Director, Research and Evaluation

CJP - Combined Jewish Philanthropies; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Supportive work environment

Family-friendly culture

Job summary

Combined Jewish Philanthropies seeks a Director of Research and Evaluation to shape how we understand and amplify impact. You will work with the AVP to set evaluation strategy, lead data collection and analysis, and translate findings into actionable insights for leaders and partners.

You will manage complex, multi‑stakeholder studies, vendor relationships, and ensure insights are embedded in strategic decisions, advancing a culture of learning across CJP.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in statistics, public policy, nonprofit management, or related field.
• 5-7 years of successful experience in research, evaluation, or program management roles (preferably in a nonprofit, human service or government organization).
• 1+ years of project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation design and strategic learning across CJP, translating goals into actionable plans.
• Own data collection tools and analyses, synthesizing findings for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Oversee community research studies end-to-end, including vendor management and study outputs.
• Collaborate across departments to embed learning and evidence-informed decisions.

Job description

Brief Description

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 will ensure the execution of evaluation and measurement across a diverse portfolio of work—from targeted program initiatives to organization wide strategic priorities—ensuring that insight and learning are embedded at every level.

In this role, you will support turning data 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 and evidence informed decision-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 AVP in shaping evaluation strategy and 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.

Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in statistics, public policy, nonprofit management, or related field.

Experience

• 5-7 years of successful experience in research, evaluation, or program management roles (preferably in a nonprofit, human service or government organization).
• 1+ years of project management experience preferred.

Skills/Competencies

• Deep expertise in research, evaluation, and measurement, including rigorous evaluation design and applied methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex projects from start to finish.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and drive clarity independently.
• Skill in synthesizing complex information, prioritizing work effectively, and communicating clearly in writing presentations, and conversation.
• Ability to translate data and analysis into actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with experience using statistical software (e.g. STATA, SPSS) and managing complex datasets.
• Experience designing surveys and using research tools such as Qualtrics, Power BI, or Tableau to generate clear, compelling insights. Proven success leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects and managing external research partners.
• Ability to bridge theory and practice applying academic or technical knowledge to real-world decision-making.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a dynamic evolving environment.
• Flexibility, adaptability and a sense of humor, along with curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.

Summary

CJP provides a unique opportunity to leverage your skills, talents, and experience to benefit the greater good while fostering your professional growth. You will work in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of individuals who share your commitment and enthusiasm. Together, we make a difference for both Jews and non-Jews in Greater Boston and worldwide. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive, family-friendly work environment.

CJP Core Commitments

CJP is guided by our Core Values— Respect, Caring, Collaboration, Integrity, and Innovation— that ground our work and shape the culture we create together.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CJP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Accommodation Disclaimer

CJP is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. We provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

CJP conducts background checks as part of the hiring process.