Director of Evaluation and Learning
Leading research and data initiatives to measure educational program effectiveness and guide organizational strategy.
Overview
This career involves the high-level orchestration of research frameworks and data systems to determine how well an organization meets its mission-critical goals. On a daily basis, the work involves balancing technical data oversight with high-stakes communication, as findings must be translated into actionable insights for stakeholders and board members. The rhythm of the role often follows the academic or fiscal year, with periods of intensive data analysis followed by strategic planning sessions aimed at iterating on existing curriculum or service models.
Professionals in this field navigate complex social and educational landscapes where success is not always easily quantified. Those who thrive in this role possess a blend of rigorous analytical skills and a deep understanding of organizational change management. The work feels intellectually demanding and deeply collaborative, requiring a steady hand to lead diverse teams of researchers and program managers through the process of self-reflection and objective performance review.
Responsibilities
- Establish comprehensive evaluation frameworks to measure the effectiveness of various educational initiatives and programs.
- Direct the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data across multiple departments or regional sites.
- Synthesize complex research findings into accessible reports and presentations for executive leadership and external funders.
- Oversee the implementation of internal learning systems that facilitate the sharing of best practices among staff.
- Manage a team of researchers, data analysts, and evaluation specialists to ensure high-quality data integrity.
- Collaborate with program directors to integrate evaluative feedback into the design of new organizational strategies.
- Supervise the selection and maintenance of data management software and evaluative tools used across the organization.
Qualifications
- A master's degree or PhD in education, social sciences, public policy, or a related field with a heavy research emphasis.
- Extensive experience in designing and implementing large-scale research projects and program evaluations.
- Proficiency in advanced statistical analysis software and qualitative data management tools.
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role managing technical teams and multi-year budgets.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex data sets into strategic recommendations for non-technical audiences.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with philanthropic reporting requirements and grant-making processes.
- Expertise in specific pedagogical theories or educational reform movements.
- Certifications in project management or advanced data visualization techniques.
- Experience working within the specific demographic or socioeconomic context the organization serves.
Work environment
- Work is primarily conducted in an office setting with frequent virtual and in-person stakeholder meetings.
- The culture emphasizes data-driven objectivity, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous institutional improvement.
- Standard professional hours are typical, though deadlines for major reports or grant cycles may require additional time.
- Occasional travel to program sites or regional offices is required to oversee data collection and field observations.
- The role relies heavily on business intelligence suites, cloud-based databases, and communication platforms.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation packages usually include a competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Career progression often leads to Chief Impact Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or Executive Director roles.
- Organizations typically provide a dedicated budget for professional development, including international research conferences.
- Success in this role builds a high-profile reputation within the global educational research and non-profit sectors.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Director of Evaluation and Learning do?
A Director of Evaluation and Learning leads large-scale research initiatives to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and organizational initiatives. They analyze data to measure impact and translate these findings into actionable strategies that drive continuous improvement and institutional growth.
What skills are needed for a Director of Evaluation and Learning?
Critical skills include expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, advanced data analysis, and strategic planning. They must also possess strong leadership capabilities to manage high-level evaluations and the communication skills necessary to present complex data insights to stakeholders.
What is the career path for a Director of Evaluation and Learning?
The career path typically begins in research or data analysis roles, progressing through senior evaluator and management positions within educational or nonprofit sectors. Many professionals hold advanced degrees in social sciences or education and eventually move into executive leadership or Chief Impact Officer roles.
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