CAVA - Director of Information and Program Evaluation

CAVA; Strathearn (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

California Virtual Academies seeks a Director of Information and Program Evaluation to lead organization-wide data governance, reporting, and program evaluation efforts. You will supervise the information and evaluation staff, align data practices with LCAP and ESSA, and drive strategic insights across departments.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a related field, 5+ years of data/research experience, and at least 2 years of leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in educational research, evaluation, data science, information systems, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in data, research, assessment, or a related field.
• Minimum two years of leadership or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely submission of state and federal reports (LCAP, Title I, ESSA).
• Align data systems and reporting to accountability frameworks.
• Provide leadership for internal data systems development and dashboard reporting.
• Supervise staff and manage budgets and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Data governance

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in educational research, evaluation, data science, information systems, or a related field

Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) preferred

Tools

SIS platforms

Data dashboards

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

CAVA - Director of Information and Program Evaluation

Simi Valley, CA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1324

Salary Range: $118,081.00 To $147,467.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 4:00pm

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA VIRTUAL ACADEMIES AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION AND PROGRAM EVALUATION POSITION:
The California Virtual Academies (a network of 9 public charter schools) delivers online/virtual home based instruction to students in grades TK-12 in California. We use K12, inc. as our curriculum provider for the basis of instruction and teachers provide live instruction via the Engageli platform. While our schools do offer some scheduling flexibility, students are still required to log into the online school daily, complete coursework, and attend instructional sessions.
Under the direction of the Head of Schools, the Director of Information and Program Evaluation provides organization-wide leadership across four core areas: (1) state and federal reporting and accountability, (2) instructional program evaluation, (3) internal data systems development, and (4) departmental administration and management. This role provides direct strategic, technical, and supervisory oversight of Information and Program Evaluation staff to ensure cohesive, accurate, and actionable data systems that support instructional excellence, equity, accountability, and continuous improvement across CAVA.
HOURS AND SALARY INFORMATION:
Monday-Friday work hours between 8:00am-5:00pm. You are not allowed to have another job during these contracted hours.
Salary Range: $118,081 - $147,467
We do participate in CalPERS. Please contact your CalPERS counselor about how employment with California Virtual Academies may affect your personal PERS account. Only full time employees are offered health, dental, and vision benefits. Benefits information is only given out upon offer. We do provide training for all programs and we have a great staff to serve as your support system.

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Information and Program Evaluation
Salary:$118,081 - $147,467
Reports To: Head of Schools
FLSA Status: Exempt

Primary Function Under the direction of the Head of Schools, the Director of Information and Program Evaluation provides organization-wide leadership across four core areas: (1) state and federal reporting and accountability, (2) instructional program evaluation, (3) internal data systems development, and (4) departmental administration and management. This role provides direct strategic, technical, and supervisory oversight of Information and Program Evaluation staff to ensure cohesive, accurate, and actionable data systems that support instructional excellence, equity, accountability, and continuous improvement across CAVA.
The Director plays a critical leadership role in translating complex data into meaningful insights and ensuring that data infrastructure, analysis, and reporting are aligned to organizational priorities, LCAP goals, and Board-adopted plans.

Supervision

Directly supervises and evaluates Information and Program Evaluation staff; oversees consultants, vendors, and external research partners as appropriate. Establishes clear roles, expectations, workflows, and performance metrics for all staff within the office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. State and Federal Compliance, Data Governance, and Accountability

Ensure timely and accurate submission of all required state and federal reports, including but not limited to LCAP, Title I, ESSA, and special education compliance reporting.

Align data systems, assessment practices, and reporting workflows to LCAP goals, Title I requirements, and other state and federal accountability frameworks.

Ensure integration, accuracy, security, and ethical use of data in all compliance-related functions.

Establish and enforce data governance, data quality, privacy, and confidentiality standards in accordance with state and federal law (including FERPA and COPPA).

Support executive leadership and the Boards of Directors with accountability analyses, forecasts, and presentations that guide policy and planning decisions.

Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact with the California Department of Education and other regulatory agencies on data and reporting matters.

Manage special education data reporting in coordination with the SELPA and relevant instructional staff to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

Ensure data systems and records are audit-ready, maintaining documentation that is accurate, complete, and defensible for CDE monitoring visits, charter renewals, and other external reviews.

Support state and federal student data submissions (including CALPADS) and assessment program administration, including the maintenance of assessment calendars and test security procedures.

2. Instructional Program Evaluation and Research

Direct formative and summative program evaluations aligned to the organization’s strategic priorities and instructional goals.

