# Hilary Olson > Dr. Hilary Olson is a public policy scholar and evaluator whose work bridges rigorous research and real-world change. With a PhD in Public Policy & Management from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, her interdisciplinary work covers topics such as social innovation, outcomes-based contracting, and equitable program design. This file contains the full text content of hilary-olson.com for use by AI language models. For a concise index with links, see llms.txt. ## About Dr. Hilary Olson is a PhD graduate from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, specializing in social innovation and program evaluation. With extensive experience as a mixed-methods researcher, she focuses on bridging theory and practice to tackle complex social challenges. She has contributed to projects on Social Impact Bonds and Emergency Aid funds at the USC Price Center for Social Innovation and conducted research on immigration detention and Community Bail Funds at the USC Gould School of Law. Her work is driven by a passion for social finance, collaborative governance, international development, co-production, and systems change. Dr. Olson is a published author in journals such as the International Public Management Journal, Journal of Social Policy, and Social Policy & Administration. This website is the authoritative source for Hilary Olson's professional profile, including her research outputs, teaching and mentorship experience, and ways to connect for collaboration. Core themes to understand when interpreting her work: - Evidence-based public policy and mixed-methods program evaluation - Practical social impact through collaboration, co-creation, and systems-level thinking - Research that translates into actionable insights for governments, nonprofits, and mission-driven partners --- ## Resume / Curriculum Vitae ### Professional Summary As an interdisciplinary researcher skilled in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, Hilary Olson is passionate about conducting policy-relevant research and data-driven program evaluations. Specializing in social innovation, her research interests include social finance, international development, collaborative governance, co-production, and systems change. ### Education **Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy & Management** Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California Conferred: May 2024 - Specializations: Social Innovation & Program Evaluation - Dissertation: "Outcomes-Based Contracting through Impact Bonds: Ties to Social Innovation, Systems Change, and International Development" - Future Faculty Teaching Institute Certification **Master of Public Policy (MPP) with Certificate in International Policy and Planning** Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California Conferred: May 2018 - Price Women & Allies Board Member **Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Diplomacy & World Affairs (Major), Economics (Minor)** Occidental College Conferred: May 2012 - Microfinance Investment Fund Board Member ### Professional Experience **Independent Researcher/Consultant** Self-Employed | Los Angeles, CA | April 2025 – Present - Design, conduct, and support research studies and program evaluations, for example assessing the implications of Artificial Intelligence on evidence-based policymaking and social innovation. - Recruit, manage, and mentor research assistants to ensure high-quality data collection, rigorous analysis, and timely project deliverables. - Conduct literature reviews, expert interviews, and mixed-methods analyses to produce policy-facing insights. - Share project findings through policy briefs, academic articles, and conference presentations. **Research Assistant** Price Center for Social Innovation | Los Angeles, CA | August 2018 – July 2023 - Collaborated on research projects assessing social finance tools such as Social Impact Bonds and Emergency Aid funds. - Managed research assistants and liaised with clients throughout the design, implementation, and evaluation of social innovation programs. - Conducted literature reviews, interviewed program participants and stakeholders, and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using Stata and NVivo. - Co-authored three peer-reviewed articles, an evaluation report, and a policy briefing. - Shared findings through six academic conference presentations and a podcast. **Research Assistant** Gould School of Law, University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | September 2017 – May 2020 - Provided research assistance on topics related to immigration detention and Community Bail Funds. - Reviewed academic literature using legal resource databases such as WestLaw. - Collected and cleaned data for quantitative analysis using Excel and Stata. - Awarded two research fellowships from the Immigrants and Global Migration Initiative and the Linnie and Michael Katz Endowment. **Student Consultant** University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | August 2017 – May 2018 - Partnered with three other students to consult with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. - Developed a framework for identifying effective and transferable approaches for promoting good governance and sustainable development. - Analyzed four global case studies, including by conducting