Managing Consultant - State and Territory Child Care Systems

Mathematica, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Mathematica is seeking a Managing Consultant to lead state and territory child care systems engagements, providing technical assistance and capacity-building to CCDF agencies. The role emphasizes policy knowledge, change management, and cross-agency collaboration to improve program implementation and data integration.

The position requires a Master's degree with 6+ years of project leadership experience, strong communication, and the ability to design practical solutions for complex

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field is required.
• Six or more years of experience managing complex projects or tasks.
• Deep knowledge of CCDBG Act, CCDF program requirements and Plan processes.
• Experience with CCDF administration within states/territories.
• Knowledge of early childhood funding streams and coordinated use.
• Experience designing and facilitating change management or continuous improvement.
• Understanding of state early childhood system policies and governance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.
• Provide technical assistance, consultation, and capacity-building to CCDF agencies.
• Develop and implement program improvement strategies with clients.
• Lead or participate in state and federal policy implementation efforts.
• Design and facilitate change management using human-centered approaches.
• Create and review TA tools such as SOPs, data dictionaries, and guides.

Skills

Project management experience

Policy knowledge

Communication skills

Change management

Data integration

Funding streams knowledge

State/territory policy knowledge

Organizational skills

Education

Master's degree in early childhood education, human services, public policy, public administration, or related field

Job description

Managing Consultant - State and Territory Child Care Systems

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: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Managing Consultants participate in and lead a broad range of client engagements at Mathematica, from overseeing multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects to developing solutions for some of our clients' most pressing challenges. We are seeking a State and Territory Systems Specialist to provide technical assistance (TA), consultation, and capacity-building support to agencies implementing the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program. This role will partner with agencies to strengthen child care systems, improve program implementation, and advance continuous quality improvement efforts. While responsibilities vary based on project assignments, this position requires deep policy, programmatic, and operational expertise, along with strong project management, relationship-building, and leadership skills to support successful systems change and organizational capacity building.

Responsibilities:

• May serve as task leaders, project manager, deputy project directors (DPD), or project directors (PD). The specific role depends on project's complexity and size.
• Builds and maintains highly collaborative, trusting relationships with clients and other partners in a way that centers their experience in the work and strengthens their capacity.
• Collaborates with federal, state, and other clients to develop and implement program improvement strategies or technical assistance plans based on available data and subject matter expertise.
• Leads or participates actively and thoughtfully in multidisciplinary teams to implement, monitor, and advise on state and federal policy and programs.
• Considers and manages multiple perspectives and thinks creatively to design solutions that meet client needs.
• Provides the initiative, direction, organization, and quality control needed to help keep work on time and on budget.
• Plans and executes webinars or small group discussions with government clients, and/or other entities and individuals.
• Authors or reviews a variety of technical assistance tools to ensure quality and facilitate program improvement such as memos, standard operating procedures, data dictionaries, implementation guides, and webinar slides.
• Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in early childhood education, human services, public policy, public administration, or related field.
• Six or more years of experience managing complex projects or tasks.
• In-depth knowledge of the CCDBG Act, the CCDF program requirements, CCDF Plan processes, and other related state and territory early childhood programs
• Strong operational knowledge and experience with administration of the CCDF program within states and territories, including reporting requirements
• Strong operational knowledge and expertise of the full range of issues, services, and innovations within the child care field
• Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate change management and/or continuous improvement processes that use participatory and human-centered design approaches.
• Data-integration and other issues related to program integration and systems building at the state and territory level
• Knowledge of a wide variety of early childhood funding streams and options for using them in a coordinated manner at the state and local levels
• In-depth knowledge/understanding of state early childhood system policies, mixed delivery systems, and governance structures for ECE programs and for data systems
• Knowledge of current research and best practices regarding child development, the needs of families and strategies for family engagement, the challenges faced by the child care workforce and relevant supports for the workforce, child care markets and rate rates, child care supply and demand, and mixed
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain management issues to stakeholder audiences including Mathematica executives and clients.
• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail as well as the flexibility to manage multiple priorities, sometimes simultaneously, under deadlines.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $100,000 - $135,000.

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.

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/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.