Oversee research studies evaluating the effectiveness, equity, and impact of instructional programs and interventions.

Lead advanced data analysis to identify trends, achievement gaps, and areas for instructional improvement.

Prepare evaluation reports and board presentations with clear findings and actionable recommendations.

Serve as a key advisor to executive and instructional leadership in the development, monitoring, and refinement of the organization’s strategic plan.

Establish measurable outcomes, performance indicators, and monitoring frameworks to track progress toward strategic and instructional objectives.

Lead the use of data and evaluation findings to inform long-range planning, program design, resource allocation, and organizational improvement.

Promote a culture of data-informed, strategically aligned decision-making across instructional departments.

Provide professional development on data literacy and continuous improvement practices for instructional and administrative staff.

Oversee the preparation and publication of student outcomes reports for families and the public, including school report cards and annual performance summaries.

Lead disaggregated data analysis by student subgroup (English Learners, students with disabilities, foster youth, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and others) to identify and address equity gaps in student outcomes.

3. Internal Systems Development

Provide leadership for organization-wide information and data systems, ensuring they are scalable, integrated, and aligned to organizational needs.

Collaborate with third-party Technology Services providers and instructional departments to support strategic and operational data needs.

Design and maintain dashboards and reports aligned to strategic goals and accessible to relevant stakeholders.

Translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse audiences including teachers, administrators, and board members.

Develop and implement data infrastructure improvements that increase the organization’s capacity for self-service reporting and real-time decision support.

Establish clear roles, workflows, and performance standards for Information and Program Evaluation staff to ensure reliable and efficient data operations.

Monitor operational effectiveness of data systems and recommend improvements as organizational needs evolve.

Manage relationships with software vendors and platform providers (including SIS, assessment, and reporting platforms), including contract oversight, renewals, and performance evaluation.

Develop and deliver training and onboarding for staff on internal data systems, tools, and reporting platforms to ensure effective and consistent use across the organization.

4. Administration and Management

Directly supervise and evaluate assigned professional, technical, and administrative staff; oversee consultants and external research partners as appropriate.

Develop and administer departmental budgets aligned to strategic priorities.

Recruit, onboard, and retain high-performing staff within the Information and Program Evaluation office.

Collaborate across departments and represent the organization externally at conferences, with authorizing agencies, and with peer organizations as needed.

Maintain compliance with applicable organizational policies and applicable law.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in educational research, evaluation, data science, information systems, or a related field required.

Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) preferred.

Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in data, research, assessment, or a related field.

Minimum two years of leadership or management experience.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid California driver’s license or equivalent transportation.

Administrative Services Credential desirable.

Data privacy certification (e.g., IAPP CIPP/US or equivalent) desirable.

Competencies

Adaptability:

Accepts criticism and feedback; Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Manages competing demands; Inspires the trust of others; Keeps commitments; Treats people with respect; Upholds organizational values; Works with integrity and ethically.

Business Ethics:

Inspires the trust of others; Keeps commitments; Treats people with respect; Upholds organizational values; Works with integrity and ethically

Communications:

Exhibits good listening and comprehension; Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; Keeps others adequately informed; Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

Dependability:

Commits to doing the best job possible; Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Keeps commitments; Meets attendance and punctuality guidelines; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Takes responsibility for own actions.

Job Knowledge:

Competent in required job skills and knowledge; Displays understanding of how job relates to others; Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; Keeps abreast of current developments; Requires minimal supervision; Uses resources effectively.

Leadership:Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires respect and trust; Motivates others to perform well; Reacts well under pressure; Shows courage to take action

Managing People:Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Includes subordinates in planning; Makes self- available to subordinates; Provides direction and gains compliance; Provides regular performance feedback; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities

Planning & Organization:Integrates changes smoothly; Plans for additional resources; Prioritizes and plans work activities; Sets goals and objectives; Uses time efficiently; Works in an organized manner.

Quality:Applies feedback to improve performance; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Displays commitment to excellence; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quality Management:Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Measures key outcomes; Sets clear quality requirements; Solicits and applies customer feedback

Team Leadership:Acknowledges team accomplishments; Defines team roles and responsibilities; Ensures progress toward goals; Fosters team cooperation; Supports group problem solving

Use of Technology:Adapts to new technologies; Demonstrates required skills; Keeps technical skills up to date; Troubleshoots technological problems; Uses technology to increase productivity.

Computer Skills :To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; and experience using a student information system and/or other types of database software. Experience moderating web meetings for small and large groups.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.