Learning & Evaluation Manager

Our partners at Seattle Foundation are looking for a dynamic and passionate individual to take on the role of Learning & Evaluation Manager. In this position, you will be responsible for driving the design, coordination, and execution of our community grantmaking's learning and evaluation efforts. Your work will be crucial in ensuring that the Foundation's community grantmaking strategy and decision-making are firmly rooted in community perspective, backed by extensive research, and consistently improved upon. By joining the team, you will be making a meaningful impact in advancing racial and economic equity in the Greater Seattle area.

• Salary: Hiring Range - $80,000 - $90,000 Annually; Full Range - $67,608 - $108,172
• Type: Permanent; Full-Time, Salary/Exempt
• Location: Hybrid Work Model; Offices located downtown Seattle, WA

About Seattle Foundation

With a vision of a joyful region of shared prosperity, belonging, and justice, Seattle Foundation works to support and sustain the ecosystem of community organizations who are most proximate to the issues we are trying to change. Through our work as a philanthropic advisor, grant maker, and convener, we invest in community-led solutions and ignite powerful and rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Position Overview:

The Learning & Evaluation Manager reports to the Managing Director of Operations & Impact and is responsible for overseeing the collection, analysis and interpretation of data from grantee partners and other key stakeholders and highlighting key trends, patterns and areas for improvement. This role will work closely virtually and in-person with grantmaking and operations staff and will build close relationships with Seattle Foundation’s grantee partners.

The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of core evaluation concepts, methods and equitable practices and an ability to communicate complex data concepts in a clear and accessible manner, with an eye for data trends and insights. It is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, curious, relationship-oriented professional who wants to lead and grow our learning and evaluation efforts.  

Primary Responsibilities:

Implement impact measurement strategy for community grantmaking and Civic Action initiatives

• Implement Seattle Foundation’s evaluation framework to identify trends, programmatic progress and opportunities, and advance learning and accountability across community grantmaking programs
• Develop and implement the approach to measuring civic action activities (grantmaking, partnerships, advocacy efforts) and implement program evaluation for civic action grantees
• In partnership with program leads, utilize evaluation and learning tools (reporting forms, focus groups, interviews, surveys, etc.) to understand grantee progress and capture feedback
• Implement and adapt evaluation approaches to ensure equitable practices
• Support annual and multi-year comprehensive learning and reporting efforts, sharing key grantmaking trends, learnings and impact of community grantmaking
• Collaborate with funding partners on joint evaluation approach for public private partnerships (e.g. King County Department of Public Health, King County Elections, etc.)

Elevate grantee learnings with internal and external partners

• Support ongoing internal learning efforts to enhance staff connection to mission and greater awareness and understanding of the team’s impact approach by sharing grantee learnings
• Present evaluation findings and themes, sharing key programmatic trends and grantee learnings with external grantmaking advisory committees 
• Contribute to impact storytelling efforts and content for stewardship of external stakeholders in coordination with other departments
• Represent Seattle Foundation externally in equitable evaluation learning opportunities and partnerships to inform the foundation’s impact measurement approach

Provide grantee support and partnership

• Serve as the evaluation lead with Seattle Foundation grantees; ensure an accessible and positive reporting process with transparent communication; lead evaluation and reporting trainings and host office hours to field questions about reporting
• Build strong relationships with a wide variety of grantees and nonprofit organizations across Seattle/King County
• Manage grantee partner calendar of events in partnership with program leads
• Attend and support events hosted by Seattle Foundation grantee partners and key stakeholders across the region

Support Seattle Foundation's Data Collection and Research Efforts

• Lead reporting on grantee demographics with support from operations staff
• Collaborate with other departments to scale data collection efforts
• Identify grantee partner research needs and opportunities in collaboration with program leads
• Manage relationships with existing research partners (i.e. University of Washington) in support of community-designed research efforts

Team coordination and cohesion

• Model the behaviors and values of Seattle Foundation
• Participate in foundation and team wide equity learning activities
• Attend and participate in all Seattle Foundation meetings (e.g., check ins, team meetings, All Hands)
• Respond to Seattle Foundation colleague’s needs as questions, support or coverage are needed

Requirements

Preference will be given to candidates with the following knowledge and demonstrated experience:

• 3+ years of research or evaluation experience
• Demonstrated experience with data collection, data analysis, and data management
• High degree of knowledge of power and structural equity issues and their relevance within evaluation, research and policy
• Centering equity in impact measurement and evaluation frameworks and approaches

We are also looking for:

• Experience in evaluation design and methodology, including equitable evaluation and community-based participatory research methods 
• Experience facilitating meetings or groups 
• Keen conceptual, analytical, and critical thinker with ability to understand root causes of problems 
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills to coordinate projects with a range of stakeholders 
• Ability to translate complex data analysis and research into accessible, engaging and digestible insights for various stakeholders 
• Goal oriented and proactive self-starter with ability to work independently, and approach projects with a high degree of adaptability 
• Demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and cultivate relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, styles, and cultures 
• A keen attention to detail and commitment to data integrity 
• Experience in a nonprofit agency or community-based organization 
• Existing connections to community-based organizations in the Greater Seattle area 

Benefits

• Salary: Hiring Range - $80,000 - $90,000 Annually; Full Range - $67,608 - $108,172
• 100% Paid by employer: medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, LTD. 403(b)
• Retirement matched at 5%; increasing to 10% over time, 100% immediate vesting.
• PTO: 3 weeks’ vacation, 2 weeks sick, 4 wellness days, 15 holidays, 2 weeks off paid (independent of PTO during Fourth of July and Thanksgiving)
• $1,200 annual remote work benefit, $750 annual wellness benefit, $1,200 annual transit benefit; Professional development stipend, optional Flex plan and dependent coverage.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 

Seattle Foundation envisions a thriving region of shared prosperity, belonging, and justice, where all individuals and communities have equitable access and outcomes, regardless of race, place, or identity. We are committed to advancing racial equity using an intersectional lens, and integrate our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts into all that we do. We hold ourselves accountable to uphold our organizational values, and strive to do better every day. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: 

The work is performed in an office setting, or a hybrid office/remote combination. This position will require a weekly in-office presence. All positions require the capability of working at a PC for extended periods. Team efforts with event support may require periods of physical activity involving standing, walking, and moderate lifting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions of the role. 

Safety and Health Requirements: 

Seattle Foundation places the health and safety of its employees and the communities we serve as our highest priority. To support this priority, we require that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Waivers are available for accepted medical and religious exemptions.