Advisory Services Analyst, Early Childhood Programs (Remote Eligible)

Mathematica applies data, methods, policy, and practice expertise to improve well-being and enhance public- and private-sector programs. The Advisory Services Analyst supports early childhood and human services projects through research, data analysis, program monitoring, technical assistance, training, project management, and client engagement. The role focuses on federal initiatives including Head Start and Early Head Start and translates evidence into actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities:

• Translates research knowledge and experience into actionable, relevant information and advises clients on how to build connections between research and evidence, and program or portfolio strategy, decision-making, or grant-making
• Supports monitoring, technical assistance, and continuous improvement activities for early childhood programs, including assessing program performance, progress, compliance, quality, and accountability
• Aggregates, analyzes, and presents data from multiple sources using web-based and other data management and analytic tools to identify trends and support program and client decision-making
• Develops high-quality written and presentation products, including memoranda, executive summaries, correspondence, implementation guidance, training materials, case studies, and program or portfolio performance reports
• Engages with clients, program staff, participants, government agencies, and other partners to gather information, facilitate meetings, provide technical assistance and training, and communicate findings and recommendations
• Supports project management activities, including developing and monitoring schedules, budgets, staffing, workflows, deliverables, and project management tools to help projects remain on time and within budget
• Applies change management, continuous improvement, human-centered design, and systems-thinking approaches to help clients and programs identify challenges, develop solutions, and improve implementation
• Provides subject matter expertise and support related to early childhood and Head Start program operations, monitoring, and continuous improvement
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Master's degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field, from an accredited university or college
• At least 3 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs; experience with Head Start and/or Early Head Start programs is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to aggregate, analyze, synthesize, and present research, data, and evidence from multiple sources to support program monitoring, performance measurement, informed decision-making, and actionable recommendations for clients and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability in utilizing a variety of web-based and off-the-shelf data management software packages
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to develop clear, concise, and high-quality products and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple priorities in a client-service environment
• Knowledge of federal monitoring of early childhood programs, with a preference for experience in measuring the performance, progress, compliance, and accountability of Head Start programs
• Experience in fiscal management of early childhood programs, with a preference for experience or training in federal interest, fiscal reporting, in-kind contributions, cost allocation, budgeting, and/or internal controls for Head Start programs
• Knowledge of facilities and/or early childhood learning environments, with a preference for experience in designing, purchasing, constructing, renovating, and/or maintaining facilities that operate Head Start programs
• Experience in child health and safety, with a preference for experience in addressing sensitive subject matter such as child abuse and neglect
• Knowledge of Head Start program options, the Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI), and changes in scope (CiS), with a preference for expertise in budget analysis