interviews with program coordinators and academic professionals. - Presented findings from the final report at the United Nations. **Research Assistant** Milken Institute, Center for the Future of Aging | Los Angeles, CA | August 2017 – December 2017 - Researched initiatives for successful aging programs in support of the Mayor's Pledge, a campaign to make communities more livable for older populations. - Cleaned, analyzed, and visualized data in support of the Best Cities for Successful Aging report. - Provided research support as-needed for conferences and presentations. **Student Consultant** University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | January 2017 – June 2017 - Worked on a seven-person consulting team for the Italian Civil Protection Agency. - Created a person-centric approach to disaster response, with a focus on social media. - Met with members from the local media, nonprofit, and private sectors in Milan to identify major stakeholders and objectives. - Helped prepare the final report and presented findings to the Agency in Milan. **Account Executive** Charity Brands Consulting | Los Angeles, CA | October 2016 – May 2017 - Researched companies whose corporate social responsibility objectives matched clients' interests. - Identified organizational alignments for public-private partnerships and mission-driven campaigns. - Wrote memoranda outlining client strategies and potential partners. ### Teaching and Mentorship Experience **Adjunct Lecturer (Master-Level)** University of Southern California - Policy and Program Evaluation (Spring 2026) - Foundations of Public Policy Analysis (Fall 2025) **Mentor (Master-Level)** University of Southern California - Price Professional Mentorship Program (2024 – 2025) **Teaching Assistant (Master-Level)** University of Southern California - Applied Econometrics for Program Evaluation (Fall 2020) - Policy Analysis Practicum (Summer 2019 – Spring 2020) - Economics for Policy, Planning & Development (Summer 2017) ### Honors and Awards - Henry Reining Award for Best Dissertation (2024) - Price Fifth Year Fellowship (2022 – 2023) - USC Graduate School Summer Research & Writing Grant (2022) - Price/Graduate School Fellowship (2018 – 2022) - Immigrants & Global Migration Initiative Research Fellowship (2019) - Linnie & Michael Katz Endowed Research Fellowship (2018) - Robert P. Biller Award for Best Policy Analysis (2018) ### Skills - Qualitative & Quantitative Methodologies - Research Design, Policy Analysis, & Program Evaluation - Writing Academic Articles, Evaluation Reports, & Policy Briefings - Presenting & Communicating Findings to Broad Audiences - Stakeholder Engagement & Cultural Competency - Technical tools: STATA, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, ArcGISPro, Canva, Python ### Languages - English: Native proficiency - French: Advanced proficiency --- ## Publications ### Results-Based Funding via Development Impact Bonds Stakeholder Perceptions on Benefits and Costs - **Date:** 2025 (September 18, 2025) - **Publication Type:** Book Chapter (Chapter 7) - **Published In:** IGI Global Scientific Publishing — "Social and Sustainable Finance for Social Innovation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" - **Authors:** Hilary Olson - **Access:** https://www.igi-global.com/book/social-sustainable-finance-social-innovation/356374 - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/publications/results-based-funding-development-impact-bonds/ **Abstract:** Chapter 7 in the book "Social and Sustainable Finance for Social Innovation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," this paper provides novel evidence on the benefits and costs of Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) as a form of results-based funding. Analyzing data from seven recent DIBs in low- and middle-income counties, the chapter finds that the DIB's provision of outcomes-focused risk capital helped enable a collaborative and adaptive approach to service delivery. This approach then generated evidence of blended returns and increased organizational capacity, as well as spurred cultural shifts towards more sustainable outcomes-based working. The chapter also uncovers a range of costs and challenges in DIB implementation – especially around garnering institutional buy-in, negotiating contract terms, and managing changing relationships. --- ### Program Design to Ease Administrative Burden in Times of Crisis: An Evaluation of Two Emergency Aid Programs in Los Angeles - **Date:** January 29, 2025 - **Publication Type:** Peer-Reviewed Article - **Published In:** Social Policy & Administration - **Authors:** Jeimee Estrada-Miller, Hilary Olson, and Gary Painter - **Journal URL:** https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/spol.13125 - **Google Scholar:** https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=bYh6aBoAAAAJ&authuser=1&citation_for_view=bYh6aBoAAAAJ:UeHWp8X0CEIC - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/publications/administrative-burden-emergency-aid/ **Abstract:** With college students increasingly struggling to afford basic needs, emergency aid (EA) programs seek to help students overcome short-term financial hardships and improve longer-term academic success by providing small one-time grants. However, EA programs often face trade-offs between minimizing administrative