Position Description:

• About Mathematica:*

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of technology, data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using technology and advanced analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance

• About the opportunity:*

Mathematica is searching for a seasoned professional with experience developing, designing, and leading research on programs and policies for people with disabilities and working directly with state agencies and/or service providers that provide services to people with disabilities in technical assistance or advisory roles. Principal Researchers direct large projects and drive solutions for our clients’ most challenging problems. In particular, we are looking for individuals who can support current and emerging work in our disability policy area, with demonstrated ability in the following areas:

• Applying a deep understanding of disability programs (such as SSA SSDI/SSI, vocational rehabilitation agencies, Medicaid/Medicare, and centers for independent living) and the administrative data sources that support disability policy research
• Applying a deep understanding of qualitative and quantitative study design, beneficiary engagement, and mixed methods to lead data collection and analysis activities.
• Designing approaches to evaluate programs and policies for people with disabilities such as state vocational rehabilitation, workforce programs, SSI, and SSDI
• Conducting advanced qualitative and quantitative analyses using administrative and survey data; focus groups; interviews; and document reviews
• Providing technical assistance to organizations implementing new disability programs and policies helping them leverage data and technology to improve service delivery and outcomes
• Experience with participatory action research to enhance services for people with disabilities
• Translating state-of-the-art disability policy research into action-oriented information for policymakers and practitioners.
• Managing teams providing technical assistance to vocational rehabilitation or employment-oriented programs, federal and state grantees, and local service agencies; developing technical assistance plans and materials.
• Overseeing the development of grants management tracking systems; analyzing and reporting on grantee performance data; and writing program status reports.
• Facilitating meetings with federal, state, and other clients and entities including consultants and teaming partners.
• Providing the energy, direction, organization, and quality control needed to keep projects on time and on budget and to facilitate communications across and between internal and external contributors.
• Contributing to business development by creating technical proposals and budgets.  Duties of the position:
• Direct multidisciplinary teams on fast-paced complex projects including evaluations, monitoring, and technical assistance activities for programs and policies for people with disabilities
• Engage with federal and other clients to understand the challenges they face and work collaboratively with them to develop innovative solutions
• Apply rigorous design and analytic thinking to the collection and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data
• Work with the leader of business development for disability policy to support strategic planning and execution
• Direct business development efforts and lead proposals for new projects
• Author project reports, memos, technical assistance tools, issue briefs, and webinar presentations and represent Mathematica to policy and professional audiences and oversee the work of others
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of staff working in the disability policy area, including active mentorship
• Engage in external thought leadership in the form of published manuscripts, conference presentations, and the like.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s or doctoral degree, or equivalent experience, in public policy, economics, behavioral or social sciences, public health, or other relevant disciplines
• At least 15 years of experience working in research, data analytics or managing complex projects or tasks related to disability policy, service delivery, public health or program evaluation.
• Expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative methods and a deep understanding of disability policy issues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain observations and findings to diverse stakeholder audiences including program administrators and policymakers
• Demonstrated ability to lead successful proposals for federal and other clients
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead major evaluations, monitoring and technical assistance efforts, and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary teams, including collaborations with technology teams building solutions in service to policy needs
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; flexibility to lead and manage multiple priorities, sometimes simultaneously, under deadline
• Experience working at or with a state or federal agency, a foundation, a healthcare provider, or another policy research firm is highly desirable.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $150,000 - $200,000 annually. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance. 

Available Locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; Oakland, CA; Remote

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.