Program Evaluation Manager
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Define evaluation goals, key questions, and success measures with stakeholders
- Build evaluation plans, timelines, and budgets
- Choose evaluation methods that fit the program and available resources
- Oversee data collection using surveys, interviews, and existing program data
- Manage data quality standards and documentation
- Analyze results and interpret what they mean for program decisions
- Create clear reports and presentations for different audiences
- Translate findings into actionable improvement plans
- Support teams with learning sessions and continuous improvement practices
- Manage vendors, consultants, or research partners when needed
- Ensure ethical practices, privacy protections, and informed consent
- Track follow up actions and adoption of recommendations over time
Top Skills for Success
Stakeholder Management
Written Communication
Presentation Skills
Project Management
Critical Thinking
Program Design Understanding
Impact Measurement
Evaluation Planning
Survey Design
Interview Facilitation
Data Analysis
Data Visualization
Research Ethics
Data Privacy
Vendor Management
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Program Evaluation Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Learning and Impact Manager
Research Manager
Policy Evaluation Manager
Transition Opportunities
Director of Evaluation
Director of Impact
Head of Learning and Evaluation
Program Director
Strategy and Insights Director
Operations Director
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Evaluation DesignExperimental MethodsQuasi Experimental MethodsMixed Methods ResearchData ManagementQualitative AnalysisCost Effectiveness AnalysisChange ManagementReporting for Executive AudiencesData Visualization
Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio of evaluation plans and reports, strengthen both qualitative and quantitative methods, and practice turning findings into decisions. Seek feedback from program leaders on clarity and usefulness of recommendations, and develop repeatable templates for plans, dashboards, and reporting.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 75,000 to 95,000
Mid LevelUSD 95,000 to 125,000
Senior LevelUSD 125,000 to 165,000
Growth Trend
Steady growth driven by increased focus on outcomes, accountability, and evidence-based funding across public sector, healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Nonprofit OrganizationsPublic Health AgenciesLocal Government DepartmentsState Government DepartmentsFederal Government AgenciesHospitals and Health SystemsUniversities and Research CentersPhilanthropic FoundationsInternational Development OrganizationsSocial Impact Consulting Firms
Industry Sectors
NonprofitGovernmentHealthcareEducationInternational DevelopmentPhilanthropyConsulting
Recommended Next Steps
1
Review job descriptions and map required skills to your current experience2
Create one evaluation plan sample that includes questions, measures, and a data collection approach3
Build a short results report example using a real or practice dataset4
Strengthen one analysis tool used in your target sector and document your work in a portfolio5
Practice presenting findings to a non technical audience and request feedback6
Identify a mentor in evaluation or impact and schedule regular check ins7
Join a professional community focused on evaluation and attend one event per month8
Prepare interview stories that show how you improved a program using evidence