Employment

We’re well-staffed with well staff

PRA provides a variety of employment opportunities in various fields related to behavioral health systems change, including research, technical assistance, logistics, and communications. Our company culture is rooted in life-work integration, and we are proud to offer competitive salaries, rich benefits, and a positive work environment. Some of our employee perks include:

Employer-subsidized healthcare
Generous vacation time
Tuition reimbursements
Student loan subsidy
Retirement benefits
Day of Reflection opportunity
Frequent traveler benefits
Wellness reimbursements
Charitable giving matches

We strive to create a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to PRA’s success. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a recipient of the Times Union “Top Workplace” award in 2013, 2018, and 2023.

Current Openings

Senior Project Associate I (Full Time) - SMVF

Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) is seeking to fill a full-time Sr. Project Associate position to join a talented project team to support the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-funded “Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center” (SMVF TA Center). The TA Center provides a central mechanism for states, territories, and communities to help strengthen behavioral health services and systems working nationally across military, federal, and state agencies and local community planning teams to address issues, such as behavioral health crisis intervention, suicide prevention, opiate addiction, homelessness, and trauma.

Ideal candidates should possess first-hand knowledge of military culture and awareness of the unique needs facing SMVF individuals. This may include military Veterans and/or military family members whose lived experience can help inform the SMVF TA Center’s perspective to improve the lives of America’s service members, Veterans, and their families.

The successful candidate for this position will serve as a primary TA practitioner for an assigned portfolio of state and territory interagency coalition teams while also taking ownership of projects and events related to specific TA Center content areas. This role requires independent leadership of complex facilitation processes, management of content-driven initiatives, and strategic decision-making across multiple workstreams. The successful candidate brings an established track record of leading multi-sector TA engagements, managing projects from conception to completion, and demonstrated knowledge of military culture.

This position is remote, (subject to PRA’s remote employee/telework policy) with significant project travel (e.g., site visits) and travel to PRA’s offices (twice a year) in the Capital Region of NY (Albany/Troy) required. The normal work week is Monday through Friday, with project meetings held during typical business hours (9am – 5pm ET).

Responsibilities

Lead TA facilitation and strategic planning for an assigned portfolio of state and territory interagency coalition teams
Provide leadership, direction, and quality oversight for TA activities across assigned coalition teams
Independently assess coalition readiness, diagnose barriers to progress, and develop and implement tailored TA strategies
Lead the development and facilitation of workshops, conferences, and training events on TA Center content areas
Synthesize research and lead the development of topical TA products, resources, and reports
Maintain communication and collaborate with project team members, subject matter experts, consultants, and state, federal, and military representatives
Lead assigned project tasks and initiatives in collaboration with and oversight of project staff
Contribute to the development and monitoring of the annual project work plan for assigned content areas and teams
Monitor deliverables and quality of TA activities across assigned portfolio, ensuring alignment with project objectives and reporting requirements
Identify and synthesize emerging themes and trends across assigned coalition teams to inform center-wide TA planning and strategy

Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher; preferably in social sciences or related field

Experience:

Demonstrated application of military culture knowledge to inform TA delivery, coalition engagement, or systems-level work with SMVF populations
Demonstrated experience leading or guiding coalition, interagency, or multi-sector planning processes at the community, state, or national level
Minimum 3 years of experience leading facilitation, training, or technical assistance with complex, multi-sector groups
Working knowledge of behavioral health systems, policies, or practices relevant to SMVF populations, with ability to translate and apply that knowledge in TA contexts
Experience presenting or representing an organization at regional or national conferences, convenings, or professional venues
Experience contributing to or monitoring project work plans, deliverables, or reporting requirements

Skills

Demonstrated leadership in facilitating complex multi-sector planning processes at community, state, or national levels
Ability to strategically manage and prioritize a high-volume portfolio of relationships and workstreams
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including representing an organization at national venues
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, producing and overseeing professional-quality work products
Ability to read, navigate, and strategically adapt across complex organizational and political environments

Salary Range

This remote position is full-time, with a salary range of $80,000 – $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Significant travel is required.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must complete a brief required survey here at https://pra.typeform.com/to/hvVhOlOR and send a cover letter (indicating position) and CV via email to jobs@prainc.com or fax to (518) 439-7612. The cover letter must address the following:

Describe a specific experience where you led a technical assistance or planning process with a complex, multi-sector, or interagency group at the community, state, or national level. What was the context, what strategic decisions were made, and how was success measured? Additionally, describe how your knowledge of lived military experience has directly informed your professional work.

Applications that do not include all three components or do not address the cover letter prompt will not be considered.

About PRA

Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) turns evidence into practical solutions across behavioral health, criminal legal, homelessness and housing, Veterans, youth, and social service systems. PRA, a small, women-owned business, has partnered with leaders in over 500 communities nationwide to produce real, lasting impact.

PRA values a workforce where the unique skills of all employees are valued in support of the mission of PRA. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to status or any other characteristic protected by the law. PRA is an equal opportunity employer that accepts all applications from a wide range of candidates. PRA complies with federal and state laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Project Associate I (Full Time) - SMVF

Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) is seeking to fill a full-time Project Associate I position to join a talented project team to support the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-funded “Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center” (SMVF TA Center). The TA Center provides a central mechanism for states, territories, and communities to help strengthen behavioral health services and systems working nationally across military, federal, and state agencies and local community planning teams to address issues, such as behavioral health crisis intervention, suicide prevention, opiate addiction, homelessness, and trauma.

