Senior Economic Mobility Research Specialist – On-Call

ICF

On-Call Senior Economic Mobility Research Specialist at ICF, focusing on projects for vulnerable families. Leading rigorous research efforts to promote economic stability and mobility.

Posted 5/6/2026part-timeRemote • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $108,476 - $184,409 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in economic mobility research, notably in TANF, workforce/job readiness, child support, food security, and related human services programs
Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of rigorous research and evaluation efforts, while managing and mentoring multidisciplinary research teams
Provide strategic guidance to research and technical assistance teams to ensure rigor, relevance, and impact across projects
Shape research agendas, methodologies, and evaluation frameworks that advance evidence-based policy and practice
Identify and help pursue new opportunities aligned with ICF’s mission to promote economic stability and mobility for families
Translate complex research findings into actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders
Mentor and support multidisciplinary teams, fostering innovation and high performance
Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and engagement with the broader field

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in political science, public policy, sociology, economics, or a related social science field
20+ years of experience leading research, evaluation, and policy initiatives related to economic mobility and family well-being
Recognized peer-reviewed publication and thought leadership in economic mobility research
Demonstrated expertise working with federal, state, or local human services programs

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Flexible work arrangements
Paid time off

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

economic mobility researchresearch designevaluation methodologiesdata analysispolicy analysisprogram evaluationstrategic guidanceevidence-based practicepublicationthought leadership

Soft Skills

mentoringteam leadershipcommunicationinnovationcollaborationstrategic thinkingproblem-solvingstakeholder engagementadaptabilityhigh performance

Certifications

PhD in political sciencePhD in public policyPhD in sociologyPhD in economics