Research & Evaluations Program Manager

About Data You Can Use

Data You Can Use (DYCU) is a diverse group of local professionals committed to democratizing data and making it accessible for community improvement. We assist organizations in accessing, analyzing, and utilizing data to address key community issues. Through partnerships and a deep understanding of local context, we empower communities to make data-driven decisions that improve quality of life. We subscribe to the principles of the Urban Institute’s National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, building local capacity and connecting data to action.

Position Overview

Data You Can Use (DYCU) is actively seeking a dynamic Research and Evaluation Program Manager with a passion for community data and research, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Milwaukee and its surrounding areas. This position serves as the lead evaluator for the organization and plays a critical leadership role in designing and implementing evaluation strategies that are community-centered, data-informed, and systems-aware. This is an operational role designed for a mid-level or senior evaluator who can bridge technical expertise with community knowledge and field-based practice. This role ensures that partners and clients are able to use data to inform decision-making, improve services, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders, funders, and the community. The role reflects our commitment to delivering insightful, actionable data that fuels community growth and well-being. The role includes responsibilities such as logic model design, indicator development, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, systems mapping, and leading data interpretation processes with internal teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Evaluation Strategy & Framework Development (33%)
   • Design and implement evaluation strategies, logic models, and outcome frameworks aligned with organizational goals and strategy plans.
   • Collaborate with leadership and client program teams to embed evaluation practices in all initiatives.
   • Develop tools and protocols for consistent data collection and analysis across programs.
2. Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting (33%)
   • Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive data collection efforts including surveys, assessments, interviews, focus groups, and other feedback mechanisms, while managing, analyzing, and visualizing qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights for decision making.
   • Select, use, and manage appropriate tools and platforms (e.g., survey software, data analysis and visualization tools) to support program evaluation and learning.
   • Ensure data collection instruments are valid, reliable, accessible, and aligned with evaluation goals.
   • Prepare, translate, and present data through clear reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders to support decision-making and accountability.
3. Project Management, Capacity Building & Technical Assistance (25%)
   • Collaborate with Operations Manager to plan and manage data and evaluation projects, including data collection timelines and reporting cycles.
   • Coordinate data inputs, reviews, and approvals across partners and stakeholders, and ensure deliverables meet agreed‑upon standards for accuracy, usability, and accessibility.
   • Build the evaluation capacity of client program staff and community partners by training them in survey development, logic modeling, and outcome measurement.
   • Foster a culture of data-driven learning and reflection across the organization.
4. Internal Evaluation Support (9%)
   • Collaborate with the Development team to design evaluation and measurement plans for funding proposals.
   • Ensure timely and accurate submission of evaluation components for grant reports and compliance documentation.

What You Will Do

• Interact with community organizations and neighborhood groups to identify and meet their data and information needs.
• Build their capacity to make evidence-based and data informed decisions.
• Collaborate with government, foundations, and academic researchers.
• Work with staff on proposal and report writing and developing new projects.
• Summarize and present data to the general public through reports, slides, data visualization, interactive maps, online dashboards, and various other formats.
• Ensure technical quality control and document procedures and methods.

What You’ll Bring 

• Strong interest in working with diverse populations and ability to build trusting relationships with staff, partners, clients, and community members.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as well as be a self-starter.
• Tenacity, curiosity around data, and a strong desire to ask and answer any question.
• Ability to translate technical concepts and detailed analysis to a general audience.
• Flexibility and creativity in reacting to changing priorities and solving unique problems.
• Exceptional listening skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to contribute to collective knowledge.
• Access to reliable transportation to attend community meetings.
• Commitment to the DYCU Mission and the assets of Milwaukee.

Core Competencies 

• Demonstrated competencies in evaluation design and assessment
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Cultural humility and sensitivity
• Commitment to data equity and participatory practices
• Data interpretation and storytelling
• Collaboration and relationship-building
• Project management
• Digital competency in the use of project management technology and tools for a hybrid work environment

Experience

• Training in social science, public health, urban planning, economics, sociology, or related fields. A Masters’ degree is preferred, but a combination of education and relevant experience is equally valued.
• Strong interest in Milwaukee and one or more of the following topics: housing, racial equity, policy, education, energy, sustainable development, health, transportation, public safety.
• Ability to manage projects, supervise students, guide the work of teammates, and communicate with clients.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience, expected to range from $60,000 – $75,000 annually. Data You Can Use offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, and professional development opportunities.