Senior Evaluation Strategist - Data-Driven DHS Programs

Applied-Research-Associates,-Inc; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote with travel

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Program Evaluation Specialist to lead enterprise-level evaluations across DHS mission spaces, guiding evidence-based decision-making and policy impact.

You will shape learning agendas, evaluation plans, and performance indicators while ensuring methodological rigor and interagency collaboration. As a senior advisor, you will communicate findings to senior leadership and manage cross-directorate teams, balancing complex risks with

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading program or policy evaluations in science, technology, innovation, or national security.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Bachelor's degree with 8–10 years of experience.
• Mastery of evaluation methodologies and ability to tailor approaches to RDT&E environments.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to guide executive decision-making using evidence and analysis.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to know when other methods may be appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, enterprise-level evaluations of S&T portfolios and programs.
• Shape and refine Evidence Act requirements: learning agendas, evaluation plans, evidence inventories, capacity assessments.
• Provide strategic guidance on evaluation approaches for emerging technologies, prototypes and pilots.
• Advise senior leadership on evidence-based decisions, risks and trade-offs.
• Oversee development of evaluation frameworks, performance indicators, and long-term impact measures.
• Lead cross-directorate collaboration with DHS components, FFRDCs, laboratories, and interagency partners.
• Manage evaluation contractors and ensure methodological rigor and DHS compliance.
• Champion a culture of learning and continuous improvement across the Directorate.
• Communicate findings to senior stakeholders, including SES-level briefings and congressional/OMB materials.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Evidence-based decision making

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Strategic analysis

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Program Evaluation Specialist to lead enterprise-level evaluations across DHS mission spaces, guiding evidence-based decision-making and policy impact.

You will shape learning agendas, evaluation plans, and performance indicators while ensuring methodological rigor and interagency collaboration. As a senior advisor, you will communicate findings to senior leadership and manage cross-directorate teams, balancing complex risks with