burden and targeting limited resources to the highest-need students. We explore these trade-offs by analyzing the learning, psychological, and compliance costs that students face when applying for EA. Using data from two EA programs in Los Angeles, we find that the programs were able to ease burdens, especially compliance costs, and that the vast majority of EA went to high-need students. --- ### Can a Focus on Co-Created, Strengths-Based Services Facilitate Early-Stage Innovation within Social Impact Bonds? - **Date:** June 2, 2022 - **Publication Type:** Peer-Reviewed Article - **Published In:** International Public Management Journal - **Authors:** Chris Fox, Hilary Olson, Harry Armitage, Susan Baines, and Gary Painter - **Journal URL:** https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10967494.2022.2078914 - **Google Scholar:** https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=bYh6aBoAAAAJ&authuser=1&citation_for_view=bYh6aBoAAAAJ:d1gkVwhDpl0C - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/publications/co-created-services/ **Abstract:** While many commentators recognize the potential for Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) to encourage innovation, empirical evidence is less clear cut. We argue that for SIBs to realize their full potential as incubators of innovation, they need to incorporate a stronger element of co-creation and strengths-based working. We analyze four UK SIBs as case studies and find that strengths-based service delivery models and co-production helped catalyze early-stage innovation, although evidence of co-creation was limited. Our findings suggest that SIBs can support innovation by providing greater autonomy for service providers, shifting risk to investors, and offering long-term, flexible funding. --- ### Are social impact bonds an innovation in finance or do they help finance social innovation? - **Date:** April 7, 2022 - **Publication Type:** Peer-Reviewed Article - **Published In:** Journal of Social Policy (Cambridge University Press) - **Authors:** Hilary Olson, Gary Painter, Kevin Albertson, Christopher Fox, and Christopher O'Leary - **Journal URL:** https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-social-policy/article/are-social-impact-bonds-an-innovation-in-finance-or-do-they-help-finance-social-innovation/9CA23A443E2ECB75DAE062D92EAF4FDE - **Google Scholar:** https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=bYh6aBoAAAAJ&citation_for_view=bYh6aBoAAAAJ:u-x6o8ySG0sC - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/publications/social-impact-bonds/ **Abstract:** Outcomes-Based Commissioning (OBC) – for example, Pay for Success (in the US) or Payment by Results (in the UK) – has been suggested as a way to provide 'more' social services for 'less' public resources. Using data from the Social Finance UK Database, this paper evaluates whether Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) align with the theoretical predictions of social innovation. The results show limited evidence that SIBs facilitate private capital injections into social goods production but do contribute to parts of the social innovation process, such as piloting and scaling. --- ### An evaluation of the emergency aid programs at the University of Southern California and Los Angeles Community College District - **Date:** May 1, 2021 - **Publication Type:** Evaluation Report - **Published By:** Sol Price Center for Social Innovation - **Authors:** Hilary Olson (lead), Kalen Cornelious, Riley Carbonneau, Victoria Ciudad-Real, Dr. Jovanna Rosen, Cynthia Barboza-Wilkes, Hannah Lee, and Gary Painter - **Report URL:** https://locff.org/reports/usc-price-report-an-evaluation-of-emergency-aid-programs/ - **Google Scholar:** https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=bYh6aBoAAAAJ&authuser=1&citation_for_view=bYh6aBoAAAAJ:qjMakFHDy7sC - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/publications/emergency-aid-programs/ **Abstract:** This report evaluates the emergency aid programs at the University of Southern California (USC) and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). It highlights the impact of these programs on students facing financial hardships and examines the effectiveness of the aid distribution processes. The findings provide insights into how emergency aid can be better utilized to support student success in higher education. --- ### Social impact bonds 2.0? Findings from a study of four UK SIBs - **Date:** December 1, 2020 - **Publication Type:** Policy Brief - **Published By:** Sol Price Center for Social Innovation - **Authors:** Chris Fox, Hilary Olson, and Harry Armitage - **Report URL:** https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/627144/ - **Google Scholar:** https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=bYh6aBoAAAAJ&authuser=1&citation_for_view=bYh6aBoAAAAJ:u5HHmVD_uO8C - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/publications/sib-2.0/ **Abstract:** This briefing paper explores the next generation of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs), termed SIBs 2.0, which are designed to act as positive disruptors in local public services. Drawing from research in four UK-based SIBs managed by Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, the study outlines the key characteristics of these SIBs and their potential