Policy and Research Specialist

The Program Coordinator II, Policy and Research Specialist, in the Strategic Planning and Policy Unit is responsible for coordinating and supporting statewide workforce planning, policy development, and grant management activities. The incumbent oversees the MassHire Workforce Board Certification process and the Local Annual Plan for the local workforce development areas, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) priorities.  

The position contributes to the development, revision, and quality assurance of policy documents issued through the MassWorkforce Issuance system. The Specialist supports strategic planning activities, including statewide visioning, regional planning coordination, and State Plan development with EOLWD.  

The incumbent assists with analysis and interpretation of federal and state laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards; maintains accurate records and documentation; prepares reports; and serves as a liaison to EOLWD staff, MassHire Career Centers, Workforce Boards, and other state agencies. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Coordinate and support statewide workforce planning activities to ensure alignment with federal, state, and EOLWD priorities.

2. Contribute to the development, revision, and quality assurance of policy documents issued through the MassWorkforce Issuance system.

3. Oversee and coordinate the MassHire Workforce Board Certification process for local workforce development areas.

4. Manage and support the Local Annual Plan process to ensure compliance and strategic alignment across all regions.

5. Assist with statewide visioning, strategic alignment, and coordination of planning activities with EOLWD.

6. Support EOLWD in regional planning efforts, ensuring consistency with statewide workforce strategies.

7. Contribute to the development, coordination, and submission of the WIOA State Plan and related planning documents.

8. Conduct research, analyze data, and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards to inform policy and planning decisions.

9. Maintain accurate records, documentation, and data systems to support policy, planning, and compliance activities.

10. Prepare reports, summaries, and analyses for internal leadership, EOLWD, and external stakeholders.

11. Provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to MassHire Career Centers, Workforce Boards, and internal DCS staff.

12. Serve as a liaison to EOLWD staff, MassHire Career Centers, Workforce Boards, and other state agencies to support coordination and communication.

13. Review, edit, and ensure accuracy and consistency of policy documents prior to statewide issuance.

14. Organize, manage, and analyze data to support planning, policy development, and reporting functions.

15. Coordinate, schedule, attend, and, as necessary, lead meetings, seminars, workshops and represent agency on panels to gather and disseminate information.

16. Utilize workforce systems, learning management systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, analytics tools, and digital collaboration platforms including applications similar to Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Teams.

17. Support statewide innovation efforts including the Office of Workforce Innovation and the MassHire Innovation Project, as needed.

18. Other duties as assigned.