Senior Evaluation Officer, Education (LTE)
Seattle, Washington (Hybrid)
Sankofa Consulting is a boutique consulting firm that provides monitoring and evaluation (M&E) technical assistance and management support to philanthropic and not-for-profit entities. As a small business, Sankofa leverages a global network of partners to provide tailored expertise and effectively implement projects of various sizes and scopes around the world. Sankofa has deep evaluation expertise, and experience working with major foundations on new initiatives and development projects that span education, agriculture, economic development, and global health. We translate learnings and themes into tangible products for grantees and other partners. Sankofa does this work with a mission to reduce inequities and advance social justice for the poor and marginalized at the local, national, and global levels. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is reflected in how we approach our work with clients and in our internal culture and management practices. Sankofa’s client support focuses on maximizing data to inform strategy development, business process improvement, and project development and management.
Position Summary
Sankofa Consulting seeks a Senior Evaluation Officer, Education for a two-year term to lead monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities as part of a new education initiative in Washington state. The Senior Evaluation Officer plays a pivotal leadership role in a close-knit and collaborative project team. We are looking for someone who is a proactive problem solver, excellent communicator, flexible team player, and committed to evaluation in service of equity. They will be responsible for leading two core bodies of work:
Designing and implementing MEL capacity building and support for partner organizations of the initiative, including education nonprofits and regional evaluation partners.
Leading MEL activities to assess the implementation and impact of a community of practice of education practitioners.
As part of the project leadership team, the Senior Evaluation Officer will also contribute to overarching MEL activities for the initiative, including client support and thought partnership, data collection and analysis, and development of high-quality deliverables and knowledge products.
This is a fulltime exempt, limited-term position (LTE) for 24 months based in Seattle, Washington. This is a hybrid position, with employees expected to work out of our co-working space in downtown Seattle at least once a week, and the ability to work remotely the remainder of the week. This role requires regular travel to in-person engagements in Seattle and partner sites across Washington. The Senior Evaluation Officer, Education will report to the Portfolio Manager.
Major Responsibilities
Design and deliver MEL capacity building and support for partner organizations of the initiative, including regional evaluation partners.
Provide technical guidance and sector expertise to clients and external partners. Co-facilitate client and partner meetings, cultivating strong relationships.
Lead a small team to design and execute data collection activities, including developing instruments and administering surveys, assessments, and observations
Lead the design and execution of ongoing evaluation of program interventions. Produce actionable insights including identification of successes, lessons learned, and recommendations.
Develop actionable, timely, and high-quality deliverables and knowledge products (e.g., reports, presentations).
Provide technical and capacity strengthening expertise, guidance and support to the internal team, including measurement tools and approaches.
Effectively manage project workplans and deliverables against deadlines, coordinating and collaborating on project components with internal project staff.
Required Experience and Education
10+ years of relevant evaluation experience that includes experience in client or stakeholder management and supporting community-based organizations.
Strong technical expertise in program evaluation and applied research of K-12 education programs.
Experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems or activities for community-based organizations or public institutions in the education sector
Demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis methods.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Advanced degree in public administration, public policy, education, public health, or related degree.
Competencies
Commitment to principles of culturally responsive and equitable evaluation. Ability to work effectively and with sensitivity across diverse communities and stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment, with an emphasis on high- performance, collaboration, accountability, and results. Ability to respond and problem solve to emerging needs.
Strong team player and creative problem solver. Commitment to co-creating with a diverse project team.
Strong and concise communicator who can quickly and effectively communicate complex ideas and explain your thinking to bring others along.
Highly organized, with the ability to balance multiple deliverables and priorities.
Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty, and desire to be of service.
Salary & Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $120,000-$140,000 (depending on experience). Benefits also include medical coverage, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid time off. A modest relocation incentive stipend may be available for highly qualified candidates outside of Washington state.
To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Selena Fraser at s.fraser@sankofaconsulting.com . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.