Fellow, Benefits Data Interoperability

At the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University, our Innovation and Incubation (I+I) Fellows are leading experts who pilot new and emerging projects and initiatives. I+I Fellows are instrumental in driving the Center’s mission to address complex societal challenges through innovative solutions. 

The Benefits Data Interoperability Fellow will lead and execute a transformative 12-month research project to advance privacy-protected data sharing and matching, improving the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of delivery of public benefits programs like SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid/CHIP and potentially unemployment insurance. Building on the Beeck Center’s work in benefits delivery, the Fellow will analyze existing research, data sets, policies, laws, and initiatives at federal and state levels to map the current landscape of public benefits data sharing and interoperability. They will produce original research to identify challenges, opportunities, pros, and cons of different ways that existing data sets can be integrated, combined, or shared through utilizing privacy-protected technology, to deliver benefits programs more accurately, effectively, and efficiently. The Fellow will document their work, culminating in a final publication with actionable recommendations at the conclusion of the position’s one-year term. 

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the U.S. public benefits landscape and the data, systems, and standards that are used or could be used in benefits eligibility, enrollment, and automated re-enrollment. The candidate has a track record of successfully delivering impactful data and technology projects with government practitioners and a commitment to advancing equitable social change. They will bring a collaborative mindset and strong networks to this role, driving actionable research that bridges gaps in public benefits administration and fosters data-driven innovation for social impact.

Distributed Working Environment

The Beeck Center operates as a distributed team, with some team members working remotely and others working in-person in our Washington, DC offices. A distributed team means there will be heavy reliance on asynchronous communication channels such as Slack, Asana, and Gmail while also having many meetings fully virtual or hybrid to include remote employees, using Zoom.

This position has been designated as remote. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

The Beeck Center has two office spaces in Washington, D.C.: one on Georgetown University’s Main Campus and a second downtown on Georgetown’s Capitol Campus. We prioritize spending time in person with our student analysts for collaboration and career development as well as building relations across the various other centers on campus. Remote employees will have the opportunity to and are expected to travel up to 10% for team retreats, conferences, and in-person work weeks. We encourage D.C.-based remote employees to utilize our office spaces and attend in-person events periodically.

Responsibilities

The I+I Fellow, Benefits Data Interoperability will be responsible for:

Research and Stakeholder Engagement (60%)

• Independently lead and execute original research on data-sharing and interoperability within public benefits programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, Medicaid/CHIP), with limited direct support.
• Apply deep expertise in both public benefits programs and data interoperability to analyze how data integration, sharing, and matching can improve benefits delivery in the U.S.
• Identify and document prior research, data sets, policies, and laws for public benefits data sharing, matching, and interoperability. 
• Conduct research on federal and state-level data-sharing practices, identifying barriers and opportunities for interoperability.
• Leverage and expand existing state-level relationships, working directly with state agencies, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders to inform research and identify best practices.
• Conduct interviews and collaborate with state and federal stakeholders, ensuring real-world insights shape research findings.

Publishing and Knowledge Dissemination (20%)

• Develop, write, and publish a final research report in alignment with grant deliverables, including findings and actionable recommendations for improving benefits program accuracy, integrity, and efficiency through data sharing.
• Produce additional publications (e.g., policy briefs, blog posts, memos) as capacity allows, extending the impact of research.
• Work closely with Beeck Center colleagues to ensure alignment with other benefits-focused initiatives and broader research efforts.
• Draft and implement a dissemination plan for research insights, including public-facing materials and stakeholder engagement activities.

Advocacy and Public Engagement (10%)

• Represent the Beeck Center at conferences, roundtables, and stakeholder meetings on public benefits data and interoperability.
• Engage in discussions with policymakers, practitioners, and research partners, providing subject matter expertise on data-sharing policies and challenges.
• Advocate for research-backed best practices, as capacity allows.

Supervision and Mentorship (10%)

• Mentor and supervise Georgetown students and team members, ensuring high-quality research and professional development.
• Contribute to educational programming by leading presentations and workshops that share key insights from research.
• Engage with other I+I Fellows and project teams to foster collaboration and cross-learning.
• Participate in Center-wide activities, including monthly virtual all-hands meetings, learning and development sessions, and two in-person convenings per year.

Qualifications

Candidates for this position must have:

• 15+ years of experience and a graduate degree (or equivalent expertise) in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Data Science, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in U.S. public benefits programs (e.g. SNAP, WIC, Medicaid/CHIP, TANF), including policy, eligibility, and administrative processes.
• 7+ years of experience in research, policy analysis, or program delivery, with a focus on benefits administration and data interoperability.
• Direct experience working with state government agencies, either in a government role or through policy implementation, data-sharing agreements, or program administration.
• Expertise in data-sharing practices and privacy-protecting technologies, such as privacy-enhancing technologies, data-matching techniques, and interoperability frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead independent research projects, applying qualitative and quantitative methods, engaging stakeholders, and producing practitioner-focused deliverables.
• Track record of publishing research and policy recommendations, including translating findings into actionable insights for government agencies.
• Experience designing and executing data-sharing agreements, governance frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration strategies for public programs.
• Strong understanding of benefits technology systems, including eligibility and enrollment platforms, case management systems, identity management, and data infrastructure at state and federal levels.
• Ability to collaborate with external organizations and government leaders to scale best practices in benefits data-sharing.
• Experience managing and mentoring staff or students, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and policy information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to navigate complex government systems, demonstrating flexibility, strategic problem-solving, and a commitment to data-driven policy solutions.
• Passion for equitable social change, leveraging data, design, and technology to improve public benefits delivery.

Salary, Benefits, and Employment Term

The Innovation + Incubation Fellow role has a 12-month term. The salary for this position is $130,000-$170,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and includes full benefits.

Application Process

Please complete this application form. Applications must be submitted before the deadline of Monday, April 7, 2025 at 9:00am EDT.