Senior Program Evaluator

Overview

Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Family, Youth & Community Engagement (or designee), the Senior Program Evaluator provides leadership for program evaluation and applied research within the Family, Youth & Community Engagement (FY&CE) For Health Consulting. This role is responsible for shaping and executing evaluation and research initiatives that inform policy, strengthen practice, and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families.

With expertise in child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, positive youth development, and family strengthening, the Senior Program Evaluator partners with clients and funders to define research questions, design and implement studies, interpret findings, and translate results into actionable insights. The position also plays a critical role in developing new opportunities, advancing FY&CE’s research strategy, and building the team’s capacity through supervision and mentorship.

• Lead the design and implementation of program evaluation and research projects focused on health and social services for vulnerable populations. Responsibilities include identifying project opportunities, developing rigorous study designs, overseeing project execution, ensuring data quality, and preparing results for varied audiences (e.g., funders, practitioners, peer‑reviewed journals, and conferences).
• Provide scientific and methodological leadership to FY&CE projects, ensuring high standards of rigor and relevance.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities (grants, contracts, etc.) and lead the development of new program evaluation/research projects within FY&CE focus areas (e.g., co‑lead proposal development or capture planning).
• Provide strategic input and direction for FY&CE’s continued growth in the area of program evaluation and research, collaborating with leadership to guide business expansion planning.
• Work with FY&CE business staff to develop budgets, and manage administrative and financial aspects of assigned projects to meet or exceed performance goals.
• Lead dissemination activities, including client briefings, conference presentations, publications, and site visits.
• Supervise and mentor staff, supporting professional growth and development.
• Partner in strategic planning across FY&CE and Health System Solutions (HSS) to implement shared strategic priorities.
• Provide methodological consultation and support to evaluation and research activities in other For Health Consulting business units.
• Perform related duties as required.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in public health, psychology, social work, sociology, public policy, or a related field; a Master’s degree with extensive relevant experience will be considered.
• A minimum of 5 years of post‑doctoral research/evaluation experience required (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated record of using a variety of program evaluation/research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods).
• Demonstrated track record in disseminating evaluation/research findings to various audiences through publications, presentations, policy briefs, webinars, and other mechanisms.
• Experience working with or extensive knowledge of public programs such as child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, positive youth development, and family strengthening programs.
• Proven track record of securing funding through grants, contracts, or other sources, including experience with proposal development and capture planning.
• Experience translating evaluation and research findings into actionable recommendations for policy and practice.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and establish productive, professional relationships with executive management, government officials, and private contractors.
• Demonstrated experience in computer‑based analytic tools (e.g., SAS, SPSS, Atlas.ti) as well as MS Office suite.
• Understanding of policies and procedures related to data security and privacy.
• Communication and presentation skills, both oral and written, and ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers, staff, clients, and external partners.
• Demonstrated management skills and general knowledge in budgeting.
• Ability to…