Evaluation, Impact, and Research Senior Manager

Who We Are

The Alliance for Decision Education (the Alliance) is a national nonprofit and field builder with the mission of improving lives by empowering K-12 students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision sciences, business, and education—including several Nobel laureates—the Alliance believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society.

As a field builder, the Alliance partners with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, and community members to raise awareness and lead the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools across the country.

The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our diverse team comprises educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals dedicated to our mission. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What We Offer

The Alliance offers a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of competitive compensation.

Annual Salary: 

• $85,000 - $95,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications*

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer paid)
• Basic life insurance and AD&D (100% employer paid)
• Long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid)
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401 (k) retirement plan with up to a 5% employer match (100% vested)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare and dependent care)
• Up to 20 days of Paid Time Off per calendar year (prorated the first year based on hire date)
• Unlimited paid sick time
• Hybrid work schedule
• Paid lunch stipend while working on-site

*Salary range is a good-faith estimate based on external benchmarking, internal equity, and the industry standards, and may vary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits are subject to change at the organization’s discretion.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Evaluation, Impact, and Research Senior Manager will lead the design, implementation, and management of data collection, analysis, and reporting activities across K–12 Decision Education initiatives. This role will drive the Alliance’s efforts to evaluate program effectiveness, generate actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders, and strengthen the organization’s growing body of evidence and research.

The Senior Manager will collaborate closely with colleagues across the Education and Research Departments to shape evaluation strategy, continuous improvement efforts, and evidence-building initiatives. This position will also play a key role in the Alliance’s Decision Education Research Grants and Awards Program by leading evaluation and reporting processes for funded projects and building relationships with researchers, educators, and external partners.

We seek a candidate who is passionate about decision science and its impact on students, energized by using research and data to improve educational outcomes, and excited to contribute to a growing, mission-driven field and organization.

The Evaluation, Impact, and Research Senior Manager will report to the Deputy Director of Evaluation, Impact, and Research within the Research Department.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

This full-time role requires an 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. It is an Exempt position under the FLSA, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay.

This position is open to both local candidates and remote candidates. Local team members are expected to follow a hybrid schedule, working onsite at our headquarters in Bala Cynwyd, PA, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with remote work permitted on other business days. Fully remote employees are expected to maintain a productive home-based work environment and remain actively engaged in team operations during East Coast hours. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Alliance Impact

• Lead the Alliance’s efforts, in collaboration with the Education Department, to evaluate the effectiveness of in-school and out-of-school initiatives.
• Design and implement surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods for K–12 students, educators, and partners.
• Oversee high-quality data collection activities, including coordinating with schools, educators, students, and external partners to ensure strong participation rates and reliable data integrity.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, and synthesize findings into clear, actionable reports and presentations.
• Develop recommendations that support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement across programs and initiatives.
• Contribute to the creation of accessible reporting materials tailored to diverse internal and external audiences.

Research and Evaluation Leadership

• Manage evaluation and research projects from planning through reporting, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Lead the development and refinement of evaluation frameworks, metrics, and data systems.
• Collaborate across departments to align research and evaluation efforts with organizational priorities.
• Stay informed about emerging best practices in educational research, program evaluation, and K–12 implementation.
• Support the preparation of research summaries, presentations, and publications.

Grants and Awards Program

• Grantee Support and Capacity Building
  • Lead communications and relationship management with grantees and external research partners.
  • Provide guidance and resources to support evaluation planning and reporting among grantees.
  • Help coordinate stakeholder meetings, reporting timelines, and information requests.
  • Support the development and implementation of calls for proposals, including drafting materials, developing timelines, coordinating outreach, and managing aspects of the proposal review process.
  • Assist with planning and coordination for research-related convenings, workshops, and collaborative learning opportunities involving external researchers and stakeholders.
• Evaluation and Impact Assessment
  • Support the tracking and analysis of research outcomes and grant-related impact metrics.
  • Lead in preparing reports and presentations for Alliance leadership, donors, and the Board.
  • Contribute to efforts to use findings to inform future grantmaking and research priorities.

Other

• Digital Research Repository
  • Support the collection, curation, and organization of research and evidence generated by external stakeholders.
  • Assist in maintaining accessible systems for organizing and sharing research and evaluation materials.

These responsibilities may change or expand over time, consistent with the organization’s needs and initiatives.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Experience
  • 10 years of experience in research, data analysis, program evaluation, or related work in K–12 education or nonprofit settings (with at least 3-5 years in a senior or lead capacity).
  • Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Proven success in managing projects and coordinating multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
  • Strong familiarity with survey design, data visualization, and educational research methodologies.
• Preferred Experience
  • Master’s degree in education, psychology, public policy, decision science, research methods, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience considered. Experience with grant-funded initiatives or program evaluation is strongly preferred.
• Technical and Professional Skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.
  • Excellent organizational, project management, and strategic thinking skills.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Proficiency with spreadsheets, survey platforms, presentation software, and data analysis tools.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
  • Comfort navigating ambiguity and adapting to changing organizational needs.

ATTRIBUTES WE VALUE

• Emotional maturity, integrity, and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented and able to handle a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to work efficiently with a high level of independence and initiative, self-motivated
• Be a proactive, good problem solver, and possess excellent communication skills
• Have excellent time management skills and a commitment to meeting tight deadlines
• Reflects the Alliance’s core values and standards:
  • Humanism: valuing others as human beings
  • Rationality: thinking and skills to help answer “What is true?” and “What to do?”
  • Education: growth mindset; dedication to developing knowledge and skills
  • Conscientiousness: diligent work ethic; professionalism; high-quality work
  • Initiative: owners’ and founders’ mentality; leadership skills
  • Mission Alignment: dedication to the organization’s mission and goals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of the pre-employment screening process.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Understand and demonstrate safe work practices to ensure a safe work environment.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by management.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Primarily desk-based work involving sitting at a workstation
• Occasional walking, standing, or lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs
• Constant hand/finger dexterity for typing, writing, or handling objects
• Good vision and hearing are required for reading, computer work, and communication

The Alliance is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, including the use of assistive technologies.

The position is based in the United States.

The Alliance for Decision Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Employment with the Alliance for Decision Education is at will. This means that the employee or the company can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.