The successful candidate for this position will serve as a primary technical assistance practitioner for the SMVF TA Center, managing an assigned portfolio of state and territory interagency coalition teams. This role requires independent facilitation of strategic planning processes, needs assessments, and TA engagements with diverse government and military agencies, as well as national and community organizations. The successful candidate brings demonstrated facilitation skills, knowledge of military culture, and experience working within complex multi-sector environments. Moderate travel is required. Knowledge of behavioral health systems relevant to service members, veterans, and their families can be developed on the job.

Responsibilities

Support and coordinate TA Activities for an assigned group of state and territory coalition teams
Facilitate onsite and virtual strategic planning and TA across diverse government and military contexts
Identify barriers to coalition progress and collaborate with senior staff to address them
Assist in conducting TA and training needs assessments for assigned coalition teams
Coordinate TA engagements including agenda development, pre-visit preparation, report writing, and follow-up action items
Facilitate and deliver training at workshops and conferences on TA Center content areas
Maintain communication with team members, subject matter experts, and state, federal, and military representatives
Prepare and deliver presentations to coalition teams and other audiences as needed
Track outcomes and contribute to reports, products, and resources across assigned teams
Participate in internal team meetings, planning processes, and professional development activities

Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher; preferably in social sciences or related field or Bachelor’s degree in related field with advanced mental health and/or substance abuse training or experience in a clinical setting.

Experience

Knowledge of and experience with lived military experience, either through service, military family experience, or direct professional work with military or veteran populations
Demonstrated experience working with or within coalition, interagency, or multi-sector teams
Minimum 5 years of experience in facilitation, training, or technical assistance delivery
Familiarity with suicide prevention, substance use, or related behavioral health topics

Skills

Advanced facilitation skills across diverse government and military groups
Ability to manage multiple concurrent relationships and workstreams independently
Excellent written and oral communication skills for varied audiences
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, producing polished professional work products
Ability to adapt approach across organizational cultures and coalition contexts

Salary Range

This remote position is full-time, with a salary range of $65,000 – $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Significant travel is required.

How to Apply

Describe a specific experience facilitating a planning process or meeting with a multi-sector or interagency group. What was the context, what challenges did you encounter, and how did you adapt your approach to moving the group forward? If you have experience working with military, veteran, or government organizations, please speak to that as well.

Applications that do not include all three components or do not address the cover letter prompt will not be considered.

About PRA

PRA values a workforce where the unique skills of all employees are valued in support of the mission of PRA. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to status or any other characteristic protected by the law. PRA is an equal opportunity employer that accepts all applications from a wide range of candidates. PRA is an equal opportunity employer that accepts all applications from a wide range of candidates. PRA complies with federal and state laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Project Assistant I (Full Time) - SMVF

Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) is seeking to fill a full-time Project Assistant I position to join a talented project team to support the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-funded “Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center” (SMVF TA Center). The TA Center provides a central mechanism for states, territories, and communities to help strengthen behavioral health services and systems working nationally across military, federal, and state agencies and local community planning teams to address issues, such as behavioral health crisis intervention, suicide prevention, opiate addiction, homelessness, and trauma.

The successful candidate for this position will function as an integral part of a team that provides technical assistance to cross-agency state/territory/community teams working to implement strategic plans to improve behavioral health services for SMVF. Technical assistance includes providing in-person and virtual training, facilitating strategic planning, convening large events including policy academies and conferences, archiving technical resources, disseminating information to the field, and developing technical assistance products and reports.

This position is remote, (subject to PRA’s remote employee/telework policy) with occasional project travel (e.g., site visits) and travel to PRA’s offices (twice a year) in the Capital Region of NY (Albany/Troy) required. The normal work week is Monday through Friday, with project meetings held during typical business hours (9am – 5pm ET).

Responsibilities

Coordinate logistics, materials preparation, and shipping for TA engagements and events
Maintain rosters, registration, travel itineraries, and staff scheduling
Support database management and data entry
Draft site visit, monthly, and other project reports
Coordinate and schedule meetings and conference calls
Manage platforms, document discussions, and provide logistical support during TA engagements
Prepare presentations, agendas, announcements, and other project materials
Maintain archived materials and project tracking systems
Provide administrative and TA support across multiple project teams
Document and respond to routine inquiries

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field, master’s degree preferred
Demonstrated experience in an administrative or project coordination role
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
Independently manages multiple concurrent tasks with minimal supervision
Willingness and ability to travel
Military culture knowledge and/or behavioral health background preferred

Salary Range

This remote position is full-time, with a salary range of $55,000 – $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must complete a brief required survey here at https://pra.typeform.com/to/wojqM9jJ and send a cover letter (indicating position) and CV via email to jobs@prainc.com or fax to (518) 439-7612. The cover letter must address the following:

Describe a specific experience where you provided administrative or logistical support in a fast-paced, multi-partner environment. What were you responsible for, how did you manage competing priorities, and what would have fallen through the cracks without you? If you have experience working with or within military, veteran, or government communities, please speak to that as well.

Applications that do not include all three components or do not address the cover letter prompt will not be considered.