Program Evaluator
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Clarify program goals and success measures
- Design evaluation plans and timelines
- Develop data collection tools
- Collect data through surveys and interviews
- Review existing program records and reports
- Analyze quantitative data for trends and outcomes
- Analyze qualitative data for themes and insights
- Translate findings into clear recommendations
- Create reports and presentations for stakeholders
- Support program teams with improvement planning
- Monitor evaluation quality and data integrity
- Ensure ethical handling of participant information
Top Skills for Success
Evaluation Design
Research Methods
Theory of Change
Survey Design
Interviewing
Data Collection
Statistical Analysis
Qualitative Analysis
Data Visualization
Report Writing
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Ethics
Grant Reporting
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Program Evaluator
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Research Manager
Impact and Learning Manager
Evaluation Consultant
Transition Opportunities
Data Analyst
Policy Analyst
Program Manager
Grant Manager
Public Health Analyst
User Researcher
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Advanced statistical modelingQualitative codingFacilitationData managementDashboard buildingExecutive level storytelling
Development SuggestionsBuild strength in one quantitative tool and one qualitative tool, practice turning analysis into short decision ready briefs, and get experience leading stakeholder sessions where findings are discussed and actions are agreed.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level55000 to 75000 USD
Mid Level75000 to 105000 USD
Senior Level105000 to 140000 USD
Growth Trend
Steady demand, supported by funder reporting requirements, outcomes focused budgeting, and increased emphasis on evidence based programs in government, healthcare, and nonprofits.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
MathematicaAbt AssociatesRTI InternationalICFNORC at the University of ChicagoDeloitteAccenture Federal ServicesKaiser PermanenteUnited WayBill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Industry Sectors
Nonprofit organizationsPhilanthropic foundationsGovernment agenciesPublic health organizationsHealthcare systemsEducation systemsInternational development organizationsResearch and consulting firms
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a portfolio with two evaluation examples and clear recommendations2
Learn R3
Learn Python4
Learn Stata5
Learn SPSS6
Learn NVivo7
Learn Tableau8
Practice writing one page evaluation summaries for nontechnical audiences9
Seek a project that includes survey design and interview work10
Volunteer with a nonprofit to evaluate a pilot program11
Join a professional association focused on evaluation12
Request informational interviews with evaluation managers in your target sector