Program and Policy Associate

Organization: Springfield WORKS / Western Mass Economic Development Council

Salary: $65,000 plus benefits

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)

To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to careers@westernmassedc.com by 5:00

p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026.

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

 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.

Minimum Qualifications

 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

engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

 Master's degree in a related field.

 Familiarity with public benefits programs (e.g., SNAP, TAFDC, SSI/SSDI, Section 8,

Head Start, childcare assistance).

 Experience with data analysis, reporting, or program evaluation.

 Experience supporting workforce development, nonprofit, or government-funded

programs.

 Experience with Canva or social media communications.

Work Location

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.