Director of Evaluation

Salary Range – $85,000 - $95,000

FLSA Status – full time, exempt

Location – remote (must reside in Texas)

Background: The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS) is Texas’ leading network of mission-driven organizations that have embraced the call to serve vulnerable children, youth and families in their communities.  TACFS members across Texas work to prevent and address child trauma through services including prevention and early intervention, family preservation, residential/foster care services, adoption, post-adoption, youth runaway and transition services, mental health, education, substance abuse and other programs designed to promote safety and reduce risk for children, youth and families. 

Our mission is to strengthen and continuously improve the services, practices, and care for at-risk children, youth and families.  We achieve this mission through research and education, collaboration, and advocacy.

The TACFS team is mission driven, highly motivated, energetic, and supportive of new and different ways of meeting the needs of the organization and our vast and diverse network of member organizations.  The organization was established in 1976, but we are continuously evolving and changing in response to the dynamic nature of the work we do.  Our overall strategic aim is to support our members so they can do what they do best…care for children and families. 

Reporting: The Director of Evaluation will report to the VP of System Advancement and will work collaboratively with other TACFS staff, membership organizations, and other key state and national partners.

Responsibilities: This position will serve as TACFS’s subject area expert in research, evaluation, CQI, and data analysis.  The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is comfortable navigating a mission-driven, multi-faceted, team-oriented environment. Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Work across teams to design and implement evaluations of TACFS programs and projects to support evidence-informed decision-making and continuous quality improvement.
• Conduct landscape analyses of the child welfare and adjacent system environments, including community and regional service mapping, needs assessments, and data profiles.
• Provide guidance and assistance in the evaluation and selection of applications for TACFS down-granting opportunities.
• Provide evaluation, CQI support, logic model development, and other services to child and family serving organizations as part of our consulting and technical assistance offerings.
• In partnership with the TACFS team and partners, design and implement research projects that lead to improved understanding of the child welfare system in Texas.
• Develop and deliver original content (presentations, white papers, analyses, trainings, etc.) on topics relevant to TACFS members and the larger child welfare community.
• Engage in research and evaluation partnerships (as appropriate) with universities, TACFS members, and similar provider associations in other states, etc.
• In coordination with the Senior Director of Grants and the VP of System Advancement, seek and gain grants and contracts to sustain and grow work related to research and evaluation.   
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates alignment with TACFS's mission, vision, and core values, including a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and honest, solutions-focused work on behalf of children, youth, and families in Texas.
• Demonstrated understanding of the state’s complex foster care system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver complex content clearly and succinctly.
• Relevant master’s degree or equivalent experience in child welfare research, program evaluation, or CQI.

• Demonstrated experience in utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, creative, and demonstrated value in integrity.
• Able to successfully work independently and also a team player who enjoys working collaboratively with TACFS staff, member agency staff, and other partners.
• Detail-oriented with strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to coordinate work and projects with various external parties.
• Goal oriented and a “quick study” who quickly adapts and adjusts as needed.

This is a full-time, remote position in Texas with a flexible, accommodating work environment.  Some travel will be required.  TACFS offers a competitive benefits package and has an unlimited PTO policy. This position is supported by grant funds. It is imperative that the applicant understand that while TACFS will do everything possible to maintain the position, grant funds, and any positions they fund, are subject to change.

TACFS values our employees and aims to provide compensation and benefits commensurate with experience. TACFS is an equal opportunity employer. TACFS does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.