Junior Program Evaluation Specialist

ARA Career • Alexandria, VA

5d • Remote

About The Position

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is hiring a Junior Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multidisciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. The specialist will support evidence-building, program assessment, and data-driven decision-making for DHS Science & Technology (S&T) research and innovation portfolios and other DHS components. Working with senior evaluators and program managers, this early-career role supports development of logic models, data collection, and basic analyses that inform applied research, technology transition, and operational capability development.

Work will be 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 $87,000–$116,000, based on experience, degree, and relevant skills and knowledge.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company founded in 1979. It employs over 1,200 professionals and provides technical expertise and products across areas including defense and civil technologies, software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, testing and measurement, and robotics. ARA describes its culture as challenging, with innovation and experimentation as norms, and offers employees tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners.

Requirements

• Foundational knowledge of program evaluation, social science research, or performance measurement.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of experience, or master’s degree with 0–2 years of experience.
• Ability to collect and organize data reliably.
• Interest in homeland security, science and technology, or applied research environments.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to recognize when other methods may be appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Experience through internships, coursework, or projects in evaluation, data analysis, or program assessment.
• Familiarity with Evidence Act principles, DHS mission areas, or federal RDT&E processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing evaluation plans aligned with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act), DHS evaluation policies, and S&T strategic priorities.
• Support creation of logic models, theories of change, and performance metrics for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs.
• Conduct foundational data collection and validation, including interviews, surveys, literature reviews, document analysis, and data analysis.
• Perform entry-level qualitative and quantitative analyses under supervision.
• Prepare draft summaries, visualizations, and findings for internal review.
• Help track evaluation tasks, timelines, and documentation across multiple projects.
• Ensure compliance with DHS data governance, privacy, and information security standards.
• Participate in learning agenda activities and assist with compiling evidence inventories.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits addressing employees’ current and future needs.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Tools, training, and opportunities for employees to take more active roles as owners.

What This Job Offers

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