Principal Associate or Senior Research Associate, Technical Assistance, Income Security and Economic Mobility

Do you get excited about diving deep into data, insights, and research?

Do you aspire to conduct research aimed at improving the lives of individuals, children, and families?

Do you like working on collaborative teams to drive social change?

The Team

MEF Associates is a well-established social policy research organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, children, and families through rigorous research and high-quality technical assistance.

We have worked at all levels of government and with various non-profits focused on bettering policy related to workforce development, income security, child and family well-being, child care, and early education. Our team combines diverse work experiences and expertise to deliver meaningful, data-driven solutions.

The Culture

Our staff come to MEF because of our ability to make a difference through research and the technical assistance we provide to programs and agencies. Each of us brings a unique perspective, diversity of approach, and uncompromising commitment to excellence. We believe that what we do improves the effectiveness and efficiency of public policy and programs. Through this work, we realize our mission to support organizations in their efforts to help individuals, children, and families with low incomes thrive. We strive to use inclusive research methods that promote successful collaboration with the programs and communities with whom we work.

We value a diverse workforce and the benefits that come from research and technical assistance being conducted by individuals with varied backgrounds and life experiences. As a relatively small firm, we value close collaboration and a supportive work culture. We are committed to the growth and professional development of our staff.

The Opportunity

We are seeking to hire a Principal Associate or Senior Research Associate for our Income Security and Economic Mobility Domain who can lead major projects within our technical assistance portfolio. That portfolio currently includes providing technical assistance and arranging peer-based support for workforce, early childhood, fatherhood, child support, and TANF programs. An aspect of this technical assistance is to provide support to programs involved in research and evaluation activities. The Principal or Senior Associate may also contribute to technical assistance or research projects in other areas in which we work—which have included food assistance, public housing, financial capability, and programs serving refugees and related populations. The role represents a unique opportunity to join a growing business and to work on and lead a wide variety of large-scale policy technical assistance and research and evaluation efforts.

While responsibilities can vary by project, the work you do could encompass the following responsibilities:

Serving as project director or manager for ongoing technical assistance workDeveloping and designing technical assistance projectsOverseeing the development of TA products, tools, and resources (e.g., webinars, podcasts, toolkits)Providing subject matter expertise in substantive areas such as TANF, workforce development, and related other human servicesFamiliarity and comfort with translating research findings into practiceFacilitating diverse active engagement convenings, workgroups, and learning communitiesMonitoring project budget and deliverables, ensuring work is conducted within budget and on timeSupervising staff and managing project teamsAuthoring reports, proposals, and presentationsRepresenting the firm in interactions with clients and partner organizationsContributing to business development, staffing, and client managementIdentifying new business opportunities and taking leadership in proposal writing and budgeting

While our team has varied backgrounds filled with valuable experiences, we look for a consistent set of things that we believe contribute to success. They include:

Prior experience delivering technical assistance to federal, state, and local government agencies and their partnersPast experience working with one or more public benefit programs such as TANF, SNAP, child support or child careExperience directing projects and effective project management skillsExperience managing and mentoring staffDemonstrated excellence in writing and verbal communicationDemonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusionRelationship-driven, effective communicator with strong interpersonal skillsFor the Principal Associate position, experience as a leader and manager in an organization conducting technical assistance projects

MEF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. Legal work authorization is required.

This role includes work to be performed primarily in an office environment. It typically includes frequent phone/audio communication and/or video conferencing usage; and extensive computer, keyboard, and mouse use. It requires the ability to travel domestically by airplane on occasion. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MEF Associates has offices in both Alexandria, VA and Seattle, WA. This position can also be remote.

Please apply with a cover letter and resume.

Compensation and benefits: The salary range for the Senior Associate position is $100k to $150k, and the salary range for the Principal Associate position is $140k to $225k, depending on education level and prior work experience. MEF offers comprehensive benefits.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time