Social Impact Research Lead

Freelancingforgood; United States; Remote; USD 53,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A remote role for a Social Impact Research Lead at a consulting firm, focusing on leading research and evaluation projects to drive social impact. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in MEL, strong analytical and communication skills, and a proactive, autonomous work style. Join a vibrant team and contribute to meaningful client engagements that drive sustainability and impact reporting.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in MEL principles and evaluation approaches.
• Strong analytical skills with meticulous data management.
• Proven communication abilities for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and evaluation consulting projects for diverse clients.
• Design and implement MEL systems and frameworks based on client needs.
• Deliver high-impact analysis, reports, and engaging storytelling.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Client-centric approach

Job description

ImpactMapper is looking for a Social Impact Research Lead to join their team.

Overview:

• Part-time or full-time position
• Language: English; business-level French is bonus
• Location: Anywhere (Remote)
• Salary: $53,000 – $80,000 per year (for full-time)
• Applications closing: until filled

Job Description

As Senior Social Impact Research Lead at ImpactMapper, you will be at the forefront of our consulting services, taking ownership of key client engagements. You will be responsible for leading end-to-end research and evaluation consulting projects for a diverse portfolio of clients, focusing on impact reporting and sustainability reporting.

This involves designing methodologies and approaches, overseeing the execution of projects, and ensuring deliverables are high-quality and meet client needs.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems development: Work collaboratively with clients to develop or refine their evaluation metrics, KPIs, and Theories of Change. This requires technical knowledge and strategic advisory skills to ensure frameworks are relevant, practical, and aligned with the client’s long-term impact goals. You will guide clients in implementing these frameworks, often using the ImpactMapper tool.
• Data collection advisory and development: Provide guidance and support to clients on best practices in data collection activities. You will also engage in developing a clean database of grants and/or investments and data collection tools such as surveys, grantee or company reporting forms.
• Delivering high-impact analysis and reporting: Create compelling reports and detailed case studies for clients. This involves conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative data analysis and developing insightful visualisations. You will be expected to go beyond simply presenting data to offering strategic interpretations and actionable recommendations derived from the findings, ensuring reports are tailored to the specific client audience and objectives.
• Championing storytelling: Help clients to effectively share their impact stories through data across various mediums. This includes crafting and delivering impactful presentations to diverse audiences (including senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders), writing clear and persuasive reports and evaluations, developing meta-syntheses of findings (if applicable), and utilising other creative formats to communicate impact powerfully.
• Designing and facilitating capacity building: Design and facilitate MEL and storytelling workshops and trainings for clients. This involves developing tailored curriculum and employing effective learning methodologies.

Role Requirements

• At least 7 years of progressive experience in:
  • MEL principles, methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative), framework design (including Theories of Change), and evaluation approaches; and,
  • Research and/or consulting within philanthropy, international development, nonprofits, or corporate social responsibility. Experience specifically within gender equality, human rights, social, or climate justice research areas is highly valued.
• Strong analytical skills: You excel working systematically with datasets, ensuring data cleaning, coding, and analysis are meticulous and accurate. You have a keen ability to identify and track data irregularities, demonstrating strong attention to detail.
• Solid Project management: You possess strong project management skills, with the ability to independently manage your time, prioritise tasks, and efficiently lead multiple consulting projects concurrently, often within tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills: You have strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex technical information and data findings into clear, compelling narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences. You are comfortable training clients, leading workshops, and delivering presentations to senior stakeholders. You have strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to train clients, teach workshops and prepare reports to present data findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Client-centric approach: You are skilled in building and nurturing strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs deeply, and acting as a trusted advisor throughout consulting engagements.
• Ability to work proactively and autonomously: Given that this is a 100% remote position and involves leading consulting engagements, a high degree of self-motivation, proactivity, and the ability to work autonomously are essential for success. You are someone who doesn’t need constant oversight and takes initiative to move projects forward, anticipate challenges, and identify solutions independently.
• Attention to detail: You have consistently strong attention to detail in all aspects of your work, from data analysis to report writing.

How to apply?

Send your resume/CV and share why you think you would be a great fit for our team to [e-mail].