Senior Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
Job Summary
The Senior Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning leads the divisional team responsible for building the data systems and learning infrastructure that help the North & Central Illinois Division know what is working and plan with confidence. The role holds strategy and authority for the divisional data infrastructure and the methodology and tools that support program evaluation and outcomes measurement across the Division.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Capacity Leadership and Divisional Authority - Sets direction for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning across the Division, including building and maintaining the data and learning infrastructure that connects field delivery to divisional planning and reporting.
Establishes the policies, procedures, and processes required to produce verified, timely, and usable information.
Builds and maintains the standards, methodology, and shared tools that enable consistent monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices at the divisional, regional, and site levels.
Anticipates and responds to changes in the measurement, evaluation, and reporting environment, and positions functions to adapt accordingly.
Ensures data flows consistently from every active program site, with verification practices in place to confirm accuracy and completeness.
Program Evaluation, Outcomes Measurement, and Learning - Provides divisional leadership in the development and ongoing improvement of an agency-wide approach to program evaluation.
Safeguards programs across the Division have measurable objectives, well-developed program logic models, and clearly defined expectations for program outcomes.
Provides analysis of service data and develops reports on program quality and impact for divisional, regional, and site audiences.
Translates evaluation findings into recommendations regarding changes to current operations and evaluates the impact of changes once implemented.
Reviews and develops evaluation designs submitted in grant proposals, in coordination with Mission Investment Management.
Shares verified field outcomes and impact data within the Social Services department to support contract performance, funder reporting, and accreditation processes; and to inform program development, case management standards, and shared tools.
Capacity Building and Field Support - Ensures site personnel are supported in documenting outcomes and verifying service delivery, with practical tools, technical assistance, and training that meet the realities of field operations.
Develops training curricula and minimum competency standards for outcomes documentation, logic-model use, data entry, and impact measurement at every level of the program department.
Ensures ongoing consultation, technical assistance, and training is provided to Corps Officers, Program Directors, and program staff.
Maintains matrix relationships with Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinators serving Northwest Illinois, Central Illinois, and Chicago, ensuring divisional standards are translated into practical support at the regional and site levels.
People and Culture - Provides leadership, supervision, and development for staff responsible for delivering Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at the divisional level and through matrix relationships with regional teams.
Ensures positions are staffed with individuals who can carry out objectives in an environment characterized by clear vision, effective communication, teamwork, and ongoing professional growth.
Fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration across the function and with partner departments.
Acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission in all internal and external relationships.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Education - Master’s degree or doctorate in social work, public administration, public policy, behavioral science, evaluation, data science, or a related field from an accredited institution is required.
Experience - Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation, program assessment, outcomes measurement, or data systems leadership, preferably in a multi-site nonprofit, faith-based, or human services environment.
Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program evaluation, including the development of logic models, evaluation designs, and outcomes-measurement frameworks.
Demonstrated experience designing and operating data architectures and reporting systems serving multiple programs and stakeholders.
Strong background in research methodology, statistical analysis, and quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods.