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.

As a Principal Research Associate, you will lead and support projects that address the need of children and families involve with the Child Welfare System.  You will collaborate and consult with networks of internal and external staff on proposals and projects from a variety of federal agencies, states and foundations.  You will provide direction, management and support to evaluations, technical assistance and training contracts, and more.  You will work with senior management team members on business development and be available to consult on behavioral health and disabilities issues as needed.  You will collaborate with researchers within and outside of Westat to publish peer-reviewed and technical reports based on your project work.

Job Responsibilities
• Responsible for leading or contributing to all stages of federal contracts acquisition and management, as appropriate.
• Support federal contracts that require evaluation, dissemination, technical expert panels, policy analyses, and technical assistance and training, as appropriate.
• Manage project budgets, develop technical, staffing and cost proposals.
• Keep projects on schedule and within budget.
• Supervise staff and interact with subcontractor and clients.
• Contribute to publications based on project evaluations.
• Take leadership role in business development activities.

Basic Qualifications
• Master's degree in social work, psychology, or related field and 10+ years of experience working in child welfare related research, policy, or technical assistance with federal and state clients. 
• Experience managing project budgets, and developing technical, staffing and cost proposals.
• Experience managing and directing staff and subcontractors.  

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience translating science into resources for target audiences including federal, state, country, agency, provider, consumer, and families. 
• Experience with research and evaluations design and implementation.
• Experience as a Project Director or Project Manager for federal or state contracts.
• Expertise in science-based interventions and virtual training and technical assistance techniques. 

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. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 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

 

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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