Director of Research and Evaluation

Position: Director of Research and Evaluation

The Director of Research and Evaluation will work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders to develop an outcomes-driven framework for serving VOA-GNY’s clients. This person will be responsible for researching evidence-based models of service delivery, conducting program evaluations, and training staff on best practices to improve program performance.

Location: 135 West 50^th Street • New York, NY 10020

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of professional experience evaluating programs and analyzing complex systems using quantitative and qualitative research methods. Experience with online reporting tools and advanced statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SASS, or R) preferred. Other relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Experience conducting research and evaluation activities for programs serving children and youth, older adults, individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders, and/or individuals and families who are experiencing or are at-risk of being unhoused, preferred.
• Ability to advise and train colleagues on the use of research, data, and analysis to further VOA-GNY’s mission and vision.

• Strong communication skills with comfort conveying complex concepts in a clear, persuasive, and succinct manner.
• Ability to develop, manage, and execute projects on schedule with minimal oversight, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and work within tight deadlines as needed.

• Basic understanding of relational database architecture and information management; must be able to recommend necessary improvements and adaptations to the agency’s existing data and reporting systems while simultaneously conducting programmatic research and evaluation.

Director of Research and Evaluation Principal Responsibilities:

1. Supports and collaborates with agency leadership and Quality Assurance & Research team in identifying appropriate outcome measures in line with the strategic plan and contractual obligations.

2. Conduct data-driven program evaluations and reports that identify opportunities to expand and replicate high-impact programs, as well as opportunities to improve service delivery and integration.

2. Oversees data collection through various means including observations, survey instruments, client assessments, etc. and analyzes said data to translate performance measurement and evaluation results into content to enable the use of data in presentations, usable graphics, fact sheets and other materials used for reporting and learning purposes by staff, the board and in public forums.
3. Advises staff on performance measurement, performance management, continuous quality improvement and evaluation activities as they relate to grant requests and contractual obligations.
4. Assists programs with program policies, procedures and applicable documents as related to outcomes and evaluation.
5. Supports programs to ensure applicable outcomes are created and compliance with funder expectations, as related to measurable performance.
6. Work with quality assurance and research team to develop and interpret data dashboards, plans, tools and protocols for ongoing program evaluation activities using approaches and methods grounded in best practices.
7. Develops and coordinates community partnerships with academic research centers, independent evaluators and other potential partners with an interest in research and evaluation.

Employees receive an exceptional benefits package including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Prescription coverage
• Life insurance,
• Retirement plan
• Educational Reimbursement Program (includes tuition and license/certification)
• Paid Time Off which is accrued monthly and roles over from year to year. In addition:
• Paid Birthday Holiday

And much more…