Principal Researcher - State Behavioral Health

Position Description:

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.

About the opportunity:

Mathematica is searching for a seasoned professional with expertise in behavioral health and programs or developing analytic approaches to guide policy development and implementation at the state or federal level. The successful candidate will join our Health division to play leadership roles in engagements for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, state agencies, and other clients.
In particular, we are looking for individuals who can support current and emerging work across several areas related to behavioral health. Candidates do not need to have experience in all of these areas but should be expert in at least one.

• Supporting states with policy development and program implementation.
• Experience providing, designing, overseeing, or leading behavioral health related programs or interventions at the provider level is appreciated, but not required.
• Providing subject matter expertise on behavioral health programs including innovations in social determinants of health, child/adolescent mental health services, and/or quality improvement in Medicaid programs;
• Developing, testing, and supporting the reporting and use of metrics on delivery and quality of behavioral health services;
• Designing data analytics to monitor and evaluate outcomes of programs and policies; and
• Evaluating and delivering technical assistance on behavioral health delivery system reform, including integration of care, value-based care, and alternative provider payments and care delivery models;

Candidates do not need to have experience in all of these areas but should be expert in at least one.

The successful candidate will join our group of over 700 health policy professionals, including staff with degrees in data analytics, public health, public policy, economics, behavioral or social sciences, and other relevant disciplines. We offer our employees a stimulating team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of employee ownership.

Duties of the position

• Engage with state and federal clients to understand the challenges they face and work collaboratively with them to develop innovative solutions
• Author project reports, memos, technical assistance tools, issue briefs, and webinar presentations and represent Mathematica to policy and professional audiences
• Apply rigorous analytic thinking to the collection and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data, including analysis of Medicaid and CHIP administrative data and site visits or telephone interviews with state and federal officials
• Direct business development efforts and lead proposals for new projects
• Direct multidisciplinary teams to conduct research and technical assistance projects on topics related to behavioral health policy and practices at the state and federal levels, and oversee all aspects of high-quality project delivery
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of staff working on projects related to behavioral health, including active mentorship

Position Requirements:

• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail; flexibility to lead and manage multiple priorities, sometimes simultaneously, under deadlines
• Masters or doctoral degree, or equivalent experience, in data analytics, public policy, economics, behavioral or social sciences, public health, or other relevant disciplines
• At least 15 years of experience working in health research, data analytics, or health policy with a substantial portion of that time related to some aspect of behavioral health policy or practice and at a state agency or working directly with state agencies
• Expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative methods and a broad understanding of health policy issues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain observations and findings to diverse stakeholder audiences including program administrators and policymakers
• Demonstrated ability to lead major engagements and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary teams,

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary expectations at the time of your application.
This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $150,000 to $200,000. This position is eligible for an annual bonus, based on company and individual performance.
Available Locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Woodlawn, MD; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Chicago, IL; Remote

You will work in a multidisciplinary setting that includes staff with degrees in statistics, business, public policy, economics, psychology, education, sociology, demography, and related fields. We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work. As a winner of the "Excellence in Diversity Award," we know that building an inclusive culture based on the diverse strengths of employees from different backgrounds is key to our success.

Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance as a condition of working on a project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance.

In accordance with Executive Order 14042 and its implementing guidelines, all Mathematica employees must provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated or obtain an accommodation through Human Resources by providing documentation from a licensed health care provider that they are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 because of a disability (which would include medical conditions) or provide an attestation that they are entitled to an accommodation because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.