Junior Program Evaluation Analyst - Data & Impact

ARA Brand; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Junior Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multidisciplinary team in data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support for DHS projects. This entry-level role emphasizes evidence-building and program assessment across S&T portfolios.

You will assist with logic models, data collection, and basic analyses under supervision, helping senior evaluators and managers deliver timely insights for DHS initiatives.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of program evaluation, social science research, or performance measurement.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of experience OR masters degree with 0-2 years of experience.
• Ability to collect and organize data reliably.
• Interest in homeland security, science and technology, or applied research environments.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to know when other methods may be appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing evaluation plans aligned with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act), DHS evaluation policies, and S&T strategic priorities.
• Support creation of logic models, theories of change, and performance metrics for RDT&E programs.
• Conduct foundational data collection and validation activities (interviews, surveys, literature reviews, document analysis, data analysis).
• Perform entry-level qualitative and quantitative analyses under supervision.
• Prepare draft summaries, visualizations, and findings for internal review.
• Help track evaluation tasks, timelines, and documentation across multiple projects.
• Ensure compliance with DHS data governance, privacy, and information security standards.
• Participate in learning agenda activities and assist with compiling evidence inventories.

Skills

Program evaluation knowledge

Social science research

Performance measurement

Data collection

Team collaboration

Flexibility

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Junior Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multidisciplinary team in data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support for DHS projects. This entry-level role emphasizes evidence-building and program assessment across S&T portfolios.

You will assist with logic models, data collection, and basic analyses under supervision, helping senior evaluators and managers deliver timely insights for DHS initiatives.