The World at Abt   

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. 

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.   

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. 

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance. 

The Opportunity  

Abt seeks a qualified, intellectually curious candidate to help us tackle a broad spectrum of issues. You’ll serve as a Bilingual Research Assistant (English/Spanish) to help us address challenges in early childhood education, which includes childcare, infant and toddler development, early literacy in grades K-3, and the early childhood education workforce. We are looking for candidates who are English/Spanish bilingual to support data collection with families and early education providers in Spanish. We are open to candidates with qualitative or quantitative research skills.  

If selected, you’ll be part of our efforts to help move people from vulnerability to security as you work on research and projects for such clients as federal agencies, state governments and foundations. We will mentor you as you learn about policy areas and develop professional skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, analytic reasoning, verbal and written communication and project management. As you work with our experts in our Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation capability, you’ll learn a key professional skill: how to work on multiple assignments simultaneously. 

The position will be based in our office in Cambridge, MA , to support Abt’s early childhood projects in Massachusetts. The position will require intermittent work onsite at the Cambridge office and the ability to travel to research sites across Massachusetts. However, the position offers substantial flexibility for hybrid work, with an estimated need to be on site 4 to 8 days per month on average.

Core Responsibilities  

• Support qualitative data collection by, for example, scheduling telephone interviews and site visits, helping to develop data collection protocols, taking interview notes, and helping to code and summarize interview data

• Support trainings (and potentially get trained) on various classroom observation tools

• Conduct literature reviews using internet-based search techniques and research databases 

• Learn and apply project and task management techniques by implementing project timelines and coordinating the appropriate staff to meet scheduled milestones for a task (e.g., report development) 

• Provide administrative support to project teams, including assisting with the coordination of presentations, meetings, and conferences 

• Participate in meetings with clients and other external partners by telephone or in person and take meeting notes and prepare summaries 

• Contribute to the development of project deliverables by drafting sections orpreparing tables and charts 

• Apply knowledge of computer-based word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and database applications to project work 

• Keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of early education by for example, attending professional association meetings, and in-house professional development activities and events 

• Participate in business development by contributing to the proposal development process. For example, by compiling staffing and corporate qualifications materials 

What We Value  

• This is an entry-level position requiring quantitative research or qualitative research skills, writing, and analytical thinking skills

• Ability to conduct research in both English and Spanish

• Interest in early childhood issues is required. Experience in early childhood (e.g., coursework in early literacy, child development, etc. and/or work experience with a childcare provider) is preferred, not required.

• Sound judgement and discretion 

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to work well in fast paced environments, balance the demands of working on multiple projects simultaneously, and collaborate on teams 

• A well-rounded interpersonal skill set with the capacity to work effectively in a team environment 

• Strong commitment to Abt’s mission and to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes incorporating these principles into research and interactions with colleagues; prioritizing understanding multiple alternative perspectives; and embracing diverse perspectives, abilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, gender identities and expressions, educational experiences, and life stories. 

• BA/BS (0 – 1 years of experience) OR the equivalent combination of education and experience 

What We Offer   

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.  

Abt Global Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. US work authorization is required.  

This position offers an anticipated hourly pay of $23-24/hr. Offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis. 

Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.  

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