Program and Policy Associate

Organization:
Springfield WORKS / Western Mass Economic Development Council

Term:
Two years, grant funding dependent

Job Type: Full-time

Location:

Hybrid (primarily remote with periodic in-person meetings in Springfield, MA and occasional travel)

About the Program

The Massachusetts Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot, led by Springfield WORKS, is a statewide initiative that helps working families overcome the public benefits "cliff effect" through financial support, career coaching, and policy innovation. As the program expands, Springfield WORKS is seeking a Program and Policy Associate to support implementation, partner engagement, research, and policy development.

The Program and Policy Associate supports implementation of the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot through program coordination, policy research, stakeholder engagement, communications, and operational support. Working closely with the Program Director and community partners, the Associate will help advance workforce development and economic mobility initiatives through project coordination, policy analysis, community outreach, and partner collaboration.

• Support day-to-day program operations and administrative activities.
• Communicate with program partners, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Assist with participant recruitment, enrollment, outreach, and record management.
• Provide technical assistance to partners and help coordinate virtual meetings, trainings, and peer learning sessions.
• Conduct research, literature reviews, and basic data analysis to support program improvement and policy development.
• Draft policy briefs, reports, presentations, testimony, fact sheets, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Coordinate meetings, conferences, trainings, and special events.
• Represent Springfield WORKS at coalition meetings, conferences, advocacy events, and community outreach activities.
• Develop outreach materials and support communications, including social media.
• Assist with program reporting, documentation, and other special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, social work, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• One to three years of experience in program coordination, policy analysis, nonprofit administration, or related work.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and experience with databases or case management systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse partners.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and entrepreneurial, with a willingness to take initiative, solve problems independently, and learn new skills as needed.
• Commitment to equity and experience working with diverse communities.
• Interest in workforce development, public policy, economic mobility, or community

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Familiarity with public benefits programs (e.g., SNAP, TAFDC, SSI/SSDI, Section 8,
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, or program evaluation.
• Experience supporting workforce development, nonprofit, or government-funded programs.
• Experience with Canva or social media communications.

This hybrid position is based in Western Massachusetts and is primarily remote. Periodic in-person attendance in Springfield is required for team meetings and organizational activities, along with occasional travel for partner meetings, trainings, conferences, and community events. Reliable transportation is required.