Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist

ARA Career•Alexandria, VA

5d•Remote

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist for its Capabilities, Analysis and Development division. The position supports a multidisciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security mission space. The specialist independently designs and conducts evaluations of DHS S&T research, technology development, and operational capability programs. The role advances evidence-building requirements, supports annual evaluation plans, and works with program managers to help ensure investments produce measurable outcomes for DHS mission components. The work is remote, with occasional travel to the client site and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS’ St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C. The stated annual pay range is $100,000–$133,000, based on experience, degree, and relevant skills and knowledge. ARA describes itself as an employee-owned research and engineering company founded in 1979, with more than 1,200 professionals. Employees are eligible for contributions through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). ARA states that it offers competitive benefits but does not specify them in the posting.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program or policy evaluations.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Bachelor’s degree with 5–7 years of experience.
Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with evaluation software or tools.
Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience engaging stakeholders in a technical or operational environment.
Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
Flexibility to recognize when other methods may be appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. with 3–5 years of experience.
Knowledge of DHS S&T mission areas, federal RDT&E lifecycles, and technology transition metrics.
Experience developing Evidence Act evaluation plans, including annual evaluation plans, capacity assessments, and program reviews.

Responsibilities

Lead evaluation design for selected S&T programs in alignment with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) and DHS Evaluation Policy 102-06.
Develop evaluation questions, methodologies, data collection instruments, and analysis plans.
Conduct mixed-methods analyses, including statistical analysis, qualitative coding, case studies, and cost-effectiveness assessments.
Develop performance metrics tailored to RDT&E programs and technology transition pathways.
Produce evaluation reports, briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for leadership.
Work with program managers to identify evidence gaps and shape learning agendas.
Provide recommendations to inform investment decisions, project prioritization, and program improvement.
Manage contractor support and coordinate with research partners, laboratories, and DHS operational components.
Ensure ethical, privacy, and security compliance related to DHS-sensitive data and operational information.