Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist

ARA Career • Alexandria, VA

17h • Remote

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), through its Capabilities, Analysis and Development division, is hiring a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist to support 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 for DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) research, technology development, and operational capability programs. The position supports evidence-building requirements and annual evaluation plans, and works with program managers to assess whether investments produce measurable outcomes for DHS mission components.

The role involves developing evaluation designs, questions, methods, data collection instruments, and analysis plans; conducting mixed-methods analyses; creating performance metrics; and producing reports, briefings, dashboards, and visualizations for leadership. The specialist also identifies evidence gaps, informs learning agendas and investment decisions, coordinates contractor and research partner support, and ensures ethical, privacy, and security compliance when handling DHS-sensitive information.

Work is remote, with occasional travel to client 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 international research and engineering company with more than 1,200 professionals. Its employees are eligible for contributions through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); additional benefits are referenced on the company benefits website.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program or policy evaluations.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DHS Suitability.
• 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 with stakeholder engagement 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

• Independently design and conduct evaluations of DHS S&T research, technology development, and operational capability programs.
• Lead evaluation design for selected S&T programs in alignment with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking 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 research, development, test, and evaluation (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 that 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.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits addressing employees’ current and future needs; details are available on ARA’s benefits website.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); employees are eligible for contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level