[Hiring] Social Science Research Analyst @VPD Government Solutions

Role Description

In this position, the Social Science Research Analyst will support federal staff with managing activities supported by the welfare and family self-sufficiency research and evaluation portfolio. This portfolio is designed to expand knowledge about how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other human services programs can best support the self-sufficiency and economic well-being of children and families with low incomes. Research, evaluation, data, and other activities within this portfolio advance the objectives of the statute authorizing this work and cover a range of topics including:

• TANF policy and administration
• Evaluation capacity building within human services programs
• Employment attainment and retention
• Knowledge building and communication

The portfolio includes experimental impact evaluations, implementation evaluations, descriptive research projects, research and data-focused technical assistance projects, and other activities aimed at informing the design and implementation of programs.

Responsibilities:

• Support federal staff in managing research contracts and grants from award through project completion, report approval, and dissemination of findings, including:
  • Reviewing contractor deliverables, such as reports, work plans, and analysis plans.
  • Assisting with project management activities, including invoice review, timeline monitoring, action item tracking, and records management.
  • Reviewing and processing grant actions, including performance progress reports, amendments, and noncompeting continuation applications.
• Monitor emerging research and trends relevant to ACF programs to:
  • Support the integration of research findings into ongoing projects and strategic planning efforts.
  • Identify emerging issues, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for future research, synthesis, and analysis.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with OFA and ACF staff, leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders to ensure research, evaluation, and data activities align with program priorities and field needs.
• Facilitate the communication and dissemination of welfare and family self-sufficiency research by:
  • Providing written and verbal updates, coordinating meetings, preparing briefing materials and presentations, and participating in conferences and professional convenings.
  • Fostering collaboration among grantees, contractors, researchers, and federal staff to promote the exchange of research findings, methodologies, and measurement approaches.
  • Developing position papers, issue analyses, briefing materials, fact sheets, and other written products related to data, research findings, and program operations.
• Provide subject matter expertise to OFA and other ACF program offices in research methodology, data and policy analysis, performance management, program evaluation design and oversight, and applied research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of policies and programs affecting children and families served by ACF programs, particularly TANF and other human services programs that seek to foster employment and economic well-being among families with low incomes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced social science statistical methods and techniques for assessing and improving the implementation and effectiveness of policies, programs, and interventions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with regard to:
  • Critiquing empirical reports for technical accuracy and to improve clarity.
  • Explaining complex evaluation, statistical, and data analysis methodologies and findings to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, and be flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills, including handling multiple projects simultaneously and on tight timelines and appropriately prioritizing and tracking progress of assignments.
• Detail-oriented and driven to produce high-quality work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Child and Family Studies, Economics, Human Development, Psychology, Political Science, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Work, Sociology, or related fields required.
• Three (3) or more years’ experience with program evaluation, research and evaluation designs, qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis, and program performance measurement, with specific expertise in research, programs, and policies related to one or more focus areas within the welfare and family self-sufficiency research and evaluation portfolio.

Benefits

• Robust employee benefits package beginning on the first of the month following hire date, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with 5% employer matching.
• Flexible time off program.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Employee-centric work culture including company-sponsored events, happy hours, team-building opportunities, frequent communication and information sharing from leadership, a supportive and positive teamwork environment, and an open-door policy.