Sr Research Associate - Early Childhood

Overview WRMA, a TriMetrix Company with offices in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is a leading provider of consulting services to human services agencies and organizations. For more than 40 years, WRMA has applied client-focused expertise and technology to better the lives of children and families, advance public policy, and improve the management of social services agencies. This position is based out of WRMA’s Rockville, Maryland office but is a remote/virtual position. The candidate must have consistent, daily access to a working environment conducive to professional activities (regular video/audio meetings, tasks requiring quiet focus, etc.). Necessary hardware, software, and IT support are provided. We are currently seeking a strong, multi-faceted, creative human services professional to join WRMA as a Technical Assistance Liaison (TAL) for the National Center on Subsidy Innovation and Accountability (NCSIA). NCSIA provides technical assistance (TA) to Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) programs in developing child care subsidy systems that are child focused, family friendly, and fair to providers. NCSIA works with state, territory, and Tribal grantees to help them reach goals related to subsidy eligibility, ensuring equal access to care for families eligible for subsidy, comprehensive background checks (CBC), integrating quality and subsidy, and strengthening program integrity. The candidate chosen will be expected to contribute to WRMA’s collaborative, collegial work environment; maintain our high ethical and quality standards; and contribute to proposals and other business development efforts. Responsibilities Responsibilities DUTIES: Provide direct and indirect training and technical assistance to state, territory, and/or tribal government officials and stakeholders Collaborate with NCSIA regional liaisons and subject matter experts to respond to requests for individual state, territory or region-wide training and technical assistance Plan for and develop TA and training products for states, territories, and Tribes, such as national webinars, in-person presentations, and tools Lead and facilitate state or regional discussion groups on subsidy related topics: CBC (States, territories, and Tribes) Child Care Subsidy Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership Eligibility Equal Access Fiscal Management Fraud Prevention Infant/Toddler Program Integrity School Age (Subsidy) Systems Development (Subsidy) Actively participate in meetings and discussions with federal partners and other technical assistance centers Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and members of the early childhood community Provide thought leadership and input for project success Qualifications Qualifications EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in ECE, education, human development, public policy, public administration or a related field; degrees in progress will be considered 7+ years professional experience with CCDF programs, subsidy administration and financial management, and/or early childhood education programs. Experience providing training, technical assistance, and/or information services to diverse audiences Proven ability to collaborate within a team and work effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds. ABILITIES: Proven ability to cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders and government officials Candidate must be self-motivated and willing to lead the research, recommendation and development of technical assistance materials and products. Strong technical writing experience required Excellent oral and written communication skills, creative problem-solving skills, and aptitude in leading and working with team members and other colleagues from diverse cultural, social, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds and in distributed teams Excellent computer skills including MS applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio, etc. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Long periods of sitting. Long periods of computer use Long periods of focus and detail orientation Lifting up to 25 pounds* *This requirement may be waived with proper documentation. TRAVEL: Travel to project sites and conferences is required (20-30%) SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is determined commensurate with experience of the candidate. Benefits include health insurance, holidays, and vacation benefits for all full-time employees of 30 or more hours. The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000 per year. While we provide competitive compensation, it's important to note that for new hires, salaries typically align with the lower end of the range, taking into account factors such as experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations. Working at WRMA can provide for a very fulfilling and rewarding career. The contributions our employees make to our mission of improving the lives of children and families are invaluable to us. We offer opportunities for personal growth, competitive salaries, a generous benefit package, and opportunities to give back to your community. WRMA is an equal opportunity employer. #JT