Director of Program Evaluation

Position Summary

The Director of Program Evaluation leads the design, implementation, and management of educational program evaluations. This role applies quantitative and qualitative methods to assess program implementation, outcomes, and impact; translates findings into actionable recommendations; and manages assigned evaluation projects. Working under the direction of the Senior Director of Research, the Director supports evidence-informed decision-making, program improvement, and the delivery of mission-aligned evaluation services.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Evaluation Design and Implementation: Develop and implement evaluation frameworks, logic models, theories of change, performance measures, instruments, and mixed-method evaluation plans for educational programs and services.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses and prepare technical reports, briefs, case studies, and presentations that communicate findings and recommendations to varied audiences.
• Evaluation Quality and Ethics: Ensure methodological rigor, data integrity, confidentiality, objectivity, and adherence to applicable ethical and professional evaluation standards.
• Project Management: Manage assigned evaluation projects, including work plans, timelines, deliverables, budgets, and resource requirements. Monitor progress, identify risks, and communicate issues and proposed adjustments to the Senior Director of Research.
• Grant Evaluation and Reporting: Manage evaluation activities and deliverables for assigned grant-funded programs, ensuring alignment with approved evaluation plans and funder requirements.
• Program Improvement and Organizational Learning: Translate findings into actionable recommendations and collaborate with program teams and clients to apply evidence to program improvement, strategic planning, and organizational learning.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate evaluation progress, findings, and recommendations to clients, funders, program officers, and other stakeholders.
• Proposal and Business Development Support: Contribute evaluation expertise, technical proposals, evaluation plans, and project budgets to support strategic partnerships and professional services opportunities.
• External Collaboration: Coordinate contractors and external evaluators as needed to deliver high-quality evaluation services.
• Professional Representation: Present evaluation findings and represent the organization at relevant conferences, meetings, and professional events.
• Other Duties: Perform other related responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives

This is a grant-funded position with an anticipated funding period of 18 months.

PRIORITY WILL BE PROVIDED TO CANDIDATES LIVING IN THE DC METRO AREA (MD, DC, or Northern VA); you will be REQUIRED to come into the Arlington, VA office one day per week.

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Knowledge of program evaluation methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches.
• Knowledge of evaluation frameworks, data analysis methods, and ethical evaluation standards.
• Knowledge of educational issues, particularly teacher performance assessment and/or student outcomes, preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to design, manage, and conduct program evaluations to assess implementation, outcomes, and impact.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and develop actionable, evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations effectively.
• Strong project management, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prepare evaluation plans, technical reports, case studies, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with and willingness to use AI tools when appropriate.

Experience

• At least eight years of experience in program evaluation, including a minimum of two years leading evaluation projects.
• Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research, including case study development, and applying quantitative and qualitative methods to assess program outcomes and impact.
• Experience preparing technical reports, evaluation plans, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working with educational programs, particularly those related to teacher performance assessment and/or student outcomes, preferred.
• An advanced graduate degree in education, social science, program evaluation, or a related field is required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Work Enviroment

• Hybrid work environment with flexibility
• Regular virtual meetings with clients across different time zones
• Normal demands associated with a deadline-driven environment
• Daily contact with external customers, vendors, colleagues, and staff at all levels
• The noise level is generally quiet to moderate

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain at a desk for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate and exchange information with others
• Ability to perceive and inspect records in digital systems
• Ability to operate general office equipment
• Ability to travel up to 10% for client meetings and industry events