About LA’s BEST
Established 35 years ago, LA’s BEST is a safe and engaging afterschool enrichment program for elementary school students in neighborhoods with the highest needs, yet fewest resources. Beyond academics, our programming nurtures social and emotional connections with trained and caring adults. LA’s BEST prepares and inspires staff to empower children to create lives full of choices and supports working families across Los Angeles.
LA’s BEST is a unique partnership between the private and public sectors providing afterschool enrichment. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) operates the program. Advocating for public, government allocations and fundraising from the private sector comprise the nonprofit entity. These branches collaborate to maintain, expand and enhance equitable programming that benefits staff, children and working families living across Los Angeles.
At LA’s BEST, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual's unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and celebrated. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and contribute their best work. Your voice matters, and we invite you to bring your authentic self to our team.
Job Overview and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Evaluation is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive evaluations to assess the impact of LA’s BEST’s distinct recreational, educational, and enrichment services. In addition to managing external research studies or evaluations contracted by the organization, the Director of Evaluation oversees the Evaluation department's operations and designs and reports findings of research and evaluation projects to meet funding requirements and ensure compliance with reporting obligations to the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division and other public and private sector grants.
The Director of Evaluation also participates in the training of staff to conduct research through the collection of data that will support high quality programming. This position oversees a team of traveling staff who collect, process, and analyze data to produce reports for private sector grants. The Director of Evaluation is a key member of the LA’s BEST leadership team, collecting and disseminating data to multiple audiences and using evaluation to drive organizational strategy and continuous quality improvement. Core responsibilities may also include:
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Overseeing departmental traveling staff and monitoring the collection of data to assess the effectiveness of out-of-school organized program activities by on-site observation.
- Ensuring ongoing assessment of programs and activities and compliance with all evaluation requirements.
- Drafting reports for funders to meet grant terms and supporting various LA’s BEST departments in generating reports for funders, as needed.
- Participating in state, regional and local committees developing policy and programmatic procedures for the field of expanded learning in California.
- Conducting research on selected aspects of afterschool programming to support grant and proposal writing as well as the services the organization offers to youth.
- Designing and conducting in-service training sessions for the Evaluation department.
- Working with the Development department to craft specialized evaluation and assessment plans to include in grant proposals, and overseeing the implementation of these plans.
- Providing the nonprofit office with evaluation and assessment data to inform fundraising, advocacy, and communications.
- Collaborating with other LA’s BEST staff on key initiatives or special projects as assigned.
Core Competencies
- Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance.
- Proactive and flexible in a changing and fast-paced environment, while working with tight resources and a small team.
- Ability to manage and prioritize concurrent projects with grace and meet deadlines.
- Ability to communicate clearly, warmly and professionally while representing LA’s BEST (in-person and via written communiques) with diverse stakeholders and audiences.
- Eager to continue learning and developing within the role; excited to take on new challenges with support and outlined deliverables.
- Culturally responsive and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Adept at using technology and working remotely with colleagues to facilitate daily work.
- Committed to the mission, vision and values of LA’s BEST.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team and adapt to changing organizational needs.
- High analytical skills with a strategic mindset.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Ability to create synthesized and impactful data visualizations across multiple projects for variety of data sets (qualitative and quantitative) and audiences.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in a relevant field is required; Master’s degree in a related education or social science field or equivalent professional experience is preferred.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of afterschool principles and best practices is preferred.
- Proficiency in using digital learning platforms and software.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Knowledge of instrument construction, data collection processes, data reduction and analysis, and assessment tools is a plus.
- Excellent writing skills.
- Two or more years of proven experience in research, measurement and evaluation efforts in nonprofit, education, government, or the private sector.
- Four or more years’ experience in expanded learning, youth development or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience providing training or presentations on assessment, data collection and analysis to non-technical stakeholders.
Compensation
$100,000 - $120,000; commensurate with experience.
Work Location
This position is based out of LA’s BEST’s nonprofit office located in downtown Los Angeles. Currently, there is a hybrid work environment with two days per week required onsite. Candidates must also be able to travel to LA’s BEST school sites throughout Los Angeles Unified School District and have access to reliable and timely transportation.
Company Benefits
LA’s BEST provides Employer paid medical, dental, & vision insurance for employees, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match after one year of continuous employment, cell phone stipend, flexible spending account, and other benefits.
Equal Opportunity
LA’s BEST is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (LA’s BEST is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request).
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.