Associate Director of Data and Evaluation

Partners for Rural Impact’s (PRI) ultimate goal is for an America where all kids are successful, regardless of zip code, income, background, or ability. At PRI, our focus is on ensuring that all children in rural places achieve success. Partners for Rural Impact was born out of our place-based partnership in Appalachia, where we’ve worked for 25 years to create student opportunity and success. 

Position Summary 

The Associate Director of Data and Evaluation will lead statistical modeling and internal evaluation practices to support our organization’s data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement efforts. This role will work closely with program teams and other stakeholders to design and implement evaluation methodologies that align with organizational goals, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of our data collection and analysis processes. The Associate Director of Data and Evaluation will also be responsible for the supervision of some members of the data and evaluation team. The position leads and operates with the goal that All Rural Students Succeed.   

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements of the position are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with regular and predictable attendance essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Internal Evaluation Practices: 

• Design and oversee internal evaluation processes, including selecting methodologies and data collection instruments 
• Guide team members in data collection, analysis, and interpretation 
• Facilitate rapid cycle study cycles to assess and adjust program interventions 

Data Governance Leadership: 

• Lead the development and implementation of data governance policies and processes 
• Establish and enforce data quality standards, privacy, and security measures to ensure compliance 
• Collaborate with IT and data management teams to support governance policies and processes 
• Document data governance procedures, including data cleaning, standardization, and security protocols 
• Lead initiatives to improve data stewardship and literacy across the organization 

Statistical Modeling: 

• Develop and implement statistical models (e.g., regression analysis, predictive modeling) 
• Conduct complex data analyses to evaluate program effectiveness 
• Utilize statistical software and tools for data analysis and interpretation 

Collaboration and Consultation: 

• Collaborate with program teams to integrate evaluation findings into planning and decision-making 
• Provide training and support on statistical modeling techniques and evaluation best practices 
• Present evidence to stakeholders showing the need for and effectiveness of services 

Reporting and Communication: 

• Communicate evaluation findings through reports, presentations, and other means 
• Develop data storytelling tools (dashboards, presentations, reports) for various audience 

Continuous Improvement: 

• Continuously evaluate and improve data collection and evaluation methodologies 
• Stay updated on best practices in data analysis, evaluation, and statistical modeling 
• Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist and support in the attainment of our mission, All Rural Students Succeed 

Position Location & Schedule 

The position will be considered for remote work with local, state, and sometimes national travel required. 

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET with in-office, hybrid and/or remote work a possibility. Because of the nature of the responsibility to schools, partners, funders, and to the service region, individual offices or departments may have operating hours that extend beyond this period and may include evening and/or weekend hours. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education required to ensure success in this position: 

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Public Policy, or a related field (or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience) 

Experience Required to ensure success in this position: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, and program evaluation 

Experience preferred to ensure success in this position: 

• At least 1 year of people management experience 
• Experience in the education sector or with educational grant programs 
• Familiarity with FERPA regulations and data privacy standards 
• Experience conducting training and capacity-building activities related to data analysis and evaluation 

Special skills, knowledge, and abilities: 

• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) 
• Strong understanding of advanced statistical methods and their applications in program evaluation 
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex data findings 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders 
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and ethical practices 

License, certification, or registration necessary: 

• Valid driver’s license 
• Successfully complete pre-employment background check 

Physical requirements: 

• Ability to work in a high-energy office 
• Ability to accurately communicate and exchange information with partners, stakeholders, and/or meeting participants 
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs 
• Ability to travel independently by car and plane regionally and nationally 
• Ability to operate standard office equipment 
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle 

Environmental conditions: 

• Work in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities 

Partners for Rural Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.