Research and Evaluation Manager

National Recreation and Park Association

Research and Evaluation Manager leading data collection and analysis for NRPA projects. Collaborating with internal and external partners to fulfill NRPA’s vision for parks and recreation.

Posted 4/24/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $70,202 - $84,226 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Tableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Leads a portfolio of assigned projects that include data collection, analysis and reporting for funded external program evaluations, internal evaluations (e.g., NRPA’s strategic plan measurement and other initiatives), and research projects with many mixed samples (e.g., membership, program participants, staff, public) and methods (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interviews, literature reviews/desktop research, observations, technical assistance and training)
Develops and monitors full research and/or evaluation plans, creating full evaluation and/or research frameworks, that include identification of methodology, process and outcome measures, data collection methods and sources, and timelines
Works together with department colleagues and other internal partners to assess the progress and long-term impact of NRPA grant programs
Effectively communicates research and evaluation workplans, updates, and findings to colleagues and other teams and diverse (often non-technical) external audiences (members, donors, partners, the public) through reports, magazine articles, infographics, dashboards, academic journals, blog posts, conference presentations, etc.
Collaborates with department leadership and cross-functional business partners to support business development and revenue goals
Works with all R&E department staff members and multiple internal partners to foster and strengthen measurement culture and evidence-based decision-making at NRPA by ensuring that internal and external tools and resources are efficient, consistent and reflect NRPA’s approved language and branding; role modeling; formal and informal teaching; regularly reviewing and updating standard operating procedures and policies; reducing bias; and generally improving the value of R&E contributions to bolster NRPA’s reputation as the field’s premiere source of park and recreation knowledge and impact data
Keeps abreast of and champions ethical human-subjects research and equitable evaluation standards that respect and preserve the security and dignity of individuals and their data
Serves as an ambassador for NRPA and the R&E department at external conferences, meetings, site visits with local agencies, and at NRPA’s annual conference by presenting, networking, fostering relationships and supporting the conference team, as needed
Undertakes special projects and assignments as needed and directed.

Requirements

What you’ll need

5-7 years of experience in social sciences research required
A degree, advanced degree, equivalent, or a combination of education and work experience in parks and recreation, education, economics, public policy or administration (or related fields) could be considered to meet this requirement
At least two (2) of the five years in full life-cycle program evaluation experience preferred
Strong demonstrated knowledge and experience in mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) research methods and approaches
Experience in designing and leading complex research and/or evaluation projects preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present data and research findings clearly and concisely for diverse audiences
Experience and enthusiasm for non-academic writing for trade or membership organizations a plus
Experience facilitating meetings, training sessions and professional development opportunities
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Suite required
Experience and skills with online survey software (e.g. Qualtrics, Alchemer); data analysis software (e.g., SPSS – Custom Tables and Syntax a plus, R, Dedoose), GIS software (ESRI) and current data visualization principles and tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI) preferred
Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to develop productive relationships and effectively collaborate with internal and external partners
Knowledge of and passion for parks and recreation and NRPA’s mission and commitment to access for all
Willingness to travel up to 20 days per year outside of remote work location.

