Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Director of Research & Evaluation
at Upwardly Global Inc.
🏢 About Upwardly Global Inc.
Upwardly Global is unique as a data-driven organization dedicated to helping skilled immigrants overcome systemic barriers to achieve thriving-wage careers in the U.S. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is operationalized through customized programs that directly address economic mobility for foreign-born professionals. Working here means contributing to innovative solutions at the intersection of immigration, workforce development, and equity.
About This Role
As Senior Director of Research & Evaluation, you'll shape Upwardly Global's strategic direction by evolving their theory of change, refining impact measures, and leading research on workforce trends and AI-driven shifts. This role directly influences program design, product decisions, and organizational priorities through data-driven insights, making it crucial for maximizing the organization's impact on immigrant economic mobility.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing data dashboards with the Director of Data & Analysis, collaborating with program teams to refine measurement approaches for specific initiatives, and developing research briefs on emerging workforce trends affecting immigrant professionals. You'd likely spend time evolving evaluation frameworks while ensuring all practices uphold ethical standards for vulnerable populations.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Upwardly Global Inc. Is Looking For
- Has 10+ years specifically in applied social science research or evaluation within workforce development, immigration services, or economic mobility organizations
- Demonstrates hands-on experience evolving theories of change and KPIs in mission-driven organizations similar to Upwardly Global
- Possesses deep expertise in both quantitative methods and culturally responsive evaluation frameworks that center immigrant experiences
- Has successfully supervised research staff while collaborating cross-functionally with program, product, and technology teams
📝 Tips for Applying to Upwardly Global Inc.
Quantify your impact in previous roles using metrics relevant to Upwardly Global's work (e.g., 'increased program participant employment rates by X% through refined evaluation frameworks')
Highlight specific experience with Salesforce data architecture or similar CRM systems used in nonprofit program evaluation
Demonstrate your understanding of immigrant workforce challenges by referencing Upwardly Global's published impact reports or theory of change
Showcase how you've embedded equity-minded practices into research methodologies in previous positions
Connect your research agenda experience directly to workforce development, immigration policy, or economic mobility - avoid generic research examples
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience evolving theories of change in organizations serving immigrant or marginalized populations', "Specific examples of how you've translated research insights into actionable program improvements", 'Your approach to mentoring data/analysis teams while maintaining ethical research standards', "How your research agenda aligns with Upwardly Global's focus on workforce trends, immigration, and AI-driven economic shifts"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Upwardly Global's most recent impact reports and annual reports to understand their current measurement approach
- → Study their publicly available theory of change and identify potential areas for evolution
- → Research the specific challenges skilled immigrants face in the U.S. job market that Upwardly Global addresses
- → Explore their program offerings and technology platforms mentioned on their website
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting generic research experience without connecting it to workforce development, immigration, or economic mobility contexts
- Focusing solely on academic research rather than applied evaluation that drives organizational decision-making
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of culturally responsive evaluation practices specific to immigrant populations
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Upwardly Global Inc.!