Senior Program Evaluation Specialist

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc.

(ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multi-disciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space.

As a Senior Evaluation Lead you will serve as a strategic advisor responsible for guiding DHS S&T’s evidence-building strategy, leading complex evaluations of high-impact research and technology programs, and advising leadership on performance, effectiveness, and mission value.

This role ensures S&T complies with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) and positions the Directorate to make high quality, data-driven decisions about research investments.

Key Responsibilities:


*  Lead complex, enterprise-level evaluations of S&T research portfolios, technology transition programs, and innovation initiatives.


*  Shape and refine S&T’s Evidence Act requirements: learning agendas, evaluation plans, evidence inventories, and capacity assessments.


*  Provide strategic guidance on evaluation approaches for emerging technologies, prototypes, operational experimentation, and pilot programs.


*  Advise senior leadership on evidence-based decision-making, risks, and investment trade-offs.


*  Oversee development of evaluation frameworks, performance indicators, and long-term impact measures.


*  Lead cross-directorate collaboration with DHS components, FFRDCs, laboratories, and interagency partners.


*  Manage evaluation contractors and ensure methodological rigor and compliance with DHS scientific integrity standards.


*  Champion a culture of learning and continuous improvement across the Directorate.


*  Communicate findings to senior stakeholders, including SES-level briefings and congressional or OMB-facing materials, as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:


*  Extensive experience leading program or policy evaluations, ideally in science, technology, innovation, or national security domains.


*  Must be a US citizen.


* Able to obtain and maintain DHS Suitability. 


*  Bachelors degree with 8-10 years of experience.


*  Mastery of evaluation methodologies and ability to tailor approaches to RDT&E environments.


*  Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic assessment skills.


*  Demonstrated ability to guide executive decision-making using evidence and analysis.


*  Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.


*  Flexibility to know when other methods may be appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:


*  Masters degree or PhD with 6-8 years of experience.


*  Deep understanding of DHS mission needs, S&T’s RDT&E processes, and federal evidence-building requirements.


*  Experience shaping organization-wide evaluation strategies or fra...