Evaluation, Impact, and Research Senior Manager

Alliance for Decision Education•Bala Cynwyd, PA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Evaluation, Impact, and Research Senior Manager will lead the design, implementation, and management of data collection, analysis, and reporting activities across K–12 Decision Education initiatives. This role will drive the Alliance’s efforts to evaluate program effectiveness, generate actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders, and strengthen the organization’s growing body of evidence and research. The Senior Manager will collaborate closely with colleagues across the Education and Research Departments to shape evaluation strategy, continuous improvement efforts, and evidence-building initiatives. This position will also play a key role in the Alliance’s Decision Education Research Grants and Awards Program by leading evaluation and reporting processes for funded projects and building relationships with researchers, educators, and external partners. We seek a candidate who is passionate about decision science and its impact on students, energized by using research and data to improve educational outcomes, and excited to contribute to a growing, mission-driven field and organization. The Evaluation, Impact, and Research Senior Manager will report to the Deputy Director of Evaluation, Impact, and Research within the Research Department.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in research, data analysis, program evaluation, or related work in K–12 education or nonprofit settings (with at least 3-5 years in a senior or lead capacity).
Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
Proven success in managing projects and coordinating multiple priorities simultaneously.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
Strong familiarity with survey design, data visualization, and educational research methodologies.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.
Excellent organizational, project management, and strategic thinking skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Proficiency with spreadsheets, survey platforms, presentation software, and data analysis tools.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Comfort navigating ambiguity and adapting to changing organizational needs.
Emotional maturity, integrity, and interpersonal skills
Detail-oriented and able to handle a fast-paced work environment
Ability to work efficiently with a high level of independence and initiative, self-motivated
Be a proactive, good problem solver, and possess excellent communication skills
Have excellent time management skills and a commitment to meeting tight deadlines
Reflects the Alliance’s core values and standards: Humanism: valuing others as human beings Rationality: thinking and skills to help answer “What is true?” and “What to do?” Education: growth mindset; dedication to developing knowledge and skills Conscientiousness: diligent work ethic; professionalism; high-quality work Initiative: owners’ and founders’ mentality; leadership skills Mission Alignment: dedication to the organization’s mission and goals
Successful completion of the pre-employment screening process.
Comply with all company policies and procedures.
Understand and demonstrate safe work practices to ensure a safe work environment.
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by management.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education, psychology, public policy, decision science, research methods, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
Experience with grant-funded initiatives or program evaluation is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Alliance’s efforts, in collaboration with the Education Department, to evaluate the effectiveness of in-school and out-of-school initiatives.
Design and implement surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods for K–12 students, educators, and partners.
Oversee high-quality data collection activities, including coordinating with schools, educators, students, and external partners to ensure strong participation rates and reliable data integrity.
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, and synthesize findings into clear, actionable reports and presentations.
Develop recommendations that support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement across programs and initiatives.
Contribute to the creation of accessible reporting materials tailored to diverse internal and external audiences.
Manage evaluation and research projects from planning through reporting, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
Lead the development and refinement of evaluation frameworks, metrics, and data systems.
Collaborate across departments to align research and evaluation efforts with organizational priorities.
Stay informed about emerging best practices in educational research, program evaluation, and K–12 implementation.
Support the preparation of research summaries, presentations, and publications.
Lead communications and relationship management with grantees and external research partners.
Provide guidance and resources to support evaluation planning and reporting among grantees.
Help coordinate stakeholder meetings, reporting timelines, and information requests.
Support the development and implementation of calls for proposals, including drafting materials, developing timelines, coordinating outreach, and managing aspects of the proposal review process.
Assist with planning and coordination for research-related convenings, workshops, and collaborative learning opportunities involving external researchers and stakeholders.
Support the tracking and analysis of research outcomes and grant-related impact metrics.
Lead in preparing reports and presentations for Alliance leadership, donors, and the Board.
Contribute to efforts to use findings to inform future grantmaking and research priorities.
Support the collection, curation, and organization of research and evidence generated by external stakeholders.
Assist in maintaining accessible systems for organizing and sharing research and evaluation materials.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer paid)
Basic life insurance and AD&D (100% employer paid)
Long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid)
Employee Assistance Program
401 (k) retirement plan with up to a 5% employer match (100% vested)
Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare and dependent care)
Up to 20 days of Paid Time Off per calendar year (prorated the first year based on hire date)
Unlimited paid sick time
Hybrid work schedule
Paid lunch stipend while working on-site