Research and Evaluation Manager

Career Guide
A Research and Evaluation Manager designs and runs studies that measure how well programs, products, or services are working. They turn questions into practical research plans, oversee data collection and analysis, and communicate findings that guide decisions and improve outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define evaluation goals and success measures
  • Design research plans and evaluation frameworks
  • Select research methods and sampling approaches
  • Oversee survey design and interview guides
  • Manage data collection timelines and quality checks
  • Analyze quantitative results and qualitative themes
  • Build clear reporting and insight summaries for leaders
  • Present recommendations to improve programs and policies
  • Coordinate with program teams to support learning and improvement
  • Manage vendors and external research partners
  • Ensure ethics, consent, and privacy practices are followed
  • Track budgets, resourcing, and project milestones
  • Coach researchers and analysts on best practices

Top Skills for Success

Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Written Communication
Presentation Skills
Problem Solving
Research Design
Evaluation Design
Survey Design
Interviewing
Focus Group Facilitation
Quantitative Analysis
Qualitative Analysis
Data Visualization
Measurement Design
Indicator Development
Reporting
Ethics and Consent
Data Privacy

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Research and Evaluation Manager
Director of Research
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation
Impact Director
Program Director
Insights Director
Research Operations Manager
Transition Opportunities
Product Research Manager
User Research Manager
Data Analytics Manager
Policy Analyst
Strategy Manager
Grant Compliance Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Advanced statistical methodsCausal inferencePower analysisData quality managementMixed methods integrationData storytellingChange managementVendor managementResearch governance
Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio with two to three completed evaluations, strengthen analysis skills with structured practice projects, and improve influence by translating findings into clear actions, owners, and timelines.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 75,000 to 95,000
Mid LevelUSD 95,000 to 130,000
Senior LevelUSD 130,000 to 175,000
Growth Trend
Steady growth. Demand is strongest in healthcare, education, government, nonprofits, and mission driven companies that need evidence of impact and accountable reporting.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Government agenciesPublic health systemsSchool districts and universitiesNonprofit organizationsInternational development organizationsFoundationsHealthcare payers and providersConsulting firmsResearch institutesTechnology companies with social impact programs
Industry Sectors
GovernmentHealthcareEducationNonprofitInternational DevelopmentResearch ServicesConsultingTechnology

Recommended Next Steps

1
Create a one page evaluation plan template you can reuse across projects
2
Publish two writing samples, including an executive summary and a slide deck
3
Build a metrics glossary for a current program to standardize measurement
4
Lead one mixed methods study from planning through recommendations
5
Strengthen analysis skills with a focused course in statistics and experimental design
6
Set up a simple research intake process with clear prioritization rules
7
Network with evaluation teams in healthcare, education, and public sector organizations