Business Operations Specialist (Remote Eligible)

About Mathematica:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development.

Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength.

Read more about our benefits here: Benefits at a Glance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The Business Operations Specialist manages and improves core operational processes, governance workflows, and cross-functional initiatives that support effective program execution across the organization.

This role owns key operational functions—including project review (PR) processes, scheduling coordination, and documentation management—while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and data quality. The Specialist works across teams to align stakeholders, streamline workflows, and implement scalable solutions, including process improvements and workflow automation. The role also supports Client Experience (CX) initiatives and performance measurement efforts, including KPI development and reporting, to enhance organizational insight and continuous improvement.

Core Responsibilities

Initiative Operations & Governance:

• Lead coordination and execution of project review (PR) processes across initiatives, ensuring alignment of timelines, materials, and stakeholder participation
• Serve as the central point of contact for PR-related coordination, communication, and issue resolution
• Monitor and resolve operational issues (e.g., support tickets), escalating risks and recommending solutions as needed
• Maintain governance workflows and ensure consistency and compliance across operational processes

Client Experience (CX) & Operational Insights:

• Support the development and delivery of Client Experience (CX) initiatives, including survey deployment, response tracking, and data management
• Analyze CX data and operational metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Contribute to the development of CX-related materials, including training content, communications, and documentation
• Translate CX insights into actionable process and operational improvements

KPI Development & Performance Monitoring:

• Support the development and refinement of key performance indicators (KPIs) across Business Operations, including risk management and client experience metrics
• Compile, maintain, and report on KPIs to support leadership visibility and decision-making
• Ensure consistency and standardization of KPI definitions, data sources, and reporting processes
• Identify opportunities to enhance performance measurement and reporting efficiency

Scheduling & Resource Coordination:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize schedules across initiatives and operational workflows, aligning priorities, timelines, and resource availability
• Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts and workflow bottlenecks
• Improve scheduling practices to increase efficiency and visibility across stakeholders

Documentation & Process Standardization:

• Capture, synthesize, and document key decisions, risks, outcomes, and client-facing materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency
• Maintain and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and documentation to support standardization and accessibility across teams

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence:

• Identify gaps and inefficiencies in operational processes and implement improvements
• Act as an owner of operational processes, ensuring scalability, consistency, and continuous improvement across initiatives

Systems & Workflow Automation:

• Design and implement workflow automations and system improvements (e.g., Power Automate, SharePoint)
• Translate business needs into practical technical solutions to reduce manual effort and improve data accuracy
• Evaluate and enhance system usability and integration across tools

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Coordinate across cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and deliverables
• Communicate process updates, expectations, and timelines clearly, and drive follow-through across stakeholders
• Build strong working relationships to support adoption of improved processes and tools

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) required; equivalent combinations of education and relevant work experience will be considered
• 3–5 years of experience in business operations, project operations, or a related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint
• Experience with workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate)
• Demonstrated experience in process documentation and workflow design
• Familiarity with data analysis, KPI reporting, and performance measurement
• Experience supporting Client Experience (CX) programs, including survey tools, response analysis, and feedback synthesis
• Strong written communication skills, with experience developing training materials, operational documentation, and stakeholder communications
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights

Periodic travel to the Mathematica Princeton, NJ or Washington, DC office may be required.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $70,000 - $85,000 annually.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, national origin, religion, orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in or complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work.