What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Research and Evaluation position at Combined Jewish Philanthropies?
Passion. Purpose. Impact. CJP is at the heart of Greater Boston's Jewish community, but our reach is felt around the world. Ranked by BBJ as Massachusetts' largest non-profit organization - CJP is a philanthropic investor and mobilizer of people, resources, and skills that make a bigger difference locally and globally.
As Director of Research and Evaluation, you will shape how CJP understands and amplifies its impact. Working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President of Research and Evaluation, you will help set the direction for evaluation and learning across the organization and ensure insight is embedded into strategic decision-making. You willensure the execution ofevaluation and measurement across a diverse portfolio of work-from targeted program initiatives toorganization widestrategic priorities-ensuring that insight and learning are embedded at every level.
In this role, youwill supportturningdata into meaningful stories and clear, actionable insights that inform leaders, partners, and the broader community. You will collaborate closely across the organization to support shared learning andevidence informeddecision-making, helping teams ask the right questions and use findings to drive improvement.
You will manage complex projects and external partners, including communitywide studies and research vendors, while advancing a culture of curiosity, reflection, and continuous improvement. Through a test-measure-learn-iterate approach, this role independently drives research and evaluation work forward, ensuring that projects move from concept to execution to actionable insight, strengthening CJP's insight over time.
CJP is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
Essential Functions:
Evaluation Design & Strategic Learning
- Serve as a key thought partner to the AVPin shaping evaluationstrategyand priorities across CJP.
- Independently develop evaluation frameworks, logic models, and measurement plans, translating ambiguous goals into clear, actionable approaches.
- Move work forward in complex in multi-stakeholder complex environments, proactively identifying next steps, resolving ambiguity, and maintaining momentum.
- Partner with the AVP and internal stakeholders, while taking primary responsibility for advancing project work and deliverables.
- Execute a strong organizational culture of learning by integrating data and insights into decision-making through training, tools, and shared lessons learned.
Data Analysis & Insight Communication
- Lead quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis across evaluations and studies.
- Own the development and implementation of data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interview guides, evaluation instruments) ensuring alignment with organizational needs and project goals.
- Collaborate with the AVP to synthesize findings into clear, compelling insights and present results to senior leadership, boards, committees, and external stakeholders.
- Create reports, presentations, and materials that effectively communicate impact and learning to diverse audiences.
Community Research & Large-scale Initiatives
- In coordination with the AVP, provide end-to-end oversight for CJP's community research studies, including scoping, design, implementation, analysis, and delivery of final products.
- Drive cross-departmental coordination with operations, marketing, development, and external partners throughout the community study lifecycle.
- Manage stakeholder engagement, including working with community leaders, partner agencies, volunteer groups, and consultants to define research priorities and scope.
- Independently manage vendor relationships - including RFP development, selection, and oversight - ensuring work stays on track and meets CJP's standards.
- Ensure completion and quality of all study outputs, including research design, instruments, analysis, and reports.
- Special projects as required; may include collaborative assignments with other departments.
- Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
Working Conditions:
- Hybrid Work Schedule: CJP staff follow a hybrid work model. On-site work is required on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while remote work is an option on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays with occasional in-person meetings on those days.
- Physical Requirements: This role involves remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods, primarily working at a computer. Staff need to be able to carry a laptop and bag to and from the office.
Inclusivity: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds.