Job Description
Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Job Summary
Westat has an immediate opening for a Senior Associate to join our team of leading food and nutrition policy analysts, technical assistance providers, researchers, and evaluators. Our work supports the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in the administration of federal nutrition assistance programs, in addition to other federal, state, and nonprofit clients. The Senior Associate will contribute to the design and implementation of technical assistance, policy support, research, or evaluation projects; lead tasks and projects; contribute to the strategic direction of the team; and support business development. The successful candidate will have demonstrated extensive experience administering these programs or expertise in research on these programs. Some travel for team meetings, project work, and conferences may be required.
At Westat, we embrace flexible work arrangements that empower our team to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. Employees are expected to work on-site at least four days each month. Our core business hours are from 10 AM to 3 PM ET, providing a consistent framework for collaboration. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that values flexibility and work-life balance. Please note our corporate headquarters will be moving from Rockville, Maryland to Bethesda, Maryland in late 2025.
Job Responsibilities
* Lead projects and/or research, including leading technical assistance study design, instrument development, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
* Serve as a subject matter and/or methodological expert across projects.
* Oversee the work of other team members and ensure the highest quality for deliverables.
* Manage relationships with federal clients, state agency partners, and other key parties.
* Participate in business development activities, including capture planning and proposal development and delivery.
Basic Qualifications
* Requires a master's degree in public policy, public health, social science, social work, or a related field and 6 years of relevant experience.
* Experience in nutrition assistance program administration or experience collecting and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data.
* Demonstrated experience conducting work related to SNAP, WIC, NSLP/SBP, and other federal nutrition assistance programs.
Preferred Qualifications
* Knowledge of federal, state, or foundation procurement processes and business development.
* Experience managing project teams.
Minimum Qualifications
* Demonstrated communication skills.
* Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients.
* Organization skills, including time management ability.
* Detail oriented.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (15 vacation days per year)
- Sick Leave (10 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
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Westat
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, parental leave, vacation time, sick time, short term disability, long term disability, 401(k), retirement plan
Jan 17, 2025