Company Profile
Company Overview
IMPAQ International, a growing and dynamic social science research firm, provides high-quality research and impact evaluation services, policy analysis, survey research, technology solutions, organizational development, technical assistance and consulting services to U.S. and international government agencies, foundations, and the private sector. IMPAQ’s mission is to bring together exceptional people to develop innovative and rigorous approaches to evaluate the real-world impact of social policies and programs. IMPAQ has a diverse and collegial work environment and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (M/F/Disability/Veterans). IMPAQ offers three locations: our Corporate Headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, rated one of America’s Best Small Cities; Downtown Washington, D.C. and a Bay Area office in Oakland, California.
Company History
Jacob and Sharon Benus founded IMPAQ International in 2001 based on their simple belief that exceptional people committed to rigorous research can drive the design and implementation of policies and programs that improve the lives of real people.
Jacob and Sharon were right.
Shortly after they founded IMPAQ, a self-employed contractor who IMPAQ had hired to wire the new office asked a simple question: “What does IMPAQ do?”
Since IMPAQ was brand new at the time, a staff member replied by describing the Unemployment Insurance Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) demonstration, a project that Jake had conducted before starting IMPAQ. SEA was an innovative program funded by the Department of Labor that investigated whether it is possible to train those who are unemployed to become entrepreneurs.
The contractor—who still works with IMPAQ, and whose business has grown alongside IMPAQ’s—interrupted, “Wait! I was trained by SEA; SEA helped me to start my business!”
Jacob and Sharon’s belief in the power of bringing together exceptional people to do rigorous work to improve people’s lives remains the driving force behind IMPAQ more than a decade after its founding.
However, what was once a boutique firm is now a company of more than 300 employees, with offices in Columbia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Oakland, California and Hilo, Hawaii.
Today, IMPAQ’s teams collaborate with public sector clients, such as the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, as well as private sector clients to address some of the most critical challenges of our time - from the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reducing the unemployment rate and putting Americans back to work.
IMPAQ is also recognized as one of the best places to work in our region, and is known for its hallmark entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to diversity.
The story does not end here. IMPAQ continues to grow, diversifying our offerings and services, expanding into new sectors and industries, serving new clients, and building on the productive relationships established with clients over the years.
IMPAQ has undergone many changes since its founding, but there has always been one constant: Exceptional people committed to rigorous research can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives across the globe.
Benefits
With offices in Columbia, MD, Washington, DC and Oakland, CA, IMPAQ offers a diverse, team-oriented environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer(M/F/Disability/Veterans). IMPAQ offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive fringe benefit package.