Menu
Full Time

Director of Research, Evaluation and Innovation

Jewish Federation of San Diego San Diego

POSITION TITLE:    Director of Research, Evaluation and Innovation

FLSA STATUS:    Exempt

REPORTS TO:    Chief Planning and Strategy Officer

DEPARTMENT:         Community Planning

 

BACKGROUND

The Jewish Federation of San Diego County (JFSD) is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our team as the Director of Research, Evaluation, and Innovation. 

 

For more than 85 years Federation has worked to create a vibrant, caring, connected and enduring Jewish Community by strengthening Jewish identity, caring for Jews in need and fostering deep connections with Israel and Jews around the world.  San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position. 

 

Over the last two years, JFSD has partnered with several community organizations to design and implement a Jewish Community Study, the preliminary results of which are now available with the final study report, “Blueprint For Our Future – San Diego Jewish Community Study”, following shortly. The Director of Research, Evaluation and Innovation will play a pivotal role in working with the Community Study Leadership Team to determine what next steps should be taken as a result of what we have learned from the study. 

 

JOB SUMMARY

As the Director of Research, Evaluation, and Innovation, the successful candidate will spearhead our organization's efforts in understanding and assessing community needs through comprehensive research, program evaluations, and analysis. In addition to providing internal leadership on all things research, evaluation and innovation, the Director will work with the Community Study Leadership Team and, from time to time, provide similar research services in a supporting role to our partner organizations within the community. 

 

With an analytical mindset, this role involves staying updated on relevant community or program trends, preparing tailored communications, developing robust evaluation protocols, and creating impactful proposals for potential donors. An essential aspect of this role includes harnessing insights to curate impact reports and devise strategies that align with our organization's mission and goals, all while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. 

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Analysis & Communication: Extract and convey insights from community studies, program evaluations, and relevant trends. Tailor your findings into potent communications for key groups.

Impact Assessment & Strategy: Design evaluation protocols for both existing and proposed programs. Translate insights into compelling donor proposals, showcasing clear needs and potential impact.

Research Leadership: Spearhead key research initiatives, filling knowledge gaps, and orchestrating projects—from surveys to best-practice analysis. Ensure that all findings are succinctly summarized and disseminated.

Collaboration & Innovation: Lead working groups, with a spotlight on fostering community-wide innovation. Serve as the bridge, fostering collaboration across the community and kindling a spirit of continuous innovation.

Capacity Building: Elevate the Federation staff and agency partners by facilitating training on program evaluation and impact reporting. As a thought leader, you'll be shaping not just strategies but also the people who bring them to life.

 

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

  • 3-5 years’ demonstrated experience in conducting/analyzing research studies, program evaluations, and impact assessments 
  • Successful track record in grant/proposal writing and securing donor funds
  • 3-5 years’ project management experience, especially in directing research projects and facilitating collaborative teams 
  • Knowledge of contemporary trends in community development and Jewish communal organizations
  • Strong analytical and data interpretation abilities
  • Demonstrated expertise in crafting compelling reports, proposals, and tailored communications, including presentation skills
  • Deep understanding of Jewish customs and communities, particularly in the San Diego context

 

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree, preferably in Social Sciences, with a strong focus in research and assessment. 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.  The employee must have the ability to travel and work weekends and evenings when needed. This position is required to work onsite (with the ability to work from home on most Fridays). 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position, working onsite in San Diego, CA, with the ability to work from home on most Fridays.

 

Compensation range: $80,000 - 100,000 per year, with a generous benefits plan, retirement plan and comprehensive paid sick leave, vacation and 22 paid holidays per year. 

Jewish Federation of San Diego County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veterans’ status or any other protected category. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. All qualified candidates must be able to provide proof of their ability to work in the United States without support. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check prior to beginning work at JFSD. 

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter and a detailed resume to ‘resumes@jewishinsandiego.org’.