The Organization
Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy whose core objective is to maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We are dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing problems in the United States. We invest in sustainable change, building it from the ground up based on research, deep thinking, and a strong foundation of evidence. We drive public conversation, craft policy, and inspire action through education and advocacy.
Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy whose core objective is to maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We are dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing problems in the United States. We invest in sustainable change, building it from the ground up based on research, deep thinking, and a strong foundation of evidence. We drive public conversation, craft policy, and inspire action through education and advocacy.
Position Overview
Arnold Ventures values rigorous evidence, not as an intellectual exercise, but as a means to knowing what works and what doesn’t. We use data and facts — not intuition or assumptions — to guide our actions. The VP of Evidence & Evaluation will have a shared appreciation for the role that high quality research plays in determining what policy and practice solutions will create impact. They will be our voice, elevating the importance and role of evidence and evaluation for external constituencies, including grantees, governments, the press, and the nonprofit community.
Working in close partnership with the Co-Founders and President, the VP of Evidence & Evaluation will build upon Arnold Venture’s strong footprint as a non/bipartisan advocate of proven, evidence-based reform. They will serve as an advisor and collaborator to our internal teams; be the face of our evidence building efforts for both federal and state advocacy work; and guide the development of our ongoing research investments and strategic evidence-building grantmaking.
We are seeking a critical thinker who looks at issues, programs, and ultimately policies on the merits, evidence and data, wholly independent of ideology. An individual who can separate themselves from the issue or policy and give our Board and teams actionable insights that make our work better, leverage our resources with impact in mind, and push the boundaries of evidence-building towards results.
Core Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Arnold Ventures’ Board, as well as other key members of the executive team, to develop and refine the organization’s mission to advance policy priorities through our research investments and evidence-building strategies
- Review, critique, and draft summaries of relevant research literature to inform strategic priorities, research agendas, and the development of future investments.
- Identify, research, and evaluate new, high-leverage philanthropic opportunities
- Manage research investments, track progress and impact, and draw lessons from these investments to inform strategic priorities and the development of future investments
- Engage in planning with Arnold Ventures team members to explore and develop cross-initiative charitable investment opportunities
- Ensure the successful implementation and integration of communications and advocacy strategies and activities within our research and evidence-building investments
- Prepare and present research proposals to the Board
- Provide thought partnership to grantees on research designs and methods, which will include working with grantees and partners to develop research plans, establish performance metrics, assist grantees in troubleshooting and overcoming research project obstacles, and monitor progress and impact
- Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, experts, and new and existing grantees
- Recruit, lead and, manage Arnold Ventures’ research and evidence team
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree required (MS, PhD)
- 15 or more years of relevant work experience conducting and/or managing rigorous policy-relevant research
- Knowledge of and deep understanding of statistics, research designs, and the use of rigorous evidence to support policy reform
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to summarize research designs and research findings and communicate key takeaways to diverse, nontechnical audiences
Our Culture and Core Values
Our culture seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas that will help Arnold Ventures achieve lasting impact. Our culture, and the core values that support it, should create an environment that spurs our team to think outside the box, feel comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and signal confidence in our team’s ability to make change happen through our philanthropic efforts. Although not an exhaustive list, below you’ll find examples of Arnold Ventures’ work culture.
- We have a proven commitment to and passion for racial and social justice.
- We are adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity.
- We are intellectually curious, open-minded, objective, humble, collegial, and receptive to feedback.
- We are action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects.
- We are able to interact confidently and collaboratively with team members and navigate relationships with external experts, government leaders, advocates, and individuals impacted by the justice system.
Arnold Ventures’ values are integral to our lived experience. They genuinely reflect who we are as an organization, help us accelerate our strategic goals, strengthen our resolve, anchor us to our mission, and guide our decision-making. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the Arnold Ventures team to make a difference.
- Respect for Ourselves & Others
- Audacious Action
- Collaborative Engagement
- Depth of Thought
- Clear Communication
Arnold Ventures is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.
Acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, Arnold Ventures is committed to employing individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of experiences. Members of historically marginalized communities and candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
https://www.arnoldventures.org/careers/vice-president-of-evidence-evaluation