Sandy Hook Promise: Vice President, Research, Evaluation & Quality Improvement

ORGANIZATION

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its life-saving, evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated or at risk of hurting themselves or others. SHP is a moderate, bipartisan organization that supports sensible policy solutions that address the human side of gun violence and make schools safer. 

SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.  

Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

SHP strives to ensure its culture and work environment reflect the values of race, diversity, equity, and inclusion (REDI) and is responsive to the views and issues of the diverse communities with which we live and work. SHP encourages individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion to apply. 

To learn more about Sandy Hook Promise, please visit https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/. 

OPPORTUNITY

Under the limited supervision of the Chief Programs Officer, the Vice President, Research, Evaluation & Quality Improvement is responsible for the development and implementation of a research, evaluation, and quality improvement strategy aligned to SHP’s theory of change, supporting the strategic objectives of the Foundation and the Action Fund. The VP will design and execute strategies that clearly demonstrate the impact of programs, policies, and movement-building, enable data-driven decision-making, and build the evidence base for what works in upstream violence prevention. This role will be responsible for ensuring systems and structures are in place to improve utilization, effectiveness, and impact. 

In collaboration with the Chief Programs Officer and Chief Advocacy Officer, the VP will establish a research, evaluation, and quality improvement function in alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities. As the SHP expert on evidence-building, outcomes, and impact, the VP will establish and provide leadership for SHP’s impact measurement framework and methodology and will serve as an essential part of expanding and deepening the research, evaluation, and quality improvement function to elevate and align programs and policy. 

POSITION FUNCTION AND RESPONIBILITIES

Outcomes and Impact Evaluation

• Collaborate with executive and senior leadership to set evaluation and impact priorities aligned with SHP’s theory of change.
• Create and oversee the implementation of multi-year evaluation and impact roadmaps.
• Establish and implement validated outcome measures for programs and policy initiatives.
• Develop and manage plans to collect, analyze, and visualize impact data for various stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain data collection standards, policies, and procedures to ensure data quality and integrity.
• Grow and strengthen SHP’s capacity for evidence-based reporting.
• Develop data visualization tools to support field teams in managing partnerships.

Research

• Manage the execution of a multi-year research agenda for programs and policy towards an evidence basis ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Conduct advocacy and policy research, translating findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Understand and navigate SHP’s position within the global and policy context, particularly in relation to federal and state policy.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to design and implement a research agenda that aligns with SHP’s strategic goals.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with research staff, academic institutions, and other relevant organizations.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging trends in education, mental health, and gun violence prevention research.
• Represent SHP in thought leadership forums across sectors such as K-12 education, gun violence prevention, nonprofit, and higher education.

Quality Improvement

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to establish and implement a continuous quality improvement plan for programs and policies.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to cross-functional program and policy implementation.
• Develop and oversee systems for continuous quality improvement, including setting standards and procedures.
• Create tools and resources to assist field teams in managing partnerships and enhancing program outcomes.

Organizational Leadership

• Engage all SHP functions in the strategy and implementation of the organization’s shared research vision.
• Foster strong internal collaboration and alignment across the organization’s teams.
• Direct and oversee the establishment of organizational performance measures aligned with the theory of change.
• Recommend and implement systems and structures for effective data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Support the organization’s revenue strategy by translating program and policy impact evidence into funding opportunities.
• Contribute to the annual planning process by leveraging insights from quality improvement initiatives.

Operational Execution

• Set objectives that align with broader organizational goals, breaking them down into actionable initiatives with clear milestones and schedules.
• Drive results by maintaining a strong focus on achieving objectives, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

Requirements

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Vice President of Research, Evaluation and Quality Improvement candidate will have:

• Minimum 8-10 years of applied research and leadership experience in nonprofit program assessment, outcome measurement, evaluation, research, and/or quality improvement. 
• Master’s degree+ in a relevant field, with training in research and evaluation methods, including but not limited to Education, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, or Psychology. 
• Strong knowledge of research principles, design and methodologies. 
• Experience designing and implementing outcome measurement systems in an organizational setting. 
• Expertise in social sciences and proven track record of producing research and translating to practice. 
• Strong writing, editorial, and presentation skills to effectively present complex information to diverse stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-functioning teams – direct reports and project teams – and influence across the organization. 
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Data analytics and visualization tools. 
• A successful track record of building evidence based strategies and translating that to business operations. 
• Relevant published research is a plus. 
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $147,000 to $150,000. SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Unlimited PTO
• Flexible schedules
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental and vision
• Employer paid life insurance and short and long-term disability
• 401K Match
• Professional development stipend
• Wellness and mental health support
• Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program

More details can be provided upon request.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at: https://apply.workable.com/j/5B77BF5107.

Sandy Hook Promise is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.