Advisory Services Analyst, Early Childhood Programs (Remote Eligible)

Mathematica; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Benefits package

Job summary

Mathematica is seeking an Advisory Services Analyst to support projects in policy and program areas, focusing on early childhood and Head Start programs. You will contribute to quantitative and qualitative research, analysis, program monitoring, and technical assistance to improve effectiveness and accountability.

The role combines program knowledge with data analysis, project management, and strong communication to translate evidence into actionable recommendations for clients and programs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in early childhood education or related field is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience aggregating and presenting research and data for decision making.
• Experience with web-based data management tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Translate research into actionable information for clients and program strategy.
• Support monitoring, technical assistance, and continuous improvement of early childhood programs.
• Aggregate, analyze, and present data to identify trends and inform decisions.
• Create high-quality written and presentation materials for clients and stakeholders.
• Engage with clients and partners to gather information and communicate findings.
• Support project management: schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables.
• Apply change management and human-centered design to improve implementation.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Client-facing

Education

Master’s degree in early childhood education

Job description

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 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.

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 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: Benefits at a Glance .

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

We are seeking an Advisory Services Analyst to support projects spanning policy and programmatic areas, with a focus on early childhood and human services programs. This role contributes to quantitative and qualitative research, analysis, program monitoring, and technical assistance designed to improve the effectiveness, implementation, compliance, and performance of policies and programs.

The Analyst combines program and policy knowledge with data analysis, project management, strategic thinking, partner engagement, and strong communication skills. The role will support federal early childhood initiatives, including Head Start and Early Head Start, by analyzing program performance, providing technical assistance and training, supporting monitoring activities, and translating data and evidence into actionable recommendations for clients and programs.

Important Employment Information

As we develop our business and generate work, we are hiring for this skill set; however, if an offer is extended, it will be contingent upon the successful award of work. If Mathematica is awarded the work, this role will be full-time, and you will be a regular employee of Mathematica. If you are contacted by our Talent Acquisition team, you will receive more information and details about this process.

Responsibilities

• Translates research knowledge and experience into actionable, relevant information and advises clients on how to build connections between research and evidence, and program or portfolio strategy, decision-making, or grant-making.
• Supports monitoring, technical assistance, and continuous improvement activities for early childhood programs, including assessing program performance, progress, compliance, quality, and accountability.
• Aggregates, analyzes, and presents data from multiple sources using web-based and other data management and analytic tools to identify trends and support program and client decision-making.
• Develops high-quality written and presentation products, including memoranda, executive summaries, correspondence, implementation guidance, training materials, case studies, and program or portfolio performance reports.
• Engages with clients, program staff, participants, government agencies, and other partners to gather information, facilitate meetings, provide technical assistance and training, and communicate findings and recommendations.
• Supports project management activities, including developing and monitoring schedules, budgets, staffing, workflows, deliverables, and project management tools to help projects remain on time and within budget.
• Applies change management, continuous improvement, human-centered design, and systems-thinking approaches to help clients and programs identify challenges, develop solutions, and improve implementation.
• Provides subject matter expertise and support related to early childhood and Head Start program operations, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in early childhood education, human services, public administration, or related field, from an accredited university or college.
• At least 3 years of progressive professional experience directly related to early childhood programs; experience with Head Start and/or Early Head Start programs is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to aggregate, analyze, synthesize, and present research, data, and evidence from multiple sources to support program monitoring, performance measurement, informed decision-making, and actionable recommendations for clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability in utilizing a variety of web-based and off-the-shelf data management software packages.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to develop clear, concise, and high-quality products and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple priorities in a client-service environment.

Functional Expertise

• Knowledge of federal monitoring of early childhood programs, with a preference for experience in measuring the performance, progress, compliance, and accountability of Head Start programs.
• Experience in fiscal management of early childhood programs, with a preference for experience or training in federal interest, fiscal reporting, in-kind contributions, cost allocation, budgeting, and/or internal controls for Head Start programs.
• Knowledge of facilities and/or early childhood learning environments, with a preference for experience in designing, purchasing, constructing, renovating, and/or maintaining facilities that operate Head Start programs.
• Experience in child health and safety, with a preference for experience in addressing sensitive subject matter such as child abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of Head Start program options, the Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI), and changes in scope (CiS), with a preference for expertise in budget analysis.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $70,000 - $100,000 annually.

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, orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo 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. Additionally, if you participate in or complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work.