ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

First Peoples Fund is a national non-profit organization founded in 1995. First Peoples Fund honors, supports, and elevates the Collective Spirit of Native artists, culture bearers, and their communities. First Peoples Fund envisions a world of thriving, culturally-centered, and connected Indigenous communities.

SUMMARY:

The Director, Evaluation + Research is responsible for leading the organization’s research, data collection, and evaluation efforts that support our mission of uplifting Native arts, cultures, and communities. This role will play a critical part in assessing program effectiveness, tracking impact, and ensuring that data-driven insights inform strategic decision-making. This position will bring experience in Indigenous-centered evaluation methodologies and a commitment to ethical and culturally responsive research practices.

This position reports to the Sr. Vice President, Programs. The evaluation and research team will include the Program Manager, Evaluation + Research, as well as opportunities to review capacity for any additional staff and/or contractors. This position collaborates closely with program teams, development staff, and external stakeholders to collectively translate complex data into meaningful insights that guide program improvements, stakeholder engagement and field-building.

Pay: This is a full-time exempt/salary position. The salary range is $90000 to $105000 annually. Pay may vary depending on your location, skills, and experience.

Location/Travel Requirements:  This is a remote position and must be located in Central, Pacific, Mountain, or Eastern time zones within the United States. Occasional travel.

Pre-screen: Upon offer, employees will be required to complete and pass a background check. 

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research & Data Collection

• Develop and oversee the organization’s evaluation and research strategies, ensuring alignment with mission-driven goals.
• Use Indigenous research methodologies and community based participatory research to inform program design and strategic planning.
• Develop and implement culturally responsive data collection methodologies (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies).
• Gather qualitative and quantitative data on program effectiveness, community impact, and stakeholder feedback.
• Stay current on trends, Indigenous evaluation practices, and emerging research relevant to the organization’s mission.

In collaboration with Programs Team:

• Design and implement evaluation frameworks to measure program success.
• Establish indicators and impact metrics that align with community-defined success.
• Collaborate with program managers to conduct formative and summative evaluations to assess program progress and outcomes.
• Provide reports with findings and recommendations for program improvement.
• Collaborate with program staff to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and integrate evaluation into program design.
• Support national advocacy efforts that promote Native arts and artists.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Partner with Advancement & Communications to identify stories and data/analysis for use in content for communications and fundraising. Analyze collected data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement.
• Provide leadership in using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
• Develop dashboards and visual reports to effectively communicate insights.
• Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Generate impact reports for funders, partners, and internal stakeholders.

Grant Support & Fundraising Data

• Provide data-driven insights to support grant writing and funding proposals.
• Assist in fulfilling reporting requirements for funders and donors.
• Track program performance to demonstrate outcomes and investment impact.

Organizational Learning & Continuous Improvement

• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions to improve program effectiveness.
• Develop training and capacity-building initiatives for staff on data literacy and evaluation.
• Recommend data-driven improvements for strategic planning and program development.
• Work with program teams to develop and implement evaluation processes and analysis.
• Maintain and update the Evaluation Operations manual ongoing and annually.

External Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with universities, researchers, and nonprofits for collaborative studies.
• Engage with community members to ensure culturally responsive evaluation practices.
• Present findings at conferences, workshops, and public forums.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Statistical Analysis, Management Information Systems, Evaluation, Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management or related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• 5+ years of experience in program evaluation, impact measurement, or research, preferably in an arts, cultural, or community engagement non-profit and/or Indigenous organization setting. 
• Broad knowledge of tribal communities and cultures across North America. 
• An understanding and awareness of the Native arts and culture field. 
• Background and/or experience in community development in under-resourced communities.
• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization tools.
• Proficient in Google Suite, Adobe Suite; Excel power user, Outcome Tracker, Access, SalesForce, ESRI, Tableau, Submittable, Kindful - experience with NetSuite software a plus. 
• Experience managing databases, CRM systems, or evaluation software (e.g., Salesforce) is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Ability to lead diverse teams in building their comfort with and understanding of data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Previous experience with applied/participatory research and evaluation.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented project management experience required.
• Pragmatic and customer-oriented project/ program manager experience.
• Attention to detail and ability to understand and create budgets.
• Ability to work under pressure and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including tribal leadership, artists, partners, and staff.
• Ability to work independently as well as to take direction and provide support to a team.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt.
• Passion for the arts and a deep understanding of the role cultural organizations play in community development.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Indigenous evaluation frameworks, community based participatory research, culturally responsive methodologies, and the data sovereignty movement. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data visualization tools, and statistical analysis software.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with experience preparing reports for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultural values and protocols.
• Ability to translate data into meaningful narratives that support organizational storytelling and advocacy efforts.
• Familiarity with grant writing, funding reporting, and compliance requirements is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and Indigenous data sovereignty principles.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional travel to attend conferences, community meetings, and partner events.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs for carrying research materials, reports, or presentation equipment.
• Comfortable engaging in fieldwork, which may involve site visits, interviews, and community engagement activities.
• Ability to adapt to various work environments, including office settings, remote work, and in-person community gatherings.

Additional requirements: 

• Upon offer, candidates will be asked to complete a background check. First Peoples Fund complies with all applicable laws and conducts screenings in a fair and confidential manner.

BENEFITS

First Peoples Fund offers the following benefits:

Health, Dental, and Vision are provided to full-time employees effective the 1st of the month after hire. These benefits are provided at no cost to the employee. Family coverage is available for cost.

Sick Leave: 48 hours - available on the date of hire and can be used as earned

11 Paid Holidays with 1 Personal Culturally Significant Day

After 180 days Introductory Period

Annual Leave: 70 hours for the first year of employment

401(k) with company match

First Peoples Fund does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

First Peoples Fund participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. First Peoples Fund will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

First Peoples Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, status as a covered veteran, or other military status.