Senior Workforce Evaluation Leader (Senior Associate or Principal Associate, Remote Flexible)

The Opportunity

Abt Associates seeks a qualified candidate with expertise in econometrics and workforce development to join our Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Capability and play a leadership role, as Senior Associate or Principal Associate, on impact evaluations for clients such as the U.S. Department of Labor. As a member of the Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Capability team, you will conduct research, monitoring, and evaluation services at the highest levels of quality and rigor to generate evidence-based insights.

The Senior Associate or Principal Associate will lead the design and execution of research and evaluation projects on workforce development programs and policies, such as career pathways, industry sector partnerships, Unemployment Insurance, and other employment strategies for those facing barriers to employment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in conducting complex rigorous evaluations using experimental and quasi-experimental designs. This includes demonstrated success in designing and conducting feasibility studies and large-scale impact evaluations that involve workforce development programs as a principal investigator or project director. They will also play a leading role in business development and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, the candidate will possess the ability to effectively articulate the implications of research findings to policymakers and practitioners.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction for large impact evaluations for federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Labor, with responsibility for the technical execution of rigorous evaluations.
• Design and plan the analysis for rigorous randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental impact evaluations, applying advanced methods and techniques. Collaborate with peers to identify innovative research approaches.
• Draft reports, briefs, papers, presentations, and other deliverables that are technically sound and accessible to a variety of audiences.
• Craft and execute creative approaches to dissemination, and provide thought leadership, such as through briefings, presentations, blog posts, podcasts, videos and/or social media.
• Support project excellence by serving as an internal project quality reviewer and technical advisor to colleagues.
• Lead diverse teams of senior, mid-, and early-career colleagues in the execution of the research design, analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of results. Ensure the rigor, quality, and accuracy of the technical work.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team by communicating respectfully, meeting deadlines, and exercising initiative to resolve complex challenges. Provide staff with the mentoring, coaching, and feedback they need to grow and develop.
• Manage client and funder relationships and interactions to ensure effective completion of work that meets expectations.
• Assume significant business development responsibility, including collaborating on or leading development of complex proposals for federal agencies and other funders. This will include collaborating with peers across the company on strategic planning to identify and pursue new opportunities, assuming significant technical leadership roles in business development and through contributions to sales and proposal efforts.
• Cultivate and maintain excellent business development relationships and be regarded within targeted markets as an industry expert.
• Maintain an industry presence as a subject-matter expert through publications and presentations at conferences and meetings.

What We Value

• Demonstrated technical expertise in designing and conducting experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations and leading large, complex policy/program evaluation projects across a variety of funders, including the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Expert understanding and experience with the mission, policies, and priorities of the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal and state agencies that administer and study workforce development activities. Knowledge of federal policies, regulations, and funding pertaining to workforce development.
• A record of publications, presentations, and other knowledge-dissemination activities.
• Experience translating research to make it accessible to practice, policy, and/or government audiences.
• Demonstrated success in providing technical leadership on proposals for the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal and state agencies and foundations.
• A well-rounded interpersonal skill set with the capacity to build relationships with clients, funders, and education leaders, and to work effectively in a team environment.
• Diverse network of contacts in the workforce development field among funders, policymakers, practitioners, and/or researchers and evaluators.
• Aptitude and interest in mentoring less-experienced staff and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• A strong commitment to Abt’s mission and to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes incorporating these principles into research and interactions with colleagues; prioritizing understanding multiple alternative perspectives; and embracing diverse perspectives, abilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, gender identities and expressions, educational experiences, and life stories.
• Level Senior: Master’s Degree + Thirteen years of relevant experience, or PhD + Eight years of relevant experience
• Level Principal: Master’s Degree + Fifteen years of relevant experience, or PhD + Ten years of relevant experience

What We Offer

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $105,000 to $168,000 for Senior Associate level and $139,000 to $222,000 for Principal Associate level and may vary by ten percent depending on candidate geographic location. Salary offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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