Evaluation Manager

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum•Boston, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Evaluation Manager leads evaluation and visitor research efforts in support of the Gardner’s capacity to interpret the role of religion and spirituality in art, material culture, and lived experience within the Museum’s collection and historic spaces. They will develop and implement a muti-phase research plan with an emphasis on qualitative evaluation, collecting and analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations. This position is a five-year limited term position related to grant funding dedicated to reevaluating the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s visitor experience and collection through the lens of religion and spirituality. Applicants must submit a sample evaluation plan (maximum two pages) that demonstrates experience developing evaluation frameworks. The sample should clearly articulate the research questions, methodology, and other elements that informed the plan.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Religious Studies, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology or related field
3-5 years of experience in evaluation in a cultural or informal learning environment
Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
Knowledge and understanding of culturally responsive evaluation frameworks
Comfort with engaging in world religions and spiritualities
Demonstrated skills in speaking and writing about data and insights for internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrated commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experiences for diverse audiences
People-centered with skills in relationship building and listening
Strong skills in project management and in maintaining and meeting deadlines
Flexibility, openness to learning, patience, and a sense of humor

Nice To Haves

Bilingual language skills, especially in Spanish, Chinese, Krèyol (Haitian Creole), or Portuguese

Responsibilities

Develop and implement multi-phase research to understand how visitors perceive and experience religion and spirituality at the Gardner, and how interpretation (unfacilitated, facilitated, and programmatic) can improve religious literacy and interfaith respect.
Conduct data collection using qualitative and quantitative methods, which may include interviews, literature reviews, surveys, asset or neighborhood mapping, and observations.
In collaboration with Public Programs and Collections teams, organize convenings of scholars, clergy, chaplains, and community leaders to provide continuing insights and create feedback loops as interpretation, programming, and exhibition planning evolve.
Interpret, contextualize, and clearly communicate data insights to internal and external stakeholders through written reports and internal and public presentations, translating data into meaningful findings and actionable recommendations for data-informed work.
Liaise with external research partners, including contracted firms and area academic partners.
Collaborate across Museum teams to weave evaluation work into Museum practices.
Support the training of staff involved in evaluation and data collection.
Facilitate project management of the implementation of a multiyear grant supporting this work, including budget tracking, tracking deliverables and milestones, and supporting cross-functional communication and reporting.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Interpretation.