Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Evidence for Outcomes

at Project Evident

🏢 About Project Evident

Project Evident is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping education and workforce nonprofits and their funders use evidence and data to improve outcomes. They take a unique, people-centered approach to scaling impact, emphasizing equity and practical application of evidence. Working here offers a chance to be at the forefront of evidence-based decision-making in the social sector, collaborating with passionate leaders to make a tangible difference.

About This Role

As the Director, Evidence for Outcomes, you will lead client engagements, drive business development, and manage a team to deliver high-quality evidence and evaluation services to nonprofits and funders. This role is pivotal in shaping the organization's service delivery model, especially integrating digital tools to enhance learning and impact. You'll have the opportunity to influence career pathways projects and contribute to systemic change in education and workforce development.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning check-in with your team, followed by a virtual meeting with a funder to discuss project progress and next steps. You might spend time reviewing project deliverables, analyzing data dashboards, and strategizing on how to enhance client engagement. Later, you could lead a workshop on evidence use for a nonprofit client or collaborate with colleagues on integrating new digital tools into your services.

🎯 Who Project Evident Is Looking For

  • Experienced in philanthropy, with a track record of stewarding significant, multi-year funder relationships and engagements.
  • Strong people and project manager, able to lead a team of staff and contractors, ensuring high-quality work delivered on time and within budget.
  • Entrepreneurial and operationally strong, with experience evolving service delivery models and integrating digital tools for learning and impact.
  • Passionate about career pathways and workforce development, with ability to drive client success through extraordinary relations.
  • Comfortable with hybrid work, able to work East Coast hours and be present monthly in Boston.

📝 Tips for Applying to Project Evident

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with multi-year funder relationships and engagements, quantifying outcomes where possible.

2

In your cover letter, mention your experience with digital tools in evidence or learning contexts, and how you've used them to enhance impact.

3

Demonstrate your people-centered leadership by providing concrete examples of how you've managed and developed teams, including contractors.

4

Show your entrepreneurial spirit by sharing an example of how you've evolved a service delivery model or improved internal systems.

5

Align your application with Project Evident's mission by discussing your commitment to equity and using evidence to improve outcomes for underserved populations.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in philanthropy and funder relations, specifically with long-term engagements.', 'Highlight your operational and project management skills, with examples of leading complex projects from start to finish.', "Express your passion for career pathways and workforce development, and how you've contributed to this field.", 'Show your adaptability to hybrid work and willingness to travel monthly to Boston, if applicable.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore Project Evident's website to understand their mission, values, and current projects, especially any related to career pathways.
  • Read their recent publications or blog posts to understand their perspective on evidence and digital tools.
  • Look into their client organizations and funders to understand the types of partnerships they value.
  • Check their team page to learn about the leadership team and their backgrounds, and see if you have any connections.
Visit Project Evident's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a significant funder relationship. How did you ensure their needs were met while maintaining project integrity?
2 How have you integrated digital tools to enhance learning or evidence generation in your previous roles? Provide a specific example.
3 Tell us about a time you had to pivot or evolve a service delivery model. What was the context and outcome?
4 How do you approach staff development and management in a remote/hybrid environment?
5 What is your experience with career pathways programs, and how do you think evidence can improve outcomes in this area?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention Project Evident or the specific role's focus on career pathways and digital tools.
  • Don't overlook the requirement for East Coast hours and monthly Boston presence; if this is a constraint, address it upfront.
  • Avoid focusing solely on technical research skills; emphasize your people management and funder relations experience.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Project Evident!