Communications Specialist

Position Description:
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 using data science and analytics. 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. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance

We are looking for a Communications Specialist with experience in K-12 and/or post-secondary education policy and programs to support the Communications Department as a liaison for internal project teams and clients, including the U.S. Department of Education. The creative and impact-focused communications expert will develop and execute collaborative, inclusive, and coordinated external dissemination strategies and effective amplification efforts, including thought leadership, media engagement, and outreach activities that lift up voices in the communities we serve and increase visibility of the work we do with our clients and partners.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct strategic dissemination planning, implementation, and measurement for the Regional Education Laboratories, Central and Mid-Atlantic regions, collaborating closely with partners from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as locally based educators and policymakers.
• Translate and disseminate policy-relevant evidence through digital and print content, such as digital essays, fact sheets, press releases, and issue briefs; work with research teams, client representatives, and community partners to develop messaging, dissemination, and engagement plans in support of project activities
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, and partners to develop and implement strategic outreach campaigns, including the identification and engagement of primary and secondary audiences, utilization of appropriate engagement vehicles, and ongoing monitoring of engagement metrics
• Conceive, pitch, and place stories in relevant national, local, and trade media outlets
• Support planning and implementation of policymaker briefings and events related to education policy evidence and research
• Support planning and execution of inclusive events, including education policy forums and webinars that highlight expert voices and diverse perspectives from the field; develop exhibition strategies for priority industry and professional conferences and events
• Contribute compelling content for the company's external website, stakeholder emails, electronic newsletters, blog posts, podcasts, and social media platforms; coordinate with creative and digital services and other relevant communications colleagues to produce high-quality products that effectively engage priority audiences
• Support proposal teams by developing messaging as well as innovative strategies for community engagement and dissemination; contribute budget assumptions and estimates; provide counsel and serve as an intermediary for graphic design and layout of proposals

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Journalism, or related fieldFive years of professional-level experience in a government organization, public relations, or a research or policy-oriented organization; experience in K-12 and/or post-secondary education policies and programs strongly encouraged
• Experience conducting a variety of communications activities for large-scale federal projects, ideally for the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences
• Demonstrated effectiveness engaging with community partners and distilling and disseminating policy-relevant research in service of the application of evidence in education policies and programs
• Strong commitment to being an active partner in infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion into Mathematica's work and workplace
• Excellent writing skills a must - work should require minimal oversight and editing; expertise in dissemination best practices and plain language guidelines
• Exceptional project management and client service (internal and external) skills
• Ability to synthesize and convey, through a variety of platforms and media, complex data and information for diverse audiences
• Experience creating visual summaries of research findings, infographics, and newsletters for policymakers and practitioners
• Knowledge of federal or state policy issues in education preferred; knowledge in health, early childhood, family support, and food security policy a plus
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Exercise sound judgment and work collaboratively to accomplish tasks

Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance.

Available locations: Washington, DC; Princeton, NJ; Cambridge, MA; Woodlawn, MD; Chicago, IL; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA; Remote

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $70,000 - $90,000 annually. This position may be eligible for an annual bonus based on company and individual performance.

In accordance with Executive Order 14042 and its implementing guidelines, all Mathematica employees must provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated or obtain an accommodation through Human Resources by providing documentation from a licensed health care provider that they are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 because of a disability (which would include medical conditions) or provide an attestation that they are entitled to an accommodation because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.