cite 3–4 weeks of PTO for full‑time employees alongside standard paid holidays.
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Parental & Family Support — Family‑building and caregiving benefits include paid family leave, adoption/surrogacy reimbursement, and LGBTQ+‑inclusive advocacy resources. These provisions complement an Employee Assistance Program for broader support.
CNA Insights
What We Do
CNA is one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies. Backed by more than 125 years of experience, CNA provides a broad range of standard and specialized insurance products and services for businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada and Europe. As a company of allies, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive culture for all employees. Our eight Employee Resource Groups elevate the voices of underrepresented groups and champion critical DEI initiatives in the workplace and beyond. We strive to promote an environment of inclusion and continuously work to ensure all employees feel valued and respected.
Why Work With Us
CNA knows the importance of having the tools you need to expand your expertise and develop your career. With a variety of cross-discipline and cross-functional opportunities, CNA provides you with the tools and resources needed to customize your career path and understand what is needed to be effective in your role.
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