Social Science Research Analyst

Summary

VPD Government Solutions is seeking a Social Science Research Analyst to support federal staff managing welfare and family self-sufficiency research and evaluation activities. The role focuses on TANF and human services programs through contract and grant management, research monitoring, stakeholder coordination, data analysis, program evaluation, and dissemination of findings.

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

Skills

• 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 (1) critiquing empirical reports for technical accuracy and to improve clarity, and (2) 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
• 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

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 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 (1) critiquing empirical reports for technical accuracy and to improve clarity, and (2) 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
• 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

• Comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including competitive compensation, health and wellness benefits, financial security, professional development opportunities, and workplace flexibility.
• 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.