[Hiring] Senior Director of Programs and Research and Evaluation @Arizona Department of Administration

Role Description

The Programs & Research and Evaluation Senior Director works under the direction of the Chief Program & Evaluation Officer and is a member of the senior leadership team responsible for leading an integrated portfolio combining program strategy development, implementation, and evaluation. The Senior Director oversees the planning and execution of agency-wide research, strategy development and implementation, and evaluation studies in alignment to the FTF Strategic Plan.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Job Duties

• Program Leadership & Strategy Development and Implementation
  • Supervise and support Program Specialists in the development, revision, and implementation of early education, literacy and family support and children’s health strategies, services, and programs.
  • Lead the programmatic aspects of the grant process, ensuring work is cohesive and supported by research evidence.
  • Develop and implement an approach to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to monitor program implementation.
  • Guide Program Specialists to use data to support staff across FTF teams and councils.
  • Possess strong communication skills to lead discussions with regional councils and state agencies.
  • Inform FTF strategies and decision-making using the latest research available on early childhood topics.
• Research & Evaluation Oversight
  • Lead and supervise Evaluation Specialists in analysis of statewide and regional strategy implementation and outcome data.
  • Plan and manage multiple studies and other ad hoc projects as part of executing the FTF Strategic Plan.
  • Coordinate with the FTF Tribal Relations team to plan implementation data efforts.
  • Lead efforts in the development of data systems with internal IT staff and/or external contractors.
  • Summarize analytical results in technical data reports and presentations.
  • Meet with FTF Regional Councils and local stakeholders to collect input related to research and evaluation activities.
• Early Childhood System Work and Data System Integration
  • Represent First Things First in statewide early childhood coalitions and advisory groups.
  • Develop shared data fields and related protocols with state and local partners.
  • Convene cross-agency/system partner committees to gather stakeholder input.
  • Provide strategic leadership in connecting and leveraging data across FTF and partner systems.
  • Collaborate with FTF IT, Finance, and External Affairs staff to handle data exchanges and security protocols.
• Supervision & Cross-Functional Support
  • Provide direct and project-based supervision to Program and Evaluation Specialists.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on internal Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs).
  • Collaborate with other Senior Directors to support shared agency work.
  • Perform duties in a manner that supports the internal culture and mission.
  • Support additional opportunities related to the role and Program & Research and Evaluation functions.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD) with three years of experience or Master’s degree with five years of experience in early childhood development/education or related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional personal and professional integrity.
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to adapt to changing demands.
• Experience in leading/mentoring team members.
• Demonstrated experience in program development/implementation and research/evaluation methodologies.
• Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS) to manage data sets.
• Experience creating data reports.
• Adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict and crisis.

Requirements

• Driver’s License Requirements if driving is essential for the job.
• All newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits

• Option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule.
• Improved work/life balance and higher job satisfaction.
• Access to the Paid Parental Leave program.
• For a complete list of benefits, please visit the State of Arizona benefits page.