Senior Economic Mobility Research Specialist – On-Call

ICF

Senior economic mobility researcher leading evaluations and policy initiatives for ICF, a global advisory and technology services provider. Advancing evidence-based solutions for vulnerable families through human services expertise and thought leadership.

Posted 8/14/2026part-timeRemote • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $108,476 - $184,409 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in economic mobility research and evaluation, with a strong focus on human services programs. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, shape research methodologies, and translate findings into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Economic Mobility ResearchResearch Design and ImplementationPeer-Reviewed PublicationsStrategic ThinkingAnalytical Problem-Solving

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research MethodologiesEvaluation FrameworksData AnalysisTechnical WritingPolicy Initiatives

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationMentoringOrganizational SkillsInnovation

Certifications & Qualifications

PhD Preferred

Industry Keywords

TANFWorkforce ReadinessChild SupportFood SecurityHuman Services Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in economic mobility research, including 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
Manage and mentor multidisciplinary research teams
Provide strategic guidance to research and technical assistance teams
Shape research agendas, methodologies, and evaluation frameworks
Identify and help pursue opportunities aligned with ICF’s economic stability and mobility mission
Translate complex research findings into actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders
Foster innovation and high performance across multidisciplinary teams
Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and engagement with the broader field

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree in political science, public policy, sociology, economics, or a related social science field
PhD preferred
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
Ability to lead and influence in complex, fast-paced, and matrixed environments
Strong strategic thinking and ability to balance big-picture vision with detailed execution
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications, technical writing, and executive-level presentations
Ability to generate business growth, build partnerships, and navigate federal and state procurement systems
Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work on time
Comfortable with flexible, on-call work arrangements of 0–20 hours/week
Application must be submitted directly by the applicant

Benefits

Comp & perks

Part-time, on-call work arrangement based on project needs
Flexible, on-call work arrangement of 0–20 hours/week
Reasonable accommodations for disabilities, disabled veterans, and sincerely held religious beliefs
Equal opportunity workplace
Confidential accommodation support
ICF benefit offerings referenced under the Transparency in Benefits Coverage Act