About JFF

Jobs for the Future (JFF) transforms America’s education and workforce systems to advance equitable economic opportunity for everyone. We see how millions of people are unfairly blocked from quality jobs and from the chance to build a better life. Our mission is to bring education, workforce, and employment change-makers together around a single goal: By 2033, 75 million people who face systemic barriers to advancement will be working in quality jobs.

To achieve this, JFF designs solutions, scales proven best practices, shapes policy and action, and invests in innovation. With a team of more than 300 people working remotely and from offices in Boston (headquarters), Washington, DC, and Oakland, California, we operate at national, state, and local levels. We build strong partnerships with employers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and education and workforce development providers to remove barriers and rethink what’s possible.

We are on a path of sustained growth and expanding impact. Our operating budget is $105 million, supported by dozens of leading government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Learn more about JFF and join us as we build a future that works—for everyone.

DEIBW at JFF

Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and well-being (DEIBW) are central to JFF’s North Star and mission. We hire and develop diverse teams reflecting race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, age, and lived experiences. We continuously work to ensure these differences are respected, valued, and included. We also aim to build a culture that supports employees’ overall care, well-being, and success through flexible schedules, manageable workloads, professional development, and fair opportunities for career advancement. Learn more about how DEIBW shows up in everyday practice at JFF.

We want to invest in, learn from, and uplift people who reflect the communities we serve—especially individuals from groups that have been excluded from the workforce, whether explicitly or implicitly. Because this matters to the success of our work and the engagement of our staff, we aim to attract and retain a diverse team and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open roles. JFF is a fair-chance employer. In line with our North Star, we particularly encourage applications from individuals whose highest educational attainment is less than a four-year degree; People of Color; and people with records.

About the Position

As part of JFF’s Solutions Design and Delivery (SD&D) group, the Research, Evaluation, and Analytics (REA) team helps build a future in which evidence-based programs and policies empower individuals, transform education and workforce systems, and ensure that everyone can access quality jobs and meaningful career pathways. Through Evaluation Services, Research to Advance the Field, and Labor Market Information Analytics, the REA team provides insights on how programs and policies are developed, implemented, and what impact they have—especially in support of inclusive and equitable economic advancement for all.

Whether working on projects internally or externally, our goal is to understand what works, for whom, and under what conditions—particularly for groups that face barriers to economic advancement. The REA team includes professionals with a range of skills and expertise in research, evaluation, and analytics, along with deep knowledge of workforce development and education. REA partners with JFF staff and project teams to deliver data-informed insights that guide and strengthen our work and the broader ecosystems where we operate.

Within the Research, Analytics, and Evaluation (REA) team, the Director plays a key role in leading the unit’s work. This includes designing workstreams and directing research and evaluation activities that inform JFF’s program and policy efforts, support JFF’s strategic priorities, and strengthen our influence across the field. In this role, you will collaborate with other JFF teams to create and participate in research activities that support their goals. You will also define and design project plans and lead small teams to carry out research initiatives aligned with JFF’s strategic objectives.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to strategic thinking that guides REA’s work and to recommend and improve processes that increase productivity and help generate and share new knowledge. This role is best suited for a strategic, analytical researcher with strong quantitative and qualitative skills and experience conducting research in workforce and education focused on people without college degrees. We are looking for someone excited to contribute to our team and help advance JFF’s North Star goals.

What You’ll Do

Expand JFF’s influence through strategic research

• Lead quantitative research analyzing structural barriers that limit women, Black, Latine, and other groups’ advancement through education and workforce pathways.

Support new research and evaluation initiatives

• Contribute to new research and evaluation proposals for the REA unit.
• Identify research topics, questions, and data sources to generate new insights and strengthen JFF’s leadership.
• Partner with program teams to design research that supports and improves JFF’s program and policy work.
• Use appropriate qualitative methods to achieve project goals.
• Manage projects to deliver results effectively.