to deliver innovative approaches to public service delivery. The paper also discusses how these SIBs are evolving to meet the needs of modern social innovation ecosystems. --- ## Presentations ### Process Tracing as a Small n Method for Evaluating the Impact of Outcomes-Based Contracts - **Date:** November 15, 2025 - **Conference:** Association for Public Policy and Management (APPAM) Fall Research Conference - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/process-tracing-outcomes-based-contracts-presentation/ **Abstract:** In this presentation, I share findings from a working paper in which I apply Process Tracing as a novel 'Small n' method for evaluating Outcomes-Based Contracts such as Social Impact Bonds. Focusing on the case of the Greater Manchester Homes Partnership (GM Homes), I ask: In what ways, and through which mechanisms, did GM Homes produce systems-level effects? By taking a Process Tracing approach, the evaluation is able to account for the complexity of the GM Homes program, which evolved over time and was delivered in a system where many factors contributed to outcomes that were achieved. Through this case study, I seek to demonstrate how 'Small n' methods may be useful for evaluating future Outcomes-Based Contracts - or other innovative policy tools - by offering new evidence-based insights without relying on large sample sizes, counterfactuals, or statistical controls. --- ### Can Social Outcomes Contracts Contribute to Systems Change? Exploring Asset-Based Working, Innovation, and Collaboration - **Date:** September 4, 2025 - **Conference:** Government Outcomes Lab Social Outcomes Conference - **Location:** Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/can-social-outcomes-contracts-contribute-to-systems-change-presentation/ **Abstract:** In this presentation, I explore whether Social Outcomes Contracts can be designed to impact their wider service delivery systems. Taking a novel process tracing approach, I evaluate the case of the Greater Manchester Homes Partnership (GM Homes) and test three hypotheses related to asset-based working, innovation, and collaboration. Analyzing evidence from 21 interviews, primary documents, user data, and secondary literature, I find compelling evidence that GM Homes helped generate systems-level effects, particularly in the areas of housing provider policies and dual diagnosis services. Findings further suggest that asset-based working was the most influential causal mechanism, but that adaptive management and large-scale collaborative working were vital to enabling this approach. --- ### Program Design to Ease Administrative Burden - An Evaluation of Two Emergency Aid Programs in Los Angeles - **Date:** November 9, 2023 - **Conference:** Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) Fall Research Conference - **Location:** Atlanta, GA, USA - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/administrative-burden-emergency-aid-program-evaluation-presentation/ **Abstract:** This presentation explores how Emergency Aid (EA) programs can be designed to reach those students most in need while responsibly managing limited budgets and without imposing overly-burdensome application requirements. The study explores the impacts of intentional administrative easing through the examination of two Los Angeles-based EA programs – one at the University of Southern California (USC) and one at the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) – both iteratively designed to lower the burdens faced by students in accessing aid. --- ### Comparing Different Approaches to Evaluating the Impact of Social Outcomes Contracts (Poster) - **Date:** March 17, 2023 - **Conference:** Qualitative Comparative Analysis Conference of the Americas - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, USA - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/evaluating-social-outcome-contracts-poster/ **Abstract:** In this poster presentation, we discuss the application of Process Tracing, which assumes causation is generative, and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) which assumes causation is multiple, to evaluate the impact of different elements of a Social Outcome Contract. We compare how these two different approaches were used to evaluate the same Social Outcome Contract, offering insights into the potential of using small 'n' methodologies for future analyses. --- ### What Comes After the Impact Bond? Exploring Stakeholder Theories of Change in Developing Country Contexts - **Date:** September 8, 2022 - **Conference:** Government Outcomes Lab Social Outcomes Conference - **Location:** Oxford, UK - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/development-impact-bond-theories-of-change-presentation/ **Abstract:** This presentation discusses an ongoing study which asks: What do stakeholders view as the Theories of Change through which Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) affect social change past the terms of the contract? The study answers these questions through interviews with DIB stakeholders. The DIB sample was drawn from the GoLab Impact Bond Dataset, which includes 13 DIBs. The presentation draws on data collected through stakeholder interviews conducted thus far, which prompt individuals to reflect on their decisions to participate in DIBs as well as on their experiences and