Director of Learning & Evaluation (WMCF)

William G. McGowan Charitable Fund; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund seeks a Director of Learning & Evaluation to lead the development and refinement of learning frameworks, evaluation strategy, and data systems across its grantmaking programs in Education, Human Services, and Healthcare & Medical Research.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to translate findings into actionable program improvements and sustainable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree is required; PhD preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in strategy, measurement and evaluation.
• Strong communication skills and ability to synthesize and present complex information.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the vision, strategy, and structures for learning and evaluation.
• Manage grantmaking program evaluation, performance measurement and data management.
• Apply diverse social sector and philanthropic program experience to elevate learning and impact.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Synthesis of complex information

Adaptability

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Director of Learning & Evaluation (WMCF)

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund brings its vision to life through grant-making efforts in three program areas: Education, Human Services, andHealthcare & Medical Research. The McGowan Fund gives priority to programs that have demonstrated success, have measurable outcomes and plans for sustainability, and aim to end cycles of poverty and suffering. The McGowan Fund is focused on measurable outcomes and ensuring that funding leads to sustainable programs and improving lives for the communities served by grantees. The underlying belief is that grants made by the McGowan Fund are an investment made with grantees who are essential partners in solving problems. Ultimately success is evidenced by systems level change.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will develop and refine the vision, strategy, frameworks, and structures for learning and evaluation at the McGowan Fund. S/he will manage all grantmaking program evaluation, performance measurement and data management and analysis for the assessment of existing grantmaking programs in a manner consistent with the mission, values and guiding principles of the McGowan Fund.

The candidate we seek has technical expertise from the field of applied social science, strategy, evaluation, and learning and will act as a thought partner. S/he will have a demonstrated ability to create and implement new learning and evaluation approaches and must be skilled in a range of efforts that elevates learning, guides action and creates impact.

Excellent strategic and critical thinking skills and the ability to take a broad perspective in the analysis and evaluation of information is expected. The candidate of choice must demonstrate strong communication skills (written and oral), particularly in synthesizing, interpreting, and presenting complex information to a variety of audiences. S/he will be comfortable working in a small office, is adaptable to change and committed to providing exceptional service. S/he must be interested in, and ideally knowledgeable about, the McGowan Fund’s programmatic pillars.

Master’s degree is required. PhD preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in strategy, measurement and evaluation. Promoting ongoing learning in a grantmaking organization is needed. The ideal candidate will bring experience with diverse social sector and philanthropic programs.