Associate Director - Affordable Housing Program Evaluation

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) seeks to work across the US network to build a data-driven, evidence-based case for the power of Habitat’s program models in the US. Habitat will demonstrate the power of improved housing conditions and strong communities to create lasting change for those we serve through rigorous research, analysis, and evaluation. Moreover, Habitat seeks to invest in understanding and sharing evidence-based practices across its network. The US Research and Measurement team seeks to drive more equitable outcomes and advance social justice with a focus on historically under-resourced communities; housing inequities based on race, ethnicity, and gender; and the most vulnerable or at-risk populations. Through its investments in measurement and research, Habitat will be equipped with powerful data to better advocate and improve housing conditions and advance equity in the communities we serve.
About the Role:
HFHI Is currently seeking a talented professional for the role of an Associate Director - Affordable Housing Program Evaluation. The Associate Director of Affordable Housing Program Evaluation will lead output and outcome measurement and reporting for new and emerging affordable housing programs in the U.S. in a highly-collaborative, affiliate-centric manner. This will include identifying and prioritizing affordable housing programs to measure and then leading how Habitat for Humanity defines, tests, and implements new output and outcome measures, identifying and transitioning affiliates to the new approach, continuously improving outcomes measurement tools and practices, and helping Habitat affiliates and HFHI staff get the most value from the data. The Associate Director will also serve as a subject matter expert on affordable housing programs in their portfolio and on related housing and community development issues, including identifying promising practices to highlight for the field and authoring original white papers, articles, and other thought leadership.
This position will be remotely based within the US.
Key Responsibilities:
Research, Analysis & Evaluation: (80%)

• Support MEAL design, implementation, and reporting for grants to provide data and insights to various stakeholders including funders, affiliates, program participants and program staff to improve future opportunities.
• Lead the development of an ongoing use and refinement of new logic models, logical frameworks, and theories of change for U.S. programs, including ensuring indicators build on and align with relevant academic literature, secondary datasets, and trends in the field where practical and desirable.
• Cultivate and manage external relationships and national partnerships to advance Habitat for Humanity’s goals.
• Develop and implement a MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) strategy for identifying, prioritizing, and measuring emerging housing affordability strategies across the U.S. affiliate network and balancing local customization and national standardization.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in one or more of the following areas: affordable housing programs, place-based strategies, and participatory methods. Author white papers, articles, and/or other thought leadership to advance Habitat for Humanity’s goals.
• Lead efforts with affiliate leaders, key HFHI staff, and Habitat for Humanity program participants in a highly collaborative manner to define and test the new approaches to output and outcome measurement in the U.S. for housing affordability strategies.
• Identify, cultivate, and apply deep subject matter expertise related to programs implemented by U.S. Affiliates, Affiliate Support Organizations, and HFHI to inform outcome measurement efforts.

Management & Leadership: (20%)

• Support alignment and coordination with other US Office and Global projects/initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Support development, operations, and objectives of the broader US Research and Measurement, including proactively aligning with and supporting other team initiatives and cross-cutting collaborations.
• Build and manage a small, high-performing team to deliver on this mandate.
• Collaborate with Procurement, IT, affiliate leaders, and affiliate support organization leaders to select and manage external vendor(s).

Key Requirements:

• At least 8 years of professional experience in research around housing sector programs or research and evaluation experience in measuring financial health, public health, wealth building and/or education.
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban studies, geography, social work, political science, sociology, or other related discipline.
• Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Strong knowledge of housing and community development.
• Ability to guide the development of engaging user-centered trainings and providing high-quality technical assistance.
• Strong facilitation skills to support the co-development of research and evaluation questions.
• Strong project management, coordination, and facilitation skills.
• Substantial practical field-level experience building buy-in and collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and sharing data across different actors.
• Computer aptitude – proficient in Microsoft Office suite; proficient with Microsoft Project or equivalent (e.g., SmartSheet); proficient in survey tools and data visualization tools (especially Power BI or Tableau); ability to learn new software solutions.
• Ability to convey technical material in an accessible, compelling manner orally and in writing to facilitate informed decision-making.

Active support of HFHI Values and Commitments:

• Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
• Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
• Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
• Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves

Preferred:

• Strong project management and coordination required. Project Management Professional certification (or equivalent).
• Proficiency with analytical software (e.g., Stata, SAS, SPSS, or R) and GIS software.
• Experience with research in federated nonprofit network setting.
• Master’s degree in relevant field.