Senior Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE: Senior Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

PEOPLE MANAGER: Yes

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Social Services

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PAY GRADE:   412

PAY RANGE:   $116,207-$145,259

 

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to “Doing the Most Good”. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

 

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. The Senior Director provides leadership in the development of an agency-wide approach to program evaluation, ensures programs have measurable objectives and outcomes, and produces verified, timely, and usable impact information that informs program, contract, and advancement decisions. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director of Social Services and Regional Social Services personnel, the role ensures monitoring, evaluation, and learning capacity reaches every active program site through a regional service model spanning Northwest Illinois, Central Illinois, and Chicago.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to the following:

 

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.
• Ensures 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.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  

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.

Licenses/Certifications

• Caseworker Certification within 120 days of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and MVR clearance required for travel within the Division.

Skills/Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of program planning, evaluation, and monitoring practices in social services, including current research methodology.
• Working knowledge of The Salvation Army’s history, mission, and structure, as well as its services, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage systems for monitoring program effectiveness and translating data into decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret programmatic, financial, and outcomes data and translate it into clear narratives for executive, programmatic, funder, and field audiences.
• Strong leadership, team building, and conflict management skills, including the ability to lead matrixed teams across multiple locations.
• Excellent composition and report-writing abilities.
• Proficiency in data management, reporting tools, and process automation.
• Ability to work with confidential information and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a constantly changing environment.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all Salvation Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC. The work environment for this position is an office environment with a low to moderate noise level. Travel by car or air within and occasionally outside the Division is required.

 

COMPETENCIES

• A passion for using data and learning to advance mission outcomes for clients, communities, and program sites.
• A commitment to working within the framework of a faith-based organization.
• A commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army.
• A qualitative and quantitative analytical approach that investigates, identifies, and communicates critical issues in light of standards and expectations.
• A decision-making approach that balances analytical rigor, usability for the field, and the resources of the organization within the context of mission, strategic plan, and fiscal realities.
• A demonstrated ability to translate complex data into clear narratives for executive, programmatic, funder, and field audiences.
• A demonstrated ability to lead matrixed teams across functional and regional boundaries.
• The ability to foster the teams and partnerships required to accomplish organizational objectives, including across departments and with external funders, partners, and accreditors.
• A communication and management style that exhibits the principles and values of The Salvation Army.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and partners.
• Treats staff, clients, donors, and visitors with courtesy, respect, and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.
• Strong data and outcomes literacy, including the ability to design, interpret, and communicate monitoring, evaluation, and learning information to inform divisional decisions.
• Excellent working knowledge of current research methodology in the area of program planning, evaluation, and monitoring.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of administration as they apply to the evaluation and planning of social service programs.
• Hands-on knowledge of how to effectively work with and manage diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to assess and improve existing systems and processes.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

 

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.