Lead research and evaluation workstreams

• Define workstreams and lead and mentor research and program staff teams—from project design through successful completion of goals.
• Create and execute workplans and timelines to ensure projects are finished on schedule.
• Use tools (such as data visualization and statistical/qualitative software) and improve processes to increase quality and efficiency and better serve target audiences.
• Develop, pilot, and administer surveys for research and evaluation.

Build relationships and support knowledge sharing

• Develop external relationships with funders, research professionals, organizations, and partner sites to support research, evaluation, and dissemination.
• Build strong, collaborative working relationships within REA and across JFF that support equitable growth, embrace diverse staff experiences, and encourage open dialogue and feedback.
• Create communication plans that highlight project evaluation and analysis and tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Participate in REA team activities to help achieve unit goals.

Who You Are

The qualifications listed in this job description are a guide, and we do not expect candidates to have every experience and skill listed. Research shows that people from marginalized groups are often more likely to self-select out of opportunities. If you believe you meet the overall expectations of the role, we encourage you to apply so we can learn about your unique strengths.

You have experience leading and contributing to quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation across areas related to JFF’s work, including education, workforce development, labor market trends, prison education and reentry, green jobs, youth career navigation, and analysis of structural barriers that limit the advancement of women, Black, Latine, and other groups through education and workforce pathways. (Director I new hires at JFF typically have 10+ years of professional experience through a combination of full-time, part-time, internship, and/or freelance work.)

You have experience cleaning, managing, and analyzing quantitative data, including using statistical software such as Stata, R, or SPSS for multivariate analysis and hypothesis testing.

You have experience using large-scale and longitudinal secondary data sources to test research hypotheses related to these areas.

You have conducted in-depth literature reviews to develop new research questions and connect your analysis to prior findings for context.

You are comfortable using data visualization tools and/or business intelligence platforms (for example, Tableau, Domo, or Power BI).

You have experience analyzing qualitative data, including coding, identifying themes, and translating findings into promising practices.

You have experience managing research project teams, including setting quality control processes to ensure research accuracy and integrity.

You bring an entrepreneurial mindset—taking initiative, leading projects, and delivering high-quality work on time in alignment with JFF’s strategic priorities.

You have strong communication skills and can translate research and evaluation results for different audiences, including practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, using a variety of formats such as reports, blogs, infographics, and journal articles.

You demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement, including supporting the growth and mentoring of colleagues.

You are energized by JFF’s mission and North Star, and you can apply JFF’s core values to all aspects of your work.

You are motivated to help advance JFF’s DEIBW values and practices in day-to-day work, including embracing differences and celebrating the diversity each individual brings.

You value building positive, collaborative relationships with others, including people whose identities and backgrounds differ from your own.

What We Offer

At JFF, we are driven by the goal of ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to advance economically. Our team works hard to push the limits of what’s possible. In return, we offer a rewarding work experience, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits program that supports flexibility and choice as core values—so we can support people wherever they are in their lives and careers.

JFF has offices in Boston, Oakland, and Washington, DC. Employees may work in person, hybrid, or fully remotely. To support the remote work experience and promote productivity, JFF provides an annual home office stipend to all regular full-time and part-time employees. New employees also receive necessary office equipment as needed.

The salary range for this role is $100,000–$125,000 annually, consistent with JFF’s Director I salary band and compensation philosophy. Starting salaries will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant experience and market conditions.

To Apply

Include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Lois Joy, Research Director, explaining how your skills and experience match the qualifications for the role.

Applications are accepted through 5:00 PM EST on July 12, 204. Submissions made by that date will be reviewed, and candidates will receive updates on their application by the week of July 22.

JFF is also committed to accessibility. If you cannot complete the application due to a disability and/or have specific access or accommodation needs to participate fully in the hiring process, please contact hiringaccommodations@jff.org

Positions at JFF are not eligible for employer-visa sponsorship, and they are not open to F-1 student visa holders.