Director of Evaluation, Impact, and Research en Alliance for Decision Education

WHO WE ARE

The Alliance for Decision Education (the Alliance) is a national nonprofit and field builder with the mission of improving lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision sciences, business, and education—including several Nobel laureates—the Alliance believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society.

As a field builder, the Alliance partners with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, and community members to raise awareness and lead the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools across the country. The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our diverse team is made up of educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals who are dedicated to our mission. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Alliance provides a competitive total rewards package, including:

• Annual Salary: $110,000–$170,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
• Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer paid)
  • Basic life insurance and AD&D (100% employer paid)
  • Long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare and dependent care)
  • Up to 20 days of paid time off per calendar year (prorated in the first year based on hire date)
  • Unlimited paid sick time
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • Paid lunch stipend while working on-site

*Salary range is a good-faith estimate and may vary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits are subject to change at the organization’s discretion.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Director of Evaluation, Impact, and Research will lead the strategic design and execution of research strategies to meet the goals of the Alliance’s strategic plan and research agenda, to advance the field of Decision Education. This senior-level role involves evaluating the impact of Decision Education programs, overseeing a Grants and Awards Program with funding currently totalling $12.5M, and fostering an expanding research community. 

We are seeking a leader who is passionate about decision science and Decision Education’s impact on students, excited to build a field of research, eager to collaborate with thought leaders, and driven to spearhead groundbreaking research. The director will provide data-driven insights to enhance educational outcomes and support the Alliance’s mission.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Evaluation, Impact, and Research will lead the Research Department, collaborating closely with the Education Department and external stakeholders to drive evidence-based innovation in K-12 education.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

This is a full-time, exempt position under the FLSA, requiring a 40-hour workweek with no eligibility for overtime pay. 

Local employees follow a hybrid schedule, working on-site at our Bala Cynwyd, PA headquarters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with remote work permitted on other business days. All employees receive equipment, supplies, and additional resources to help them do their best work.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop, prioritize, execute, and update Research Department initiatives aligned with the Alliance’s strategic plan and research agenda
• Provide strategic oversight for the department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Supervise and mentor the Research Department staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team

Impact Evaluation

• Lead the Alliance’s efforts to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of Decision Education programs and initiatives, focusing on data collection from K-12 students and educators. (in close collaboration with the Education Department) 
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to provide actionable insights for program improvement
• Deliver clear data and insights to a general audience, while also meeting the needs of various internal and external stakeholders 

Grants and Awards Program

• Oversee the strategy and execution of the Alliance Grants and Awards program (currently with $12.5M in funding) that supports researchers in building a body of credible evidence, including around K-12 Decision Education interventions; he first grants were awarded in September 2025.
• Lead the team responsible for the portfolio of research projects funded by the Alliance

Research Community Development

• Oversee the building and management of a sustainable community of researchers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Partner with the Education Department to integrate research into program development, supporting data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement in initiatives and programs, ultimately leading to better outcomes
• Provide content expertise and strategic guidelines to other departments as needed

These duties may change or expand over time, consistent with the organization’s needs and initiatives. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements

• 15+ years in research and evaluation of interventions/programs in K-12 education environments, with expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis 
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and budgets
• Experience managing or participating in multi-year grant programs, either as a grantmaker or grant recipient, that has provided experience with grant application and execution
• Expertise in collecting data from K-12 students and educators, analyzing it, and reporting findings 
• Experience in applied research
• Demonstrated ability to work with external stakeholders, including researchers, educators, and funders

Preferred Requirements

• Ph.D. in decision science, cognitive science, behavioral economics, psychology, or a related field
• Experience in applied research within a K-12 education setting
• Familiarity with Decision Education principles and practices

Skills, Characteristics, and Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts to general audiences and to engage in academic discussions with researchers 
• Excellent organization, prioritization, strategic thinking, and attention to detail
• Strong integrity and interpersonal skills
• Flexible and adaptable to changing conditions, with a focus on key areas
• Technologically proficient, with the ability to learn and understand different systems
• Reflects the Alliance’s core values and standards:
  • Humanism: valuing others as human beings
  • Rationality: thinking and skills to help answer “what is true?” and “what to do?”
  • Education: growth mindset; dedication to developing knowledge and skills
  • Conscientiousness: diligent work ethic; professionalism; high-quality work
  • Initiative: owners’ and founders’ mentality; leadership skills
  • Mission Alignment: dedication to the organization’s mission and goals

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Sitting: most of the time is spent sitting at a desk or work station
• Occasional mobility within the workplace and/or at external engagements
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 lbs
• Hand and Finger Dexterity: constant use of hands for tasks such as typing, writing, or handling small objects
• Visual and auditory requirements: applicants must be able to access and process written and auditory information to perform job duties effectively 
• The Alliance is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill essential functions, including using assistive technologies such as screen readers, captioning, amplified phones, and speech-to-text software.

The position is based in the United States.

*Any posted salary range for this position reflects our good-faith estimate of what ideal candidates for this position are likely to expect. We will tailor any offer based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience, knowledge, and skills, as well as any other factors that may prove relevant. Salary and benefits mentioned may be revised at the discretion of the organization.

The Alliance for Decision Education is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Employment at the Alliance for Decision Education is on an at-will basis. This means that either the employee or the organization can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.