Social Science Research Analyst
- Hiring from
- United States
- Work type
- Remote
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2026
In this position, the Social Science Research Analyst will support federal staff with managing activities supported by the welfare and family self-sufficiency research and evaluation portfolio. This portfolio is designed to expand knowledge about how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other human services programs can best support the self-sufficiency and economic well-being of children and families with low incomes. Research, evaluation, data, and other activities within this portfolio advance the objectives of the statute authorizing this work and cover a range of topics including TANF policy and administration, evaluation capacity building within human services programs, employment attainment and retention, and knowledge building and communication. The portfolio includes experimental impact evaluations, implementation evaluations, descriptive research projects, research and data-focused technical assistance projects, and other activities aimed at informing the design and implementation of programs.
In this position, the Social Science Research Analyst will use knowledge of TANF and other human services programs, research and evaluation methodology, data analysis, and statistics to assist federal staff in communicating with and monitoring the work of grantees and contractors; and coordinating research, evaluation, data-related, and other activities.
Responsibilities:
- Support federal staff in managing research contracts and grants from award through project completion, report approval, and dissemination of findings, including:
- Reviewing contractor deliverables, such as reports, work plans, and analysis plans.
- Assisting with project management activities, including invoice review, timeline monitoring, action item tracking, and records management.
- Reviewing and processing grant actions, including performance progress reports, amendments, and noncompeting continuation applications.
- Monitor emerging research and trends relevant to ACF programs to:
- Support the integration of research findings into ongoing projects and strategic planning efforts.
- Identify emerging issues, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for future research, synthesis, and analysis.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with OFA and ACF staff, leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders to ensure research, evaluation, and data activities align with program priorities and field needs.
- Facilitate the communication and dissemination of welfare and family self-sufficiency research by:
- Providing written and verbal updates, coordinating meetings, preparing briefing materials and presentations, and participating in conferences and professional convenings.
- Fostering collaboration among grantees, contractors, researchers, and federal staff to promote the exchange of research findings, methodologies, and measurement approaches.
- Developing position papers, issue analyses, briefing materials, fact sheets, and other written products related to data, research findings, and program operations.
- Provide subject matter expertise to OFA and other ACF program offices in research methodology, data and policy analysis, performance management, program evaluation design and oversight, and applied research.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated knowledge of policies and programs affecting children and families served by ACF programs, particularly TANF and other human services programs that seek to foster employment and economic well-being among families with low incomes.
- Demonstrated knowledge of advanced social science statistical methods and techniques for assessing and improving the implementation and effectiveness of policies, programs, and interventions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with regard to (1) critiquing empirical reports for technical accuracy and to improve clarity, and (2) explaining complex evaluation, statistical, and data analysis methodologies and findings to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment, and be flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities.
- Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills, including handling multiple projects simultaneously and on tight timelines and appropriately prioritizing and tracking progress of assignments.
- Detail-oriented and driven to produce high-quality work.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
- U.S. Citizenship required
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Child and Family Studies, Economics, Human Development, Psychology, Political Science, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Work, Sociology, or related fields required.
- Three (3) or more years’ experience with program evaluation, research and evaluation designs, qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis, and program performance measurement, with specific expertise in research, programs, and policies related to one or more focus areas within the welfare and family self-sufficiency research and evaluation portfolio.