Join Our Team as Dir Research & Evaluation!

Imagine a place where who you are, where you're from or the circumstances that surround you don’t determine your access to experiences or opportunities. Now imagine a mission, created to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs are making that vision a reality — in your community and communities around the world. 

About Us

At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we're more than an organization; we're a community dedicated to transforming lives. Our mission is to empower young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Our HR Mission is to support the success of our employees and strengthen BGCA, while our HR Vision is to attract, develop, recognize, and retain talent, fostering a people-first culture that empowers growth, diversity, inclusion, and engagement.

Click here, Working At BGCA, to hear from our President and CEO, Jim Clark, about what makes working at Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) so special.

LOCATION: This position is onsite, office-based in Atlanta, GA (hybrid model - 3 days remote / 2 days in office- Tuesday & Wednesday)

The Role:

Under the direction of the National Director, Research, Evaluations & Insights, the Director, Research and Evaluation will support the evidence-building strategy at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to expand and strengthen our body of evidence. This work is conducted by BGCA on behalf of, and in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs at the local and state levels. This role will lead and collaborate on the conceptualization, design and management of diverse and meaningful research and evaluation efforts, with a focus on outcome and impact research. This role will support Boys & Girls Club on a local, state and national level by consulting on effective measurement, monitoring, evaluation and data use. The Director of Research and Evaluation will also contribute to the research-to-practice translation strategy by ensuring that insights are synthesized, socialized and utilized to improve quality, deepen impact and increase revenue

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Research and Evaluation  

• Support BGCA’s efforts to build a body of evidence on the value and impact of Clubs on youth, families and communities. 
• Support BGCA’s efforts to continually evaluate and document what works to drive quality and impact in Clubs. 
• Conceptualize and design implementation and outcome studies and analyses that examine Boys & Girls Clubs as a whole and targeted models and programmatic strategies. 
• Manage a portfolio of research efforts that employ quantitative and qualitative methodologies and varying levels of complexity. 
• Manage and guide the work of third-party research and evaluation contractors, as needed.  

Consultation and Capacity-Building 

• Provide consultation and technical assistance to local Clubs, State Alliances and BGCA stakeholders on monitoring, evaluation and data use. 
• Support the maintenance and expansion of BGCA’s measurement portfolio to ensure Clubs have access to reliable, valid and relevant data.  
• Support Clubs in accessing and using BGCA’s evaluation-related resources and assets.  
• Manage a community of practice of evaluation and measurement professionals in local Clubs for ongoing professional development, mutual support and collaboration. 

Timely Analysis and Evidence 

• Contribute to the ongoing analysis and meaning making of annual data to monitor trends. 
• Support the national research-to-practice translation strategy by generating insights, summarizing and disseminating findings in ways that are understandable and actionable for various stakeholder groups, including Club leadership and staff, BGCA staff, boards and trustees, Club members and external audiences. 
• Support in the production of internal and external publications and communications to disseminate learning and aid decision-making. 
• Support thought leadership, advocacy and communication with external stakeholders.  

Support Operations  

• Serve as a productive and collaborative member of the Research, Evaluation & Insights team.  
• Serve as a productive and collaborative member of the Youth Development department.  
• Participate in and present at state, regional, and national staff and Club meetings and conferences. 
• Present at external meetings and conferences. 
• Lead special projects or national assignments as required. 
• Demonstrate at the highest levels, BGCA mission-driven core values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence. 
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures as described in BGCA’s Employee Handbook, Ethics Policy and elsewhere.  

