Senior Program Evaluation Specialist

ARA • Alexandria, VA

7h • $120,000 - $160,000 • Remote

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), through its Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division, is hiring a Senior 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 role serves as a strategic advisor to DHS S&T, guiding its evidence-building strategy and leading complex evaluations of high-impact research and technology programs. It advises leadership on performance, effectiveness, and mission value; supports compliance with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act; and helps the Directorate make data-driven decisions about research investments.

The position 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 $120,000 to $160,000, based on experience, degree, and relevant skills and knowledge.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading program or policy evaluations, ideally in science, technology, innovation, or national security domains.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree with 8–10 years of experience.
• Mastery of evaluation methodologies and ability to tailor approaches to RDT&E environments.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to guide executive decision-making using evidence and analysis.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to recognize when other methods may be appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD with 6–8 years of experience.
• Deep understanding of DHS mission needs, S&T’s RDT&E processes, and federal evidence-building requirements.
• Experience shaping organization-wide evaluation strategies or frameworks.
• Graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in evaluation, social science, public policy, engineering management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, enterprise-level evaluations of S&T research portfolios, technology transition programs, and innovation initiatives.
• Shape and refine S&T’s Evidence Act requirements, including learning agendas, evaluation plans, evidence inventories, and capacity assessments.
• Provide strategic guidance on evaluation approaches for emerging technologies, prototypes, operational experimentation, and pilot programs.
• Advise senior leadership on evidence-based decision-making, risks, and investment trade-offs.
• Oversee development of evaluation frameworks, performance indicators, and long-term impact measures.
• Lead cross-directorate collaboration with DHS components, FFRDCs, laboratories, and interagency partners.
• Manage evaluation contractors and ensure methodological rigor and compliance with DHS scientific integrity standards.
• Champion a culture of learning and continuous improvement across the Directorate.
• Communicate findings to senior stakeholders, including SES-level briefings and congressional- or OMB-facing materials, as appropriate.

Benefits

• ARA offers competitive benefits addressing employees’ current and future needs; details are available at the company benefits website.
• Employees are eligible for contributions through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• ARA provides employees with tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners.

What This Job Offers

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