Deputy Evaluation Director for Communications Research

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for problem-solving and data analysis? Do you have experience managing communications research projects and are you looking to take your experience to the next level?

Ripple Effect is looking for a Deputy Director of Research & Evaluation with at least 12 years of experience to support our client’s mission at NIH and other health- and science-based agencies. This role involves leading a team that is dedicated to advancing data analytics and visualizations, and delivering insights gained from communications research studies in mixed methods, surveys, and bibliometric/portfolio analysis. The person filling this role must be comfortable in a matrixed environment and will work frequently with our Communications & Outreach team.

If you are a forward-thinking leader with a strong background in data and a desire to lead a high-performing team, there’s a place for you here at Ripple Effect in a dynamic duo with our Research & Evaluation Director! We offer a diverse, progressive, flexible, and engaging work environment and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

General Information

• Job Code: SHR-PE-05X
• Location: Ripple Effect Headquarters – Rockville, MD
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular
  (Ask our recruiters about flexible work arrangements)
• Telework: Partial
• Clearance: Public Trust
• Manager: Yes
• Number of Openings: 1
• Salary Range: $111,385 to $128,093 per year (how we pay and promote)

Responsibilities

• Manages large projects and evaluation teams, multiple concurrent projects, or interdisciplinary projects spanning multiple business units in support of government contracts.
• Designs and executes projects in collaboration with government clients to identify data-driven solutions that address complex evaluation questions.
• Identifies and locates resources through hiring, recruiting, consultants and internal resources to execute evaluation studies.
• Provides technical advice on methodology approaches to accomplish communications research project objectives (e.g., research design, analytical techniques, sampling methods).
• Develops a detailed project plan to track progress and manage changes in project scope, schedule and costs related to process, outcome, and impact evaluation studies.
• Provides expert advice and contributes to technical execution for program evaluations, including data collection, instrument design, report development, analysis and synthesis of findings or other deliverables.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with external consultants, vendors and partners and identifies new partnerships when appropriate.
• Manages the relationships with clients and all interested parties.
• Contributes to developing a pipeline of proposal opportunities for the division by developing relationships, vetting opportunities, leading proposals and overseeing the pricing and technical solutioning for proposals.
• Actively promotes the company and the division by contributing to recruiting, participating in networking events, presenting at professional meetings and actively developing networks.
• Contributes to divisional leadership by contributing to division priorities and goal setting, representing the division at company meetings, and leading division or company-wide initiatives.
• Leads the development of processes and procedures that enhance effectiveness and efficiency of team's operations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, health, science, or program evaluation field
• 12 years relevant work experience
• 4 years project management experience
• 2 years of supervisory experience
• 2 years of business development experience

Basic Requirements

• Technical experience with qualitative or quantitative software packages
• Experience developing data-driven insights and visualizations that clearly convey complex concepts and conclusions
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Deep methods background in conducting literature reviews, focus groups and interviews, and surveys on communications topics
• Project and people management skills in budgeting, resourcing, planning, tasking and risk management
• Ability to communicate results simply and effectively
• Ability to lead and manage proposals.
• Advanced knowledge in a specific area of technical expertise that aligns with our Research & Evaluation Division
• Prior experience in communications research

To be successful at Ripple Effect, you must be able to pay attention to details, clearly communicate, work independently, and have an eagerness to learn. Learn more about what it takes to become a Rippler here.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Experience leading NIH projects
• Experience developing communications strategies using research findings
• Experience with IRB and PRA review processes
• Masters or Doctoral degree (can substitute for years of experience)
• Established networks in government contracting that can be leveraged
• Experience designing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evaluations including surveys, interviews, and focus groups
• Experience with Bibliometrics or Portfolio Analysis
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or other certifications
• Strong understanding of AI and other emerging technologies to enhance analytical conclusions

If you don’t have all of the skills above, don’t be discouraged—no resume paints a complete picture of a person. There’s a good chance you’re more wonderful than you think, so please apply!

About Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect is an award-winning women-owned small business providing professional consulting and exceptional talent for federal, private, and non-profit clients. We deliver multi-disciplinary solutions across communications & outreach, research & evaluation, policy & program management, digital transformation, and strategic staffing solutions with a focus on science, research, and healthcare domains.

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Benefits

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences.

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at [email protected] or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.