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Participate on cross-functional, cross-departmental project teams, as assigned. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the National Director, Evaluation and Insights.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED 

No direct Reports. May supervise the work of temporary employees or interns. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in education, youth development, sociology, evaluation, or related discipline with a strong background in data, research and statistics.
• Minimum of three years of experience with project management responsibilities that include designing and managing multiple projects, overseeing multi-site data collection efforts and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in designing and managing mixed methods studies.
• Experience working with large and complex quantitative data sets.
• Intermediate statistical data analysis skills required (correlation, regression and factor analyses). Advanced statistical skills preferred (e.g. hierarchical linear modeling, cluster analysis, structural equation modeling).
• Intermediate qualitative data analysis skills (e.g. content analysis).
• Experience with survey measure development and testing using a survey platform.
• Experience with the development and use of multiple data collection approaches including surveys, interviews, focus groups and observations.
• Thorough understanding of Microsoft Excel and a statistical package (e.g. SPSS, MPlus, R)
• Experience with data visualization and dashboarding tools preferred, but not required (e.g. Power BI, Tableau).Advanced level of analytical and problem-solving skills.

SKILLS

Plans, Organizes, and Manages Time Effectively

• Figures out the simplest processes necessary to get things done
• Orchestrates multiple activities to accomplish a goal
• Scopes out projects accurately
• Breaks down projects into tasks, develops schedules, makes assignments; organizes people and activities
• Knows what to measure and how to measure it

Creates an Approachable Environment

• Practices attentive and active listening
• Demonstrates empathy
• Is sensitive to and patient with the anxieties of others, particularly related to data
• Possesses a sense of humor

Demonstrates Intelligence and Perspective

• Is bright, intelligent, sharp, capable and agile
• Deals with concepts and complexity comfortably
• Learns quickly when facing new problems
• Is open to change; enjoys the challenge of the unfamiliar work
• Manages Ambiguity
• Shifts gears with ease
• Can act without having all the information at hand
• Handles risk and uncertainty
• Demonstrates Confidence and Credibility
• Enjoys leading teams and projects
• Takes an unpopular stand when appropriate
• Encourages debate
• Sets strong but flexible standards
• Able to balance conflicting demands
• Takes personal responsibility

Demonstrates Knowledge of Data Management and Systems

• Possesses the functional and technical knowledge and skills to perform the job with a high level of accomplishment
• Is able to look at data, analyze data, make it tell a story related to business need, and create action as a result
• Is knowledgeable about policies, practices, trends, competition, technology and information affecting the business and the organization

Provides Information Clearly and Succinctly

• Effectively presents in a variety of settings
• Is able to translate complex ideas and concepts
• Provides individuals with information so they can make accurate decisions

Consults

• Is approachable and patient in consultations to individuals/organizations
• Helps the client look past surface issues to get to root causes
• Offers relevant tools, information, and recommendations to cover gaps in client skills/knowledge
• Offers deliverables and brings issues to closure in a timely fashion

Designs Work Systems

• Committed to continuous improvement through management by data
• Leverages technology to positively impact quality
• Is open to suggestions and experimentation
• Creates a learning environment leading to efficient and effective work processes

ABILITIES

• Ability to carry out detailed and complex instructions; ability to interact with coworkers and public by video conference, telephone and in person as a member of a team to provide services to customers, both external and internal; ability to perform a variety of duties and to prioritize tasks to meet organizational needs.
• Ability to clearly and concisely exchange ideas, facts and/or technical information and guidance in person, by telephone, email, fax or correspondence. Physical requirements include: sight, hearing, sitting for four + hours a day, standing for one to two + hours a day, stooping; skills essential for successful communications include speaking, writing and reading comprehension

ENVIRONMENTAL & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal internal working environment  
• Travel estimated at 15% (can be up to 5 days or more in a month, including weekends, depending upon scheduling requirements).   
• The individual selected for this position must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to navigate areas of the country or abroad by using a map or other direction methods.   
• Ability to travel by car, airplane or other modes of transportation required.

Why Join Us?

At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact by shaping the future of talent management. You will work in an environment that encourages creativity and continuous improvement, supported by a team that values your personal and professional growth. Join a company that prioritizes the human experience, diversity, inclusion, and the power of collaboration, and be part of a transformative journey where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.

• Click I*Care Values to find out about how team members demonstrate Boys & Girls Club of America’s mission driven values, and integrate these beliefs into their environment and ways of work.
• Click About Us to access:

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