Human Services Research Economist in Chicago, IL

Position Description:

Mathematica is a nationally-recognized nonpartisan policy research organization that 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. We improve public well-being by bringing the highest standards of quality, objectivity, and excellence to bear on the work we do for federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as private foundations.

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.

Mathematica is seeking Economists to work in our Human Services division to conduct studies and program improvement in family support, child welfare, education, child development, labor, criminal justice, nutrition, and related topics.

The following projects illustrate the type of work we currently have under way.

• Evaluating strategies for strengthening the engagement of fathers and paternal relatives
• Improving child welfare outcomes for children and families through predictive analytics
• Evaluating the implementation and impacts of employment coaching for TANF populations
• Partnering with states and school districts to conduct research, technical support, and dissemination activities to improve outcomes for educators and students
• Examining the impacts of instructional strategies in inclusive preschool classrooms
• Conducting national descriptive studies of Head Start and Early Head Start
• Evaluating SNAP (food stamp) employment and training pilot programs

Duties may include:

• Designing rigorous methods for evaluating programs and policies, conducting analyses, reviewing and synthesizing existing evidence, and drafting briefs and reports
• Helping program administrators and policymakers make decisions by cleaning, organizing, analyzing, and presenting large amounts of data
• Guiding programs and policymakers in using evidence to make decisions
• Providing assistance to programs and other organizations on conducting evaluations
• Presenting findings to policy, practitioner, and researcher audiences

You would join our multidisciplinary staff of over 400 doctoral-level researchers. At Mathematica, we take pride in our commitment to diversity. Building an inclusive culture that draws on the individual strengths of employees from different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, abilities, and experience is key to our success.

Position Requirements:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in economics, public policy, or a related field
• Strong quantitative analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to translate complex research methods and findings for a practitioner and policy audience
• Ability to work well in teams
• Work experience at a human services program or agency, school district, state or federal government, or foundation, or with child welfare, is desirable