Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation

Title: Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation

Reports To: National Director of Learning

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Compensation: $100,000

HOURS/LOCATION:

This is a full-time, hybrid position based out of our New York City office. It is expected that some duties will be performed on-site at least 2 days a week and some remotely, with the understanding that government and public health guidelines will help determine the extent to which it is safe to carry out in-person and onsite activities.

SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation leads all data analysis, reporting, internal research and evaluation efforts for the national High School program.  The position defines program-wide policies and procedures around information management and ensures consistent, efficient, and accurate data collection and analysis across the program. The position also works with various teams to define research questions, design and conduct evaluative processes, and make recommendations regarding program design and strategic decision making.  The position leads a 2-person team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Processes & Database Management

• Define org-wide data collection priorities and strategies for the current High School program with an eye towards future expansion
• In collaboration with SEO IT, develop policies around student data security and privacy
• Manage budgets and contracts with vendors for data management software
• Conduct data processes using Salesforce and relevant statistical analysis software

Program Evaluation

• Conduct evaluation studies of SEO’s key initiatives to analyze implementation, effectiveness, and short- and long-term results of SEO’s unique curriculum and SEL framework
• Collaborate on the research design and analytical strategy for understanding SEO’s impact on teachers and school leaders, communicate learning measurement and program evaluation findings and recommendations to stakeholders, and assist stakeholder understanding of underlying data
• Manage external research partners and evaluation activities associated with foundation grants
• Support the development of a logic model to guide work for 5-years and identify key performance metrics associated with objective evaluation research
• Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans to support evaluation research goals
• Develop data collection protocols and instruments to conduct in-depth and actionable studies
• Analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methodologies and statistical analysis software to inform the SEO designed SEL framework and key outcomes, as well as other key outcomes of the academic program
• Provide analysis-driven insights based on internal research, relevant academic research findings, and industry trends; collaborate with program stakeholders in using these insights to inform programmatic decision making and iterative improvement (e.g. in curriculum design, advising, mentoring)
• Oversee the full data lifecycle of evaluation projects, including data collection, cleaning, quality control, and analyses of data associated with evaluation plans
• Devise and execute strategy for communicating evaluation results and learnings to the wider SEO community (through reports, decks, presentations, dynamic visualizations, etc.)
• Work collaboratively with the National Director of Learning to align program evaluation activities with strategic learning outcomes

External Reporting & Partnerships

• Serve as the primary point of contact for data requests from all SEO staff (Executive Leadership Team, Development, Communications, College Scholars, etc.).
• Collect program update information from various sources and prepare quarterly reports for SEO board meetings.
• Serve as SEO’s representative in partnerships or information sharing relationships with peer organizations.

Team Leadership

• Serve as direct manager to a Data Manager and Data Analyst, set individual performance goals, coach on best practices, and support the professional growth of full-time staff
• Service on leadership teams to support organizational development, decision making, and program processes
• Set meaningful, outcomes-oriented goals for data-related work and orchestrate collaboration across multiple teams to accomplish goals.
• Conduct mid and end-of-year performance reviews for full-time staff

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in relevant social sciences field (e.g. Education, Sociology) required; Doctoral degree preferred
• 4+ years of experience in research and evaluation and project management
• Experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing research findings to external stakeholders
• Knowledge of educational and/or social science research and research methods; strong background in statistical methods is desirable.
• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up and/or entrepreneurial environment is highly desirable
• Advanced Excel skills; experience working with databases, data visualization platforms, and statistical analysis programs (e.g. STATA, SPSS, NVivo); understanding of how technical systems interact with each other
• Experience working with Salesforce and Tableau is desirable
• Content knowledge regarding the academic achievement gap, college access, and post-secondary success

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SEO offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plan, including low-cost health, vision, and dental options, a generous holiday schedule and PTO policies, disability coverage, fully paid time off for new parents, and employer contributions to health reimbursement and retirement accounts. We are constantly working to improve our benefits each year based on the needs of our employees. We value wellness and strive to consistently use an equitable and inclusive lens to put people first and foremost.

The compensation listed in this posting reflects what SEO believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and SEO reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time.  

Vaccination Policy

In view of governmental vaccination mandates in areas we work, the pending federal vaccination mandate for large employers, as well as the guidance of the CDC that vaccination is the most effective means to provide a safe working and teaching environment, subject to applicable law, applicants who obtain a conditional job offer will be required to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious accommodation to this vaccination requirement before beginning employment with SEO.

EEOC @ SEO

At SEO we are committed to cultivating a team that embodies the backgrounds and experiences of the constituencies we serve and the communities we live in, and a workplace that reflects the impact we make in the world. Candidates from historically excluded and underrepresented communities – including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ Community, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity is not just the law, it is our commitment.

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/D/V. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other legally protected status.

If you need accommodation while applying for a role with SEO, due to a disability, please email SEO Talent.