Senior Study or Project Director for Food and Nutrition Assistance Program Research

Senior Study or Project Director for Food and Nutrition Assistance Program Research

Insight Policy Research, a dynamic research and evaluation organization, seeks applicants for the position of Senior Study Director or Senior Project Director to advise policy support and research projects for safety net and public health programs, like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, infants, and Children (WIC). Experience working for a WIC State agency is preferred for this position.

Insight is a well-established firm, having provided nationally recognized research and evaluation services to federal, state, and private sector clients for over 20 years. Our focus is on issues affecting at-risk and vulnerable populations. Our Food and Nutrition division conducts projects related to WIC, SNAP, and other nutrition assistance programs administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, we conduct research in the areas of food assistance, family support services, health, and education. We offer outstanding potential for growth, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits in a collegial, family-friendly environment. For more information on the type of work we conduct and our corporate culture, please visit our website: www.insightpolicyresearch.com.

Position Summary

The essential functions of this position include directing projects and major initiatives, advising the development and implementation of research and/or policy support projects, and providing quality assurance. The Senior Study Director or Senior Project Director will direct projects and teams; lead communication and working relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders; regularly author policy guidance, handbooks, and toolkits; lead and oversee authorship of reports, white papers, and briefs; present regularly at client meetings and conferences; ensure compliance with contractual requirements, schedule, and cost for all designated projects; contribute substantively to proposals for new projects and identify new business opportunities; and mentor and supervise earlier career staff. This is a full-time telework position, however, some travel for team meetings, project work, and conferences may be required. Employees who live within commuting distance have the option to work from the office.

Education

• Ph.D. with 8 years of work experience in food and nutrition research/policy
• Master's degree with 11 years of work experience in food and nutrition research/policy
• Bachelor's with 13 years related work experience in food and nutrition research/policy

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with State-administered social safety net program policy and operations, including WIC. Experience with other safety net programs preferred.
• Experience working with the Federal, State, and local government agencies that administer safety net programs.
• Demonstrated experience with WIC policy, systems, and/or operations. Experience engaging with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and State agency staff through national associations and workgroups advantageous.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain food and nutrition assistance policies to both expert and lay audiences.
• Strong project leadership skills. Experience leading projects, developing budgets, and monitoring costs.
• High level of competency in MS Office Suite and data collection and virtual collaboration tools as needed (Qualtrics, SharePoint, Smartsheet, etc.).

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Insight, we value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, people of color, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, LGBTQ2S people, and veterans to apply. Insight is a committed equal opportunity employer. Each and every employment decision is based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race; color; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; religion; national origin; marital status; pregnancy or parental status; military or veteran status; medical condition; disability; or any federal, state, or local protected class. We do not and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.