Principal, Advisory Services (SNAP Policy) - Remote Eligible

Principal, Advisory Services (SNAP Policy) - 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: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

Mathematica is seeking a senior leader with deep expertise in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy, state program operations, and SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T). This individual will lead complex advisory and technical assistance engagements, advise federal and state clients, and help grow Mathematica's SNAP, food assistance, and related human services portfolio.

Principals in Advisory Services direct multidisciplinary teams and develop practical, evidence-informed solutions to clients' most challenging policy and operational problems. The successful candidate will combine deep subject-matter expertise with strong project, client, staff, and business development leadership. Candidates should bring capability in the following areas:

Policy Expertise

•  Applying deep knowledge of SNAP policy and operations at the federal and state levels, including eligibility and certification, benefit delivery, quality control and payment accuracy, program integrity, customer service, systems modernization, administrative data, and operational workflows.
•  Applying knowledge of SNAP E&T policy and operations, including state program design and administration, funding, workforce and provider partnerships, participant supports, and performance measurement.

 Project Leadership, Advisory Services, and Technical Assistance

•  Designing and leading approaches to assess and improve SNAP policy, operations, and implementation, using program and administrative data to identify challenges and improve access, participant experience, service delivery, administrative efficiency, and outcomes.
•  Providing strategic advisory and technical assistance to federal and state agencies and other organizations on SNAP and SNAP E&T policy, implementation, operations, and program improvement, including assessing needs and designing responsive supports.
•  Building productive relationships with client and partners and translating research, policy requirements, operational data, and emerging practices into practical, action-oriented guidance for diverse audiences.
•  Leading multidisciplinary teams and complex projects, including overseeing technical work and deliverables, providing direction and quality oversight, managing schedules and budgets, and coordinating internal and external contributors.

Creating New Opportunities

• Leading proactive business development by leveraging and expanding external networks, cultivating client and partner relationships, identifying and shaping opportunities, and contributing to capture strategies and solution development.
• Bringing and actively engaging a strong network of relationships across the SNAP, food assistance, and human services fields—including federal and state agencies, service providers, policy and research organizations, and other influential collaborators—to exchange ideas, deepen awareness of Mathematica’s work and capabilities, and identify and cultivate opportunities for new work.
• Leading proposal development, including setting proposal strategy and developing technical approaches, staffing plans, budgets, and other proposal components.

Duties of the position:

• Direct multidisciplinary teams on complex projects involving implementation support, monitoring, and technical assistance for SNAP, SNAP E&T, and related human services programs.
•  Advise federal, state, and other clients on policy and operational challenges and work collaboratively with them to develop practical, innovative, and sustainable solutions.
•  Apply rigorous policy, programmatic, and analytic thinking to quantitative and qualitative data to inform policy, implementation, operations, and continuous improvement.
•  Author and oversee development of high-quality project and technical products, including reports, memos, technical assistance tools, training materials, and presentations for policy, program, and professional audiences.
•  Develop and mentor staff working in SNAP and related human services policy areas and contribute to organizational expertise, knowledge sharing, and staff development.
• Advance Mathematica's external thought leadership through conference presentations, webinars, publications, and other professional activities.
•  Shape and execute business development strategy in SNAP, food assistance, and related human services markets, including cultivating client relationships, identifying and developing opportunities, shaping technical approaches, and leading proposals.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's or doctoral degree, or equivalent experience, in public policy, economics, public administration, nutrition, behavioral or social sciences, or a related discipline.
• At least 15 years of experience working in food and nutrition policy, with at least 10 years leading technical assistance, policy support, program administration, operations, or policy analysis activities.
•  At least 7 years of business development experience, with demonstrated success leading federal and state proposals, developing client relationships, and generating new opportunities.
•  Strong, established professional relationships across the SNAP, food assistance, and human services fields, with demonstrated ability to engage federal and state agencies, program administrators, providers, policy organizations, and other collaborators around emerging issues, new ideas, and potential opportunities for collaboration.
•  Deep expertise in SNAP policy and operations, including federal and state roles, state administrative practices, implementation challenges, and opportunities to improve program performance and participant service.
•  Demonstrated expertise in SNAP E&T policy and operations, including state program design and administration, federal funding and reporting requirements, workforce and provider partnerships, and strategies to improve participant engagement and employment outcomes.
•  Demonstrated success leading complex technical assistance or policy advisory engagements and multidisciplinary teams.
•  Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy, operational, analytic, and research issues for diverse audiences.
•  Strong project and organizational management skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
•  Experience working at the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, a state agency administering SNAP, or another state human services agency is highly desirable. Experience with other human services programs or providing technical assistance in related policy and program settings is also beneficial.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $150,000 - $200,000 annually. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual 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/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.