Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to address complex social challenges and improve well-being around the world. We create and use evidence to help our public and private sector partners improve programs, refine strategies, and advance knowledge. Over the past two decades, we have developed a large portfolio of international development work that spans more than 50 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Our work provides actionable learning to guide decision-making and improve outcomes in a range of policy areas, including health, agriculture, climate change, energy, education, and workforce development.

Mathematica seeks a senior researcher of postsecondary education to lead research and evaluation, program improvement, and/or technical assistance projects. The senior researcher will lead projects focused on postsecondary access and success, financial aid, and other postsecondary education topics for government agencies at the federal, state, and local level as well as private philanthropic and nonprofit clients.

Our current and recent work includes a range of projects such as:

• Developing a practice guide for secondary school educators on evidence-based college access and readiness practices
• Serving as a learning and evaluation partner for nine urban-serving universities aiming to build inclusive success pathways for adult learners
• Conducting a random assignment evaluation of a training for career navigators designed to support college and career transitions for learners enrolled in adult education programs
• Developing and executing a learning agenda for a postsecondary digital learning portfolio for a national philanthropic funder

The senior researcher will join our large and growing interdisciplinary staff of researchers in such fields as economics, education (measurement or policy analysis), sociology , and data science. Senior researchers will contribute to continuing growth in the Education and Employment division by directing projects, identifying and obtaining new opportunities, and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities:

• Engage with clients to understand their challenges and work collaboratively with them to develop innovative solutions
• Lead and contribute to proposals
• Lead interdisciplinary teams to conduct research and provide program support
• Conduct quality assurance reviews
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and staffing to ensure high-quality project delivery
• Communicate with project officers on the financial status of projects, design and technical issues, and project reports and presentations
• Contribute to the professional development of other staff
• Assist in developing strategy and priorities around which clients to pursue, how to best leverage Mathematica’s expertise, and where to build additional capabilities
• Demonstrate thought leadership through published material including papers, journal articles, blog posts, or other communications
  

Position Requirements:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in education (measurement or policy analysis), economics, sociology, public policy, or a related field or a combination of equivalent education and work experience
• Ten or more years of experience working with or evaluating programs/interventions designed to improve postsecondary access and success. Experience in equitable evaluation and inclusive research is a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience communicating research questions, designs, and findings in non-technical language to educators, school district leaders, postsecondary education institutions, states, federal agencies, foundations, and non-profits
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with clients and other external stakeholders
• Evidence of successful business development activities with the federal government, state or local education agencies, non-profits, or foundations
• Experience leading components of large-scale implementation and impact evaluations for the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance within the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences is a plus
• Experience interacting with philanthropy, state and local education agencies, postsecondary education institutions, or other program practitioners through such as activities as training and technical assistance, program or curriculum development, or continuous quality improvement is a plus.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $105,000 - $155,000 . We offer flexibility to work remotely or in an office.

Available locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Remote

A cover letter and resume must be submitted at the time of application via our online application system. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis in the order that applications are received.

More about Mathematica
Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of 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. 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 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (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.