Senior Program Evaluation Specialist

ARA Career • Alexandria, VA

5d • Remote

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), through its Capabilities, Analysis and Development 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, mission value, and evidence-based decisions about research investments, while supporting compliance with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.

The position works remotely, with occasional travel to client and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS’s St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C. The stated annual pay range is $120,000 to $160,000, depending on experience, degree, and relevant skills and knowledge. ARA describes its benefits as competitive; further details are provided through its benefits website.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree with 8–10 years of experience.
• Extensive experience leading program or policy evaluations, ideally in science, technology, innovation, or national security domains.
• 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 determine when other methods may be appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. 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 in evaluation, social science, public policy, engineering management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-level evaluations of S&T research portfolios, technology transition programs, and innovation initiatives.
• Shape and refine S&T 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 the 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.
• Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement across the Directorate.
• Communicate findings to senior stakeholders, including through SES-level briefings and congressional- or OMB-facing materials, as appropriate.

Benefits

• ARA describes its benefits as competitive and provides further information at its 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