Benefits

Comp & perks

🌐 Worldwide ❌ Jobs You've Hidden ⭐️ Saved Jobs ✅ Applied Jobs ✉️ Email Alerts 👤 Account National Recreation and Park Association Website LinkedIn All Job Openings 51 - 200 employees The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. NRPA advances this vision by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals as a catalyst for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. Research and Evaluation Manager 🔥 1 hour ago 🇺🇸 United States – Remote 💵 $70.2k - $84.2k / year ⏰ Full Time 🟡 Mid-level 🟠 Senior 👔 Manager Apply Now Find Hiring Managers Customize resume for this job Report problem ☆ Save ☑️ Mark as applied ❌ Hide 📋 Description
Leads a portfolio of assigned projects that include data collection, analysis and reporting for funded external program evaluations, internal evaluations (e.g., NRPA’s strategic plan measurement and other initiatives), and research projects with many mixed samples (e.g., membership, program participants, staff, public) and methods (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interviews, literature reviews/desktop research, observations, technical assistance and training)
Develops and monitors full research and/or evaluation plans, creating full evaluation and/or research frameworks, that include identification of methodology, process and outcome measures, data collection methods and sources, and timelines
Works together with department colleagues and other internal partners to assess the progress and long-term impact of NRPA grant programs
Effectively communicates research and evaluation workplans, updates, and findings to colleagues and other teams and diverse (often non-technical) external audiences (members, donors, partners, the public) through reports, magazine articles, infographics, dashboards, academic journals, blog posts, conference presentations, etc.
Collaborates with department leadership and cross-functional business partners to support business development and revenue goals
Works with all R&E department staff members and multiple internal partners to foster and strengthen measurement culture and evidence-based decision-making at NRPA by ensuring that internal and external tools and resources are efficient, consistent and reflect NRPA’s approved language and branding; role modeling; formal and informal teaching; regularly reviewing and updating standard operating procedures and policies; reducing bias; and generally improving the value of R&E contributions to bolster NRPA’s reputation as the field’s premiere source of park and recreation knowledge and impact data
Keeps abreast of and champions ethical human-subjects research and equitable evaluation standards that respect and preserve the security and dignity of individuals and their data
Serves as an ambassador for NRPA and the R&E department at external conferences, meetings, site visits with local agencies, and at NRPA’s annual conference by presenting, networking, fostering relationships and supporting the conference team, as needed
Undertakes special projects and assignments as needed and directed. 🎯 Requirements
5-7 years of experience in social sciences research required
A degree, advanced degree, equivalent, or a combination of education and work experience in parks and recreation, education, economics, public policy or administration (or related fields) could be considered to meet this requirement
At least two (2) of the five years in full life-cycle program evaluation experience preferred
Strong demonstrated knowledge and experience in mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) research methods and approaches
Experience in designing and leading complex research and/or evaluation projects preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present data and research findings clearly and concisely for diverse audiences
Experience and enthusiasm for non-academic writing for trade or membership organizations a plus
Experience facilitating meetings, training sessions and professional development opportunities
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Suite required
Experience and skills with online survey software (e.g. Qualtrics, Alchemer); data analysis software (e.g., SPSS – Custom Tables and Syntax a plus, R, Dedoose), GIS software (ESRI) and current data visualization principles and tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI) preferred
Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to develop productive relationships and effectively collaborate with internal and external partners
Knowledge of and passion for parks and recreation and NRPA’s mission and commitment to access for all
Willingness to travel up to 20 days per year outside of remote work location. Apply Now 📊 Check your resume score for this job Improve your chances of getting an interview by checking your resume score before you apply. Check Resume Score Similar Jobs Safety Manager 🔥 1 hour ago Clearwave Fiber 201 - 500 📡 Telecommunications Website LinkedIn All Job Openings Manager of Safety overseeing safety programs to ensure workforce safety at Clearwave Fiber LLC. Leading safety committee efforts and compliance with regulations while conducting necessary safety training. 🇺🇸 United States – Remote ⏰ Full Time 🟡 Mid-level 🟠 Senior 👔 Manager 🦅 H1B Visa Sponsor Market Development Manager – Limb Reconstruction, Orthopedics 🔥 1 hour ago Orthofix 1001 - 5000 ⚕️ Healthcare Insurance 🧬 Biotechnology Website LinkedIn All Job Openings Market Development Manager responsible for driving market development in limb reconstruction for Orthofix. Collaborating with key partners and leading growth initiatives in the medical device industry. 🇺🇸 United States – Remote 💵 $140k / year ⏰ Full Time 🟡 Mid-level 🟠 Senior 👔 Manager 🦅 H1B Visa Sponsor Senior Manager, Omnichannel Insights – Execution 🔥 1 hour ago Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. 1001 - 5000 🧬 Biotechnology 💊 Pharmaceuticals ⚕️ Healthcare Insurance Website LinkedIn All Job Openings Senior Manager developing and executing omnichannel marketing strategies for Sumitomo Pharma. Leading insights analysis, campaigns, and ensuring alignment with business goals. 🇺🇸 United States – Remote 💵 $142.9k - $178.6k / year ⏰ Full Time 🟠 Senior 👔 Manager Senior Manager, Onboarding 🔥 1 hour ago Leap 51 - 200 ☁️ SaaS 🤝 B2B Website LinkedIn All Job Openings Senior Manager leading onboarding and service delivery projects to enhance customer satisfaction. Leveraging expertise in project management to ensure effective implementation in a fast-growing tech environment. 🇺🇸 United States – Remote ⏰ Full Time 🟠 Senior 👔 Manager 🦅 H1B Visa Sponsor Assistant Manager, Player Development 🔥 2 hours ago DraftKings Inc. 1001 - 5000 🎲 Gambling 🎮 Gaming 👥 B2C Website LinkedIn All Job Openings Assistant Manager of Player Development at DraftKings driving revenue performance and enhancing VIP experiences. Seeking a leader skilled in relationship building and sales management within a competitive market. 🇺🇸 United States – Remote 💵 $88.4k - $110.5k / year ⏰ Full Time 🟡 Mid-level 🟠 Senior 👔 Manager View More Manager Jobs 🌐 Worldwide Built by Lior Neu-ner. I'd love to hear your feedback — Get in touch via DM or support@remoterocketship.com Search Search Jobs by country Search jobs by city Search jobs by job title Search entry-level jobs Search junior-level jobs Search senior-level jobs Search jobs by tech stack Search jobs by contract type Search remote internships Search remote part-time jobs Remote jobs Anywhere in the World Companies Hiring Anywhere in the World Companies Hiring Sales People Anywhere in the World Companies Hiring Software Engineers Anywhere in the World Resources Advice Tips for finding remote jobs Interview questions and answers Resume examples Cover letter examples Post a job Affiliates Privacy policy Terms of service Job board SEO course AI Apply Copilot OpenClaw job finder Jobs by Country Remote jobs anywhere in the world (Worldwide remote jobs) Remote jobs United States Remote jobs Australia Remote jobs Brazil Remote jobs Canada Remote jobs France Remote jobs Ireland Remote jobs Germany Remote jobs Netherlands Remote jobs Spain Remote jobs UK Popular Jobs Remote data analyst jobs Remote customer support jobs Remote executive assistant jobs Remote marketing jobs Remote product designer jobs Remote product manager jobs Remote project manager jobs Remote recruiter jobs Remote sales jobs Remote software engineer jobs Jobs by Type Remote full-time jobs Remote part-time jobs Remote contract jobs Remote internship jobs Remote entry-level jobs Remote jobs with no experience required Remote junior jobs (1-3 years of experience) Digital nomad jobs Remote jobs with no degree required Freelance remote jobs Temporary remote jobs Remote jobs hiring now Stay at home mom jobs

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

social sciences researchmixed-methods researchprogram evaluationdata collection methodsdata analysisquantitative researchqualitative researchresearch designevaluation frameworksethical human-subjects research

Soft Skills

verbal communicationwritten communicationdata synthesisproject managementtime managementcollaborationrelationship buildingindependent worktraining facilitationpresentation skills