Director Research Evaluation & Analytics

About JFF 

Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. Seeing that millions of people are unfairly shut out of quality jobs and the chance for a better life, our goal is to align education, workforce, and employment changemakers toward a shared North Star: By 2033, 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement will work in quality jobs.  

To achieve that goal, we design solutions, scale best practices, influence policy and action, and invest in innovation. With a staff of more than 300 people across the country working remotely and in offices in Boston (headquarters), Washington, DC, and Oakland, California, we operate at the national, state, and local levels, forging deep partnerships with employers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and education and workforce development providers to break down barriers and reimagine what’s possible.  

We’re on a path of ongoing growth and expanding impact. We have an operating budget of $105 million, and we’re funded by dozens of leading government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Learn more about JFF and join us as we build a future that works—for everyone.  

DEIBW at JFF  

Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and well-being (DEIBW) are core to JFF’s North Star and mission. We employ and build diverse teams across race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, age, and lived experiences and are constantly working toward ensuring these differences are celebrated and included. We aim to cultivate a culture that centers the overall care, well-being, and success of the employee through flexible work hours, balanced workloads, professional development, and equitable career advancement opportunities. Learn more about what DEIBW looks like in practice at JFF. 

We seek to invest in and learn from those who represent the communities we serve, particularly individuals from populations who have been explicitly or implicitly excluded from the workforce. Knowing its importance to the success of our work and the engagement of our staff members, we aspire to attract and retain a diverse team and welcome people of all backgrounds to apply to our open roles. JFF is a fair chance employer and in alignment to our North Star, we strongly encourage individuals whose highest level of education attained is less than a 4-year degree; People of Color; and people with records to apply. 

About the Position 

As part of JFF’s Solutions Design and Delivery (SD&D) group, the Research, Evaluation, and Analytics (REA) team works to create a future where evidence-driven programs and policies empower individuals, transform education and workforce systems, and ensure that everyone has access to quality jobs and meaningful career pathways. Through our Evaluation Services, Research to Advance the Field, and Labor Market Information Analytics, the REA team provides insights that shed light on the development, implementation, and impact of programs and policies that support inclusive and equitable economic advancement for all.  

Whether through internal or external facing projects, our efforts are aimed at understanding what works, for whom, and under what conditions, particularly for groups that face barriers to economic advancement. The REA team is comprised of professionals with a range of research, evaluation and analytics experience and expertise, as well as content knowledge in workforce development and education domains. REA collaborates with staff and project teams across JFF to provide data-based insights that inform and enhance our work, as well as the broader ecosystems in which we work. 

As part of the Research, Analytics and Evaluation (REA) team, the Director plays a critical role in executing the work of the unit, by designing workstreams and leading research and evaluation activities that inform JFF’s program and policy efforts, support our strategic objectives, and strengthen our influence in the field.  In this role, you will work collaboratively with other JFF units to develop and engage in research activities that inform and support their work. You will scope and design project plans and lead small teams to execute research initiatives that contribute to JFF’s strategic goals and priorities. 

You will have the opportunity to contribute to strategic thinking to guide the REA team’s work and recommend and refine processes that enhance our productivity and ability to create and share new knowledge.  This role is ideal for a strategic and analytical researcher with strong quantitative and qualitative skills, who has conducted research in workforce and education domains centered on individuals without college degrees.  We are looking for someone who is eager to contribute to our team and advance JFF’s  North Star goals.  

What You'll Do 

Expand JFF’s influence through strategic research  

• Lead quantitative research activities analyzing structural barriers that limit women, Black, Latine, and other group advancement through education and workforce pathways. 
• Contribute to new research and evaluation proposals to support the work of the REA unit 
• Identify research topics, questions, and data sources that can provide new insights and strengthen JFF’s leadership in the field 
• Partner with program unit staff to develop research activities to inform and enhance JFF’s program and policy work 
• Implement appropriate qualitative methods to achieve project goals 

Deliver results through effective project management  

• Define workstreams, and lead and mentor teams of research and program staff to carry out research and evaluation initiatives from design through achievement of goals 
• Develop and execute workplans and timelines to ensure project completion  
• Implement the use of tools (e.g., data visualization, statistical and qualitative software) and process improvements to enhance the quality and efficiency of our work and allow us to more effectively reach our target audiences 
• Develop, pilot, and field surveys for research and evaluation  
• Implement appropriate qualitative methods to achieve project goals  

