Senior Child Welfare Lead; 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. 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.

About The Role
Mathematica seeks a highly experienced and dedicated senior child welfare lead who is passionate about using data to prevent child maltreatment and improve the well‑being of children, youth, and families involved with the child welfare system. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in child welfare, public administration, or a related field, combined with extensive professional experience at significant scale (e.g., tens of millions of dollars).

The senior child welfare lead will join our interdisciplinary staff of practice and research experts in child and human development, psychology, sociology, economics, and public policy in the Nutrition, Health, and Human Services Division. This role is contingent on HHS contract award to Mathematica.

• Direct multi‑disciplinary project team and oversee all aspects of high‑quality project delivery, including managing personnel and ensuring timely completion of all deliverables
• Manage a multi‑million‑dollar project, ensuring resources are used efficiently and coordinating with the project team to identify and manage risks, including implementing and monitoring mitigation strategies
• Interface with the client to understand their needs and priorities, provide thought leadership, adapt activities as needed, and ensure contractual obligations are met

Important employment information:
We are hiring for this skillset as we develop our business and generate work. However, if an offer is extended, it will be contingent upon the successful award of relevant work. If you accept the offer and the contingency is removed, you will join Mathematica as a full‑time, regular employee. After applying, if you are considered for the opportunity, a member of the Talent Acquisition team would be happy to explain more details about the contingent nature of this role.

• Ph.D., Master’s, or equivalent work experience in child welfare, social work, public administration, or a related field
• 10 or more years of experience in one or more of the following areas: child welfare administration; project management; continuous quality improvement
• Demonstrated knowledge of Children’s Bureau (CB), programs administered by CB, and related child welfare policies and legislation
• Experience leading efforts that support organizational and/or program improvement, including technical assistance, performance measurement, website, database, and systems development and maintenance
• Experience distilling complex information into key ideas and concepts and making information easily accessible to child welfare professionals for the purpose of program improvement and systems change
• Demonstrated ability to lead large multi‑disciplinary teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to translate evidence for program and policy audiences

A cover letter and CV must be submitted at the time of application.

This position offers an anticipated base salary range of $150,000 - $200,000. This position is eligible for an annual bonus…