Director of Research & Evaluation

Director of Research & Evaluation

Location Houston, TX 77058 Date Posted June 15, 2026 Job ID 14830 Employment Type Direct Hire

Scion Nonprofit Staffing has been engaged to conduct a search for a Director of Research & Evaluation for a nationally recognized science, education, and cultural institution. This is a full-time onsite opportunity based in Houston, Texas.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Research & Evaluation serves as the organization's strategic leader for audience research, evaluation, and data-informed decision-making. This role oversees the development and implementation of evaluation frameworks that support exhibits, educational programming, visitor experiences, and organizational initiatives. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who excels at translating research insights into actionable strategies that enhance engagement, improve outcomes, and drive continuous organizational learning.

PERKS:

• Competitive compensation package ranging from $120,000-$130,000 annually
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement savings opportunities
• Opportunity to lead organization-wide research and evaluation initiatives that directly impact visitor experiences, educational programs, and organizational strategy
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment with opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and cross-functional partnership

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and execute organization-wide audience research and evaluation strategies supporting exhibits, educational programs, guest experiences, and institutional initiatives
• Design and oversee evaluation methodologies, data collection tools, reporting systems, dashboards, and performance measurement processes to support data-informed decision-making
• Conduct and guide qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, translating findings into actionable recommendations for organizational leaders and stakeholders
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support strategic planning, grant-funded initiatives, audience development efforts, and continuous improvement projects
• Facilitate workshops, presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities that build alignment and strengthen organizational learning
• Lead, coach, and develop the Research & Evaluation team while fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive culture

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience leading audience research, program evaluation, market research, user experience research, or related insight-driven initiatives
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, evaluation design, data analysis, and reporting practices
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings effectively through presentations, reports, dashboards, and stakeholder engagement
• Experience supporting grant-funded projects, strategic planning initiatives, or organization-wide performance measurement efforts
• Proficiency with data analysis tools, reporting platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and research or statistical software

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This position offers a competitive salary of $120,000-$130,000 annually, dependent upon experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Nonprofit Staffing is an award-winning national nonprofit recruitment and staffing specialist for nonprofit organizations, foundations, associations, and educational institutions! Since 2006, we have had the pleasure of successfully placing thousands of talented professionals supporting incredible missions and programs. Through our innovative team building and recruiting solutions, we bridge the gap in executive leadership searches, direct hire nonprofit recruiting, interim leadership placement, and temporary professional staffing.

We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online. Scion Nonprofit Staffing is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.

For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction based employment ordinances, Scion Nonprofit Staffing proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.