Junior Program Evaluation Specialist
The Junior Program Evaluation Specialist supports the Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology mission by assisting in program assessment, data collection, and analysis to inform research and operational capabilities. This early-career role involves developing evaluation plans, creating logic models, conducting foundational qualitative and quantitative analyses, and ensuring compliance with data governance standards, contributing to evidence-based decision-making across DHS portfolios.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an early-career Program Evaluation Specialist to support program assessment, evidence-building, and data-driven decision-making for DHS Science & Technology (S&T) research and innovation portfolios. This is a remote role with occasional travel to client and evaluation sites.
- Assist in developing evaluation plans aligned with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act), DHS evaluation policies, and S&T strategic priorities.
- Support creation of logic models, theories of change, and measurable performance metrics for RDT&E programs.
- Conduct foundational data collection and validation (interviews, surveys, literature reviews, document review).
- Perform entry-level qualitative and quantitative analyses under supervision.
- Prepare draft summaries, visualizations, and concise findings for internal review.
- Track evaluation tasks, timelines, deliverables, and documentation across multiple projects.
- Ensure compliance with DHS data governance, privacy, and information security requirements.
- Contribute to learning agenda activities and help maintain evidence inventories.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 0–2 years relevant experience.
- Foundational knowledge of program evaluation, social science research methods, or performance measurement.
- Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, and validate data reliably.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting summaries and visualizations.
- Ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
- Must be a U.S. citizen (required for this role due to client clearance and data access needs).
Preferred
- Internship, coursework, or project experience in evaluation, program assessment, or applied data analysis.
- Familiarity with the Evidence Act, DHS mission areas, or federal RDT&E processes.
- Basic experience with common data tools (Excel, survey platforms, or entry-level statistical/qualitative tools).
Behaviors & Motivations
- Thought-provoking: encourages critical thinking and questioning.
- Team player: collaborates effectively across disciplines.
- Innovative: brings new ideas and tries improved approaches.
- Detail oriented and dedicated to high-quality deliverables.
- Self-starter: able to work independently and manage tasks.
- Motivated by growth opportunities and goal completion.
Working Conditions
- Remote position with occasional travel to client sites and potential evaluation locations.
- Client offices are located at DHS’ St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C.; travel frequency will be limited and communicated in advance.
- Must comply with DHS data governance, privacy, and security protocols when handling sensitive information.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $87,000 – $116,000 per year, depending on experience, degree, and relevant skills.
- Benefits: Confidential Client offers competitive benefits (health, retirement, and other programs). Specific benefit details are available to candidates during recruitment conversations.
About Confidential Client
Confidential Client is an engineering-focused organization supporting federal research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts. The team works at the intersection of program evaluation, operations research, and applied data analysis to improve technology transition and operational capabilities in support of homeland security missions.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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