Purpose of Position
ICF is seeking a Market Research and Data Analyst who is an expert in narrow cost analysis and market rate studies. They should be an experienced project director and technical lead with over 20 years supporting state and federal policymakers through research, data analysis, and technology initiatives. This individual should be an expert in cost analysis, market rate studies, and data-driven program improvement, with a strong record of leading multi-disciplinary teams and producing actionable insights for early childhood and social service programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and direct market rate and cost analysis studies for state and federal agencies.
Design and manage large-scale research projects, including geospatial analyses, workforce studies, and regulatory evaluations.
Develop and disseminate data insight products (reports, dashboards, infographics, videos) to make research findings accessible to diverse audiences.
Oversee the creation and maintenance of national databases (e.g., child care price database) for policy analysis and public use.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement through presentations, webinars, and collaborative meetings.
Supervise multi-disciplinary teams including economists, statisticians, analysts, and creative professionals.
Evaluate program impacts on workforce participation, economic outcomes, and service accessibility.
Advise on digital strategy and information system design for public sector programs.
Develop tools, protocols, and templates to support the implementation of market rate and narrow cost analysis studies.
Travel to assigned jurisdictions as needed depending on needs of the project.
Other duties as assigned in accordance with workload and priorities.
Basic Qualifications
Master’s degree in public policy, business administration, public administration, mathematics, finance, statistics, and/or qualitative management.
20+ years of experience in market research, narrow cost analysis, and public sector consulting
Preferred Skills:
Advanced expertise in cost analysis and market rate studies for social service programs
Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods
Experience with geospatial analysis and economic impact modeling
Strong project management and team leadership abilities
Skilled in stakeholder engagement and public presentation
Knowledge of regulatory standards and policy evaluation
Experience with data-driven decision making
Experience implementing a broad scale project in a public service system
Professional Skills:
Solid team builder and team player with proven ability to manage competing priorities, perspectives, and stakeholder needs
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
Ability to multi-task and maintain high-quality results in a fast-paced environment
Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
Demonstrated outstanding level of professionalism in providing administrative support, including ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, tact and diplomacy
Proficient with MS office applications (i.e., Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint)
Experience with training, curriculum development, and facilitation
Demonstrated project management expertise
Demonstrated consultative experience, including experience applying research-informed frameworks and strategies for capacity building and implementation.
Ability to build and maintain strong invested community partnerships for child welfare, child care, or similar populations
Demonstrated ability to create infrastructure and achieve deliverables
Knowledge of a change management process
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$107,936.00 - $183,491.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)