Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Family, Youth & Community Engagement (or designee), the Senior Program Evaluator provides leadership for program evaluation and applied research within the Family, Youth & Community Engagement (FY&CE) ForHealth Consulting.  This role is responsible for shaping and executing evaluation and research initiatives that inform policy, strengthen practice, and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. With expertise in child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, positive youth development, and family strengthening, the Senior Research Scientist partners with clients and funders to define research questions, design and implement studies, interpret findings, and translate results into actionable insights. The position also plays a critical role in developing new opportunities, advancing FY&CE’s research strategy, and building the team’s capacity through supervision and mentorship. 

• Lead the design and implementation of program evaluation and research projects focused on health and social services for vulnerable population. Responsibilities include identifying project opportunities, developing rigorous study designs, overseeing project execution, ensuring data quality, and preparing results for varied audiences (e.g., funders, practitioners, peer-reviewed journals, and conferences).
• Provides scientific and methodological leadership to FY&CE projects ensuring high standards of rigor and relevance.
• Identifies and pursues new funding opportunities (grants, contracts, etc.) and leads the development of new program evaluation/research projects within FY&CE focus areas (e.g., co-lead proposal development/writing or capture planning).
• Provides strategic input and direction for FY&CE for continued growth in the area of program evaluation and research, collaborating with leadership to guide business expansion planning.
• Works with FY&CE business staff to develop budgets, and manages administrative and financial aspects of assigned projects to meet/exceed performance goals.
• Leads dissemination activities, including client briefings, conference presentations, publications, and site visits.
• Supervises and mentors staff, supporting professional growth and development.
• Partner in strategic planning across FY&CE and Health System Solutions (HSS) to implement shared strategic priorities.
• Provides methodological consultation and support to evaluation and research activities in other ForHealth Consulting business units.
• Perform related duties as required.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in public health, psychology, social work, sociology, public policy, or a related field; Master’s degree with extensive relevant experience will be considered.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research/evaluation experience required (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated record of using a variety of program evaluation/research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods)
• Demonstrated track record in disseminating evaluation/research findings to various audiences through publications, presentations, policy briefs, webinars and other mechanisms
• Experience working with or extensive knowledge of public programs such as child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, positive youth development, and family strengthening programs
• Proven track record of securing funding through grants, contracts, or other sources, including experience with proposal development and capture planning.
• Experience translating evaluation and research findings into actionable recommendations for policy and practice.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and establish productive, professional relationships with executive management, government officials, and private contractors
• Demonstrated experience in computer based analytic tools (e.g. SAS, SPSS, Atlas ti), as well as MS Office suite
• Understanding of policies and procedures related to data security and privacy
• Communication and presentation skills, both oral and written, and ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers, staff, clients and external partners
• Demonstrated management skills and general knowledge in budgeting
• Ability to collaborate across organizational units and with external partners to advance strategic priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work with state agencies, federal programs, or community-based organizations serving children, youth, and families.
• Familiarity with government contracting processes and compliance requirements.
• Experience working within academic, consulting, or nonprofit environments.
• Expertise in culturally responsive and equity-focused evaluation approaches.
• Strong professional network within child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, or related fields