Foster relationships, collaboration and knowledge sharing:  

• Develop external relationships with funders, research professionals, organizations, and sites for partnering on research, evaluation, and dissemination  

• Establish and model strong, collaborative relationships with REA and other JFF colleagues that embrace the diversity of staff experiences, provide equitable opportunities for growth, and foster open dialogue and feedback on how to improve our work 
• Establish communication plans highlighting project team evaluation and analysis, and adapt messages based on the audience 
• Participate in REA team activities to support the achievement of our unit goals 

Who You Are  

The qualifications listed within the job description are intended as a guide and we do not expect candidates to bring all experiences and skills listed. Research supports that self-selecting out of potential professional opportunities is particularly common among individuals with identities that are marginalized in professional spaces. So, if you believe that you can meet the overall expectations of the position, we encourage you to apply so that we have an opportunity to learn more about you and the unique strengths you would bring to the work. 

• You bring experience leading and contributing to quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation across content areas related to JFF’s work, including education, workforce development, labor market trends, prison education and reentry, green jobs, youth career navigation, and analysis of structural barriers that limit women, Black, Latine, and other group advancement through education and workforce pathways. (New hires at the Director I level at JFF typically bring 10+ years of prior professional experience through a combination of full-time, part-time, internship, and/or freelance positions) 
• You have experience cleaning, managing, and analyzing quantitative data including knowledge of statistical software (i.e. Stata, R2, SPSS) for multivariate analysis and hypothesis testing. 
• You have experience identifying, assessing and utilizing large-scale and longitudinal secondary data sources to test research hypotheses pertaining to the above content areas. 
• You have experience conducting in-depth literature reviews to develop new research questions and connect analysis with prior findings for context.  
• You are familiar with and comfortable using data visualizations tools and / or business intelligence platforms (e.g.,Tableau, Domo, PowerBI)  
• You bring experience analyzing qualitative data including coding and analyzing themes for findings and the development of promising practices. 
• You have experience managing research project teams, including setting up quality control measures for research accuracy and integrity 
• You use your entrepreneurial mindset to lead projects, take initiative and deliver high quality, on time work that aligns with JFF’s strategic goals and priorities  
• You demonstrate strong communication skills, with the ability to translate your research and evaluation results to various audiences (including practitioners, policymakers and researchers), and through a range of products (e.g., reports, blogs, infographics and journal articles).  

• You demonstrate a growth mindset and a desire to continuously improve in your work and support the growth and mentoring of your colleagues 
• You possess high energy and passion for JFF’s mission and North Star, and the ability to apply JFF’s core values to all areas of your work    
• You are energized by stewarding JFF’s DEIBW values and practices within your day-to-day work, including embracing the differences and celebrating the diversity that each individual brings to JFF  
• You value building positive and collaborative relationships with others, including people whose identities and backgrounds differ from your own 

What We Offer  

At JFF, we’re fueled by the desire to create a world where everyone has equal opportunity for economic advancement. Our team works hard to push the boundaries of what is possible, and in return, we provide a gratifying work experience, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits program that includes flexibility and choice as core values in order to support people wherever they are in their lives and careers.  

JFF has offices in Boston, Oakland, and Washington, DC; employees are welcome to use JFF office space to work in-person or hybrid, or completely remote. To improve the employee experience and promote productivity while working remotely, JFF offers an annual home office stipend to all regular full-time and part-time employees. In addition, new employees receive office equipment as needed.   

The hiring range for this role is $100,000 - $125,000 annually, in alignment to JFF’s Director I salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire’s relevant experience and market demands.  

To Apply  

As part of your application, please include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter, addressed to  Lois Joy, Research Director, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. 

We are accepting applications through 5pm EST on July 12, 204. Applications submitted by that date will be reviewed, and candidates will receive updates on their candidacy by the week of July 22nd.  

At JFF, we’re also committed to accessibility and want to ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully access and engage with our application and hiring process. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability and/or have specific access/accommodation needs in order to fully participate in our hiring process, please contact us at hiringaccommodations@jff.org. 

Positions at JFF are not eligible for employer-visa sponsorship or open to F-1 student visa holders.  

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