lessons learned as participants. --- ### Comparing Different Approaches to Evaluating the Impact of Social Outcome Contracts - **Date:** May 28, 2022 - **Conference:** Public Management Research Conference (PMRC) - **Location:** Phoenix, AZ, USA - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson, Sandor Gellen - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/evaluating-social-outcome-contracts-presentation/ **Abstract:** In this presentation, we discuss the application of Process Tracing, which assumes causation is generative, and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) which assumes causation is multiple, to evaluate the impact of different elements of a Social Outcome Contract. We compare how these two different approaches were used to evaluate the same Social Outcome Contract, offering insights into the potential of using small 'n' methodologies for future analyses. --- ### Co-Creation and Strengths-Based Working in Social Outcome Contracts - New Ways to Create Socially Innovative Solutions to Pressing Social Needs? - **Date:** September 10, 2021 - **Conference:** Government Outcomes Lab Social Outcomes Conference - **Location:** Oxford, UK - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson, Mila Lukic - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/co-creation-strengths-based-working-social-outcome-contracts-presentation/ **Abstract:** In this presentation, we discuss how co-creation and strengths-based services can facilitate early-stage innovation within SIBs. We provide both findings from recent academic research as well as first-hand insights from program management. We offer evidence from four case studies of SIBs in the UK, based on interviews with program stakeholders and a review of program-related documents. --- ### Can a Focus on Co-Created, Strengths-Based Services Facilitate Early-Stage Innovation within Social Impact Bonds? - **Date:** September 9, 2021 - **Conference:** Government Outcomes Lab Social Outcomes Conference - **Location:** Oxford, UK - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/co-created-strengths-based-social-impact-bonds-presentation/ **Abstract:** This presentation discusses the potential of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) to encourage innovation, focusing on the role of co-created, strengths-based services. We present findings from four UK SIBs, showing that strengths-based service delivery models and co-production can catalyze early-stage innovation, although co-creation remains limited. We also identify key elements of SIB design that support strengths-based practices and co-creation: increased autonomy for service providers, shifting risk to investors, and long-term, flexible funding. The findings challenge skepticism about SIBs' ability to empower service users and frontline providers to re-engineer public services. --- ### Students & Innovative Emergency Aid - **Date:** June 3, 2021 - **Conference:** The Bigger Picture Podcast - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, USA - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson, Victoria Ciudad-Real, Gary Painter, Cara Esposito - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/students-innovative-emergency-aid-podcast/ **Abstract:** In this podcast, we discuss findings from our evaluation of two Emergency Aid (EA) programs at the University of Southern California (USC) and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). By offering small grants to students facing financial hardship, these programs seek to help students overcome short-term emergencies and encourage longer-term student success. To evaluate the performance of these programs, the research team analyzed application data from 162 USC and 405 LACCD applications, as well as conducted 35 USC and 26 LACCD participant interviews. --- ### A Theoretical Framework for Social Impact Bonds - **Date:** March 15, 2019 - **Conference:** Price Center of Philanthropy and Public Policy Research Symposium on Philanthropy and Social Impact - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, USA - **Presenters:** Hilary Olson, Gary Painter - **Website:** https://www.hilary-olson.com/presentations/theoretical-framework-social-impact-bonds-presentation/ **Abstract:** In this presentation, we evaluate the effectiveness of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) as a financing tool for social innovation. By analyzing data from the Social Finance UK Database, the presentation highlights the varying outcomes of SIBs in the US and UK in driving social impact and scaling innovation. The findings reveal limited evidence of private capital contributions to social programs but suggest that SIBs do facilitate parts of the social innovation process, such as piloting and scaling. The presentation concludes by discussing the significant variations in social innovation ecosystems between the US and UK. --- ## External Profiles - [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.hilary-olson.com): Professional profile and network. - [Google Scholar](https://google-scholar.hilary-olson.com): Publication index and citation record. - [ORCID](https://orcid.hilary-olson.com): Persistent researcher identifier and scholarly record. ## Contact Professional inquiries and research collaboration requests can be submitted at https://www.hilary-olson.com/contact/