Evaluation Associate

Position: Evaluation Associate (100% Remote)

Posted 5/27/2026 | Status: Open until filled

Compensation: Salary: $76,000 to $85,000, depending on prior specific evaluation experience

Location: 100% Remote (Location is negotiable)

At Arroyo Research Services, remote work has been our norm since our founding in 2005, long before COVID. We work across the United States, are headquartered in Asheville, NC, and presently have multiple projects in southern California, Texas, and Virginia.

To Apply: Please submit your application, resume, and a relevant writing or data sample following the instructions found here:

ARS uses the tools of social science to help school districts, state departments of education, universities, and education organizations achieve the highest standards of educational excellence. We seek an early-to-mid-career Evaluation Associate to become a contributing member of our professional team. In this role, you will work directly with ARS Principals and clients on high-impact, federally and philanthropically funded national education projects.

What Your Days Will Look Like

We value good generalists with multiple strengths. As an Associate, you will be responsible for delivering substantial components of ARS projects across these core areas:

Methodology & Data Collection

• Co-Design & Collaborate: Work with ARS Directors and Principals to co-design research methods, statistical analyses, and evaluation projects.
• Instrument Development: Develop surveys, focus group and interview protocols, and other data collection instruments.
• Fieldwork: Conduct surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
• Research: Conduct remote and, as needed, on-site research, including observations, meeting participation, and school or program walk-throughs.

Analysis, Reporting & Impact

• Analyze & Write: Clean and analyze data, conduct program evaluations, and draft clear reports and client communications.
• Communicate: Interact directly and collaboratively with education decision makers.
• Strategic Support: Participate in and provide support for on-site or remote strategic planning initiatives and team meetings.

Travel & Connection

• Some travel to client sites and/or our Asheville, NC headquarters is required for this position. This will likely account for 10-15% of your working time (~5 to 8 weeks of travel per year, depending on your location) to connect with our team and see your work in action.

Compensation, Benefits & Culture

• Salary Range: $76,000 to $85,000, depending on prior specific evaluation experience.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Full benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Financial Security: Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a Health FSA.
• Retirement & Growth: A 401k retirement plan with firm contributions, plus company profit-sharing.
• Generous Time Off: 18 days of PTO, 8 federal holidays, plus an additional 4-5 firm holidays observed between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
  
  

About Arroyo Research Services

We are an education sector professional services firm with a rapidly growing national practice. Our services include research, measurement and evaluation, needs assessment and strategic planning, technical assistance, and related data systems. Our work focuses heavily on programs designed to: advance educational outcomes for underrepresented youth from birth through college; serve migrant youth and families; build optimal health among teens; increase STEM learning and promote STEM-related innovation.

Our clients include:

• Federal & Philanthropic Funders: The National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Education, Department of Defense Education Activity, the Samueli Foundation, and the Sandler Family Foundation.
• State Education Agencies: 20+ states including California, Texas, New York, Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
• Major School Districts: Fairfax County Public Schools (VA), York County Public Schools (VA), Hillsborough County Public Schools (FL), Baltimore County Public Schools (MD), and Socorro Independent School District (TX), among others.
• Universities & Organizations: The State University of New York (SUNY), the California State University System (including Fullerton, East Bay, and Dominguez Hills), University of Virginia, The Gallup Organization, and Learning Forward.
  
  

To Apply

Arroyo Research Services is committed to inclusion and diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. DACA recipients are encouraged to apply.

Please submit your application, resume, and a relevant writing or data sample following the instructions found here:

What You Bring (from most to least critical)

• Mindset: A broad interest in learning new things, an ability to think, reason, and problem-solve independently and in the service of project goals, and a strong desire to work both independently and collaboratively as a vital team member.
• Core Professional Skills: Strong and demonstrated writing skills, a strong client orientation, and the ability to interact and communicate comfortably with senior education administrators and decision-makers.
• Education & Experience: B.A. required; Master's degree, ABD, or Ph.D. in a relevant field (social sciences, education, or STEM) preferred. Experience in education research or program evaluation is required (internships and graduate-level academic research and assistantships count toward this experience); 3 or more years is preferred.
• Methodological Foundation: Practical experience with research design and statistics; working knowledge of R or Python (experience with SPSS or STATA is also valued).
• Sector Context: A baseline understanding of education organizations and (ideally) experience working in or with a K-12 education entity (e.g., a school, district, or state agency).
• Language Asset: Spanish fluency is welcomed but not required.
  
  

What We Will Help You Build

We view this role as an investment in your professional trajectory. At ARS, you will develop:

• Sector Expertise: Deep experience and expertise in K-16 education policy, programs, and funding streams.
• Advanced Technical Skills: Experience building modern, reproducible data flows.
• A Strong Portfolio: A robust portfolio of work that actively contributes to high-impact projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Science Foundation, and others.
• Consulting Skills: Strong remote client and project management skills, collaborative proposal development to secure future projects.