Senior Disability Research & Evaluation Expert (Senior Associate)

World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.  

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity 

Abt Global seeks a qualified candidate with expertise in quantitative research and evaluation methods and deep experience conducting disability-focused research for federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other funders. The successful candidate will join our Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E) Capability. As a Senior Associate in RM&E, you will conduct research, monitoring, and evaluation services at the highest levels of quality and rigor to generate evidence-based insights. You will lead the design and execution of research and evaluation projects on programs and policies designed to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in conducting complex rigorous evaluations using experimental, quasi-experimental, and other research designs. This includes demonstrated success as a principal investigator or project director, in business development, and in knowledge dissemination.  

Core Responsibilities 

• Provide technical direction and oversee the execution of rigorous evaluations for SSA and other federal agencies responsible for addressing the needs of people with disabilities.  
• Design and plan the analysis for rigorous randomized controlled trial and quasi-experimental impact evaluations as well as other quantitative studies, applying advanced methods and techniques.  
• Collaborate with peers to identify innovative research approaches. 
• Lead diverse teams of senior, mid- and early-career colleagues in the execution of the research design, analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of results. Ensure the rigor, quality, and accuracy of the technical work.  
• Draft reports, briefs, papers, presentations, and other deliverables that are technically sound, accessible to a variety of audiences, and effectively articulate the implications of findings to policymakers and practitioners.  
• Support project excellence by serving as an internal project quality reviewer and technical advisor to colleagues. 
• Assume significant business development responsibility by leading development of complex proposals for federal agencies and other funders and collaborating on strategic planning to identify and pursue new opportunities.  
• Cultivate and maintain excellent business development relationships and be regarded within targeted markets as an industry expert. 
• Maintain an industry presence as a subject-matter expert through publications and presentations at conferences and meetings. 
• Apply creative approaches to dissemination and provide thought leadership through briefings, presentations, blog posts, podcasts, videos and/or social media.  
• Provide staff with the mentoring, coaching, and feedback they need to grow and develop. 
• Manage client and funder relationships and interactions to ensure effective and collaborative completion of work that exceeds expectations. 
• Work collaboratively as part of a team by communicating respectfully, meeting deadlines, and exercising initiative to resolve complex challenges.  

What We Value 

• Demonstrated technical expertise in designing and conducting experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations and other quantitative analyses to lead complex policy/program evaluation projects for SSA and other funders.  
• Expert understanding and experience with the mission, policies, and priorities of SSA and other federal agencies that administer and study disability services activities.  
• Knowledge of federal policies, regulations, and funding pertaining to disability assistance and services. 
• A record of publications, presentations, and other knowledge-dissemination activities.  
• Experience translating research to make it accessible to practice, policy, and/or government audiences.  
• Demonstrated success in providing technical leadership on proposals for SSA and other federal and state agencies and foundations. 
• A well-rounded interpersonal skill set with the capacity to build relationships with clients, funders, and education leaders, and to work effectively in a team environment. 
• Diverse network of contacts in the disability services field among funders, policymakers, practitioners, and/or researchers and evaluators. 
• Aptitude and interest in mentoring less experienced staff and managing multidisciplinary teams. 
• A strong commitment to Abt’s mission and to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes incorporating these principles into research and interactions with colleagues; prioritizing understanding multiple alternative perspectives; and embracing diverse perspectives, abilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, gender identities and expressions, educational experiences, and life stories. 
• Master’s Degree + Thirteen years of relevant experience, or PhD + Eight years of relevant experience. 

What We Offer 

Abt is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Global provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply. 

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development. 

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $120,000 to $193,000 and may vary by ten percent depending on candidate geographic location. Salary offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis. 

Disclaimer: Abt Global will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.  

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