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.
Job Summary:
Westat is seeking a Research Associate to join our team engaged in social policy and economic research. This position will focus on providing project management and logistics support to research projects that address disparities and promote equity in the areas of food and nutrition, transportation, labor and workforce development, family support and aging, and military and Veterans. The successful candidate will bring experience in project management and coordination and logistics, with a strong commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity in all aspects of their work.
A hybrid work arrangement with 1-2 days on-site at a Westat office location is preferred, remote work arrangements will be considered.
Job Responsibilities:
• Contribute to project management activities, including scheduling meetings, taking notes during meetings, disseminating action items, contributing to client reports, reviewing invoices, coordinating expert and advisory panels, and monitoring project schedules.
• Provide research and administrative support (including preparation of training materials and coordination of project staff) for a variety of projects including large-scale field studies.
• Support data collection activities, including coordinating interviews, site visits, and focus groups.
• Draft and maintain project timelines and deliverable schedules.
• Contribute to drafting and sending client communications.
• Support managing and monitoring project costs.
• Contribute to proposal coordination and management, including maintaining proposal schedule, coordinating resumes, drafting proposal language.
• Participate in and organize professional development activities related to innovations in project management; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; team and client engagement; data collection; and data science and data visualization.
• Perform activities under supervision of senior staff.
Basic Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in social science or other relevant field with up to 5 years of relevant experience related to project management and coordination and logistics.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working with project management software (e.g., SmartSheets, Teams Planner, Slack, Trello, Jira, Monday.com).
• Familiarity with and interest in supporting social policy and economic research.
• Proficiency with MS Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Demonstrated writing, organizational and communication skills.
• Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively across multiple projects to coordinate completion of tasks.
• Detail oriented.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, 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
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
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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