Assistant Director, Research & Evaluation

Title: Assistant Director, Research & Evaluation  

Department: SEO Scholars, High School  

Reporting to: National Director of Learning  

LOCATION/HOURS  

This is a full-time, hybrid position based out of our New York City office location. It is expected that some duties will be performed on-site, and some remotely, with the understanding that government and public health guidelines will determine the extent to which it is safe to carry out in-person and onsite activities. 

Weekly Schedule: Monday-Friday, and able to work some Saturdays and evenings as dictated by programming needs 

ABOUT SEO  

We Propel Human Potential. SEO is an educational non-profit focused on improving outcomes for students that come from underserved and historically underrepresented backgrounds. For over 50 years, SEO has been an innovator in education, mentorship, and creating educational programs and opportunities that maximize the full potential of our students. We are on a mission to create an ecosystem of excellence for the students we serve!  

About High School Scholars 

SEO Scholars is a free eight-year academic program that gets low-income public high school students to and through college–with a 90% college graduation rate. In high school, we offer intensive year-round academic preparation via a carefully-calibrated, rigorously-assessed course of supplemental education. Scholars also receive one-on-one mentorship, enrichment opportunities, SAT prep and strategy courses, tutoring, and individualized guidance through the college application and admissions process. (Learn more here: SEO Scholars)  

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation leads all data analysis, reporting, internal research and evaluation efforts for the national High School program. As a team lead and subject matter expert, the Assistant Director will define program-wide policies and procedures around information management and ensures consistent, efficient, and accurate data collection and analysis across the program. The position also works with various teams to define research questions, design and conduct evaluative processes, and make recommendations regarding program design and strategic decision making.   

Data Processes & Database Management  

Define org-wide data collection priorities and strategies for the current High School program with an eye towards future expansion
In collaboration with SEO IT, develop policies around student data security and privacy 
Manage budgets and contracts with vendors for data management software 
Conduct data processes using Salesforce and relevant statistical analysis software 
Program Evaluation  

Conduct evaluation studies of SEO’s key initiatives to analyze implementation, effectiveness, and short- and long-term results of SEO’s unique curriculum on student academic achievement 
Collaborate on the research design and analytical strategy for understanding SEO’s impact on students, teachers, and school leaders, communicate learning measurement and program evaluation findings and recommendations to stakeholders, and assist stakeholder understanding of underlying data 
Manage external research partners and evaluation activities associated with foundation grants 
Support the development of a logic model to guide work for 5-years and identify key performance metrics associated with objective evaluation research  
Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans to support evaluation research goals
Develop data collection protocols and instruments to conduct in-depth and actionable studies
Analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methodologies and statistical analysis software to inform the SEO designed SEL framework and key outcomes, as well as other key outcomes of the academic program
Provide analysis-driven insights based on internal research, relevant academic research findings, and industry trends; collaborate with program stakeholders in using these insights to inform programmatic decision making and iterative improvement (e.g., in curriculum design, advising, mentoring)
Oversee the full data lifecycle of evaluation projects, including data collection, cleaning, quality control, and analyses of data associated with evaluation plans
Devise and execute strategy for communicating evaluation results and learnings to the wider SEO community (through reports, decks, presentations, dynamic visualizations, etc.)
Work collaboratively with the National Director of Learning to align program evaluation activities with strategic learning outcomes 
External Reporting & Partnerships 

Serve as the primary point of contact for data requests from all SEO staff (Executive Leadership Team, Development, Communications, College Scholars, etc.) 
Collect program update information from various sources and prepare quarterly reports for SEO board meetings 
Serve as SEO’s representative in partnerships or information sharing relationships with peer organizations 
Team Leadership  

Serve as direct manager to a Data Manager and Data Analyst, set individual performance goals, coach on best practices, and support the professional growth of full-time staff 
Service on leadership teams to support organizational development, decision making, and program processes  
Set meaningful, outcomes-oriented goals for data-related work and orchestrate collaboration across multiple teams to accomplish goals 
Conduct mid and end-of-year performance reviews for full-time staff 
Performs other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

Master’s degree in relevant social sciences field (e.g. Education, Sociology) required; Doctoral degree preferred 
4+ years of experience in research and evaluation and project management 
Content knowledge regarding the academic achievement gap, college access, and post-secondary success  
Direct people management experience with a proven track record successfully building and retaining diverse team, developing direct reports, and advocating for continuous growth
Working knowledge of educational and/or social science research and research methods; strong background in statistical methods  
Experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing research findings to external stakeholders
Advanced Excel skills and proficiencies in CRM databases, data visualization platforms, and statistical analysis programs (e.g. STATA, SPSS, NVivo). Direct experience with Salesforce and Tableau strongly preferred  
CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS 

An entrepreneurial spirit that translates into successful accomplishment of program goals 
Highly adaptable and solutions-oriented with an ability to solve complex problems and move projects forward
Excellent interpersonal skills and high level of professionalism
Data-driven and results-oriented with an unquestionable commitment to high-quality work
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
A demonstrated passion for closing the opportunity and academic achievement gap at the high school and college level for first-generation and historically marginalized student population 
 

Vaccination Policy  

In view of governmental vaccination mandates in areas we work, the pending federal vaccination mandate for large employers, as well as the guidance of the CDC that vaccination is the most effective means to provide a safe working and teaching environment, subject to applicable law, applicants who obtain a conditional job offer will be required to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious accommodation to this vaccination requirement before beginning employment with SEO. 

Equal Employment Opportunity is not just the law, it is our commitment. 

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/D/V. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other legally protected status. 

If you need accommodation while applying for a role with SEO, due to a disability, please email [email protected]