ForgeApply
Try it free

ForgeApply · Job listing

Senior Economic Mobility Research Specialist

ICF

Reston, VA, US$108k – $184konsite

Tailor your resume for this ICF job in about a minute.

ForgeApply tailors your resume and cover letter to this exact posting, then hands you a ready-to-submit application for ICF's site. Free trial, no card required.

About this role

SENIOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY RESEARCH SPECIALIST

ICF is actively seeking a Senior Economic Mobility Research Specialist for our growing economic mobility practice . In this role, you will contribute to projects that promote positive outcomes for vulnerable families.

Key Responsibilities: • Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in economic mobility research, notably in TANF, workforce/job readiness, child support, food security, and related human services programs

• Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of rigorous research and evaluation efforts, while managing and mentoring multidisciplinary research teams

• Provide strategic guidance to research and technical assistance teams to ensure rigor, relevance, and impact across projects

• Shape research agendas, methodologies, and evaluation frameworks that advance evidence-based policy and practice

• Identify and help pursue new opportunities aligned with ICF’s mission to promote economic stability and mobility for families

• Translate complex research findings into actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders

• Mentor and support multidisciplinary teams, fostering innovation and high performance

• Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and engagement with the broader field

Required Qualifications: • Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in political science, public policy, sociology, economics, or a related social science field

• 20+ years of experience leading research, evaluation, and policy initiatives related to economic mobility and family well-being

• Recognized peer-reviewed publication and thought leadership in economic mobility research

• Demonstrated expertise working with federal, state, or local human services programs

Professional Skills You Will Use: • Proven ability to lead and influence in complex, fast-paced, and matrixed environments

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to balance big-picture vision and detailed execution

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications, technical writing and executive-level presentations

• Skilled at generating business growth, building partnerships and navigating federal and state procurement systems

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work on time

• Comfortable with flexible, on-call work arrangements (0–20 hours/week)

Bot and Third-Party Applications Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.  Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration .   Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact  Candidateaccommodation@icf.com  for assistance.

Working at ICF ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer .   Together, our employees are empowered to share their   expertise   and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our  EEO   policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.   Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with   sincerely held   religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request   an accommodation,   please email  Candidateaccommodation@icf.com  and we will be happy to   assist . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent   required   to provide needed reasonable accommodations.   

Read more about  workplace discrimination righ t s   or our benefit offerings which are included in the  Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage   Act.  

Candidate AI Usage Policy At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or   assist   with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not   permitted . This policy is in place to   maintain   the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.   

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation  that involves the use of AI. If   such an   accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at  candidateaccommodation@icf.com . We   are dedicated to providing   the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

  Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is : $108,476.00 - $184,409.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

Tailor your resume for this ICF role before you apply.

Tailor my resume for this job

Similar jobs

More like this: More jobs at ICF · Browse all jobs

Free ATS checker · How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description (Step by Step)