Senior Director, Learning and Impact

Accountabilities

You will provide strategic direction for the Learning and Evaluation function, lead a multidisciplinary team, and ensure that learning is embedded in organizational decision-making and program delivery. You will work closely with Programs, Development, Communications, and Operations to strengthen impact measurement, share insights, and support continuous adaptation. Key responsibilities include:

Lead and develop the Learning and Evaluation function, setting its vision, annual priorities, team structure, and budget in alignment with organizational strategy.

Manage, coach, and support team members, establishing clear expectations, providing regular feedback, encouraging professional development, and fostering an inclusive team culture.

Design, implement, and maintain the organization's learning infrastructure, including systems, tools, processes, and routines that make learning an ongoing organizational practice.

Oversee and continuously refine the Learning Agenda and Outcomes Framework, translating strategic priorities into practical indicators, learning questions, and reflection processes.

Develop and guide theories of change at organizational, strategic, and impact-area levels, working with program teams and partners to identify assumptions, pathways, and supporting evidence.

Steward learning and outcomes frameworks across key impact areas, including gender justice and climate justice, ensuring alignment with broader programmatic goals and approaches.

Lead the first three years of the new programmatic framework as a learning phase, using evidence and partner perspectives to test assumptions and refine priorities.

Develop credible approaches to demonstrating the organization's contribution to change across children and young people, partner organizations, and wider ecosystems without overstating attribution.

Guide or commission research on issues affecting children and young people, collaborating with partners and relevant stakeholders.

Analyze qualitative and quantitative information, including partner data, research findings, and learning reviews, to identify patterns and actionable insights.

Introduce participatory learning practices, including reflection exercises, evaluation activities, learning conversations, and strategy reviews.

Coach program teams to integrate data collection and learning into their daily work while minimizing reporting burdens on partners.

Build an organization-wide learning culture that encourages curiosity, honest reflection, openness to challenges, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Create regular opportunities for cross-functional reflection and sense-making, bringing together Programs, Development, Communications, Operations, and leadership.

Lead the collection and management of quantitative data and qualitative stories across the portfolio, ensuring data quality, governance, and ethical use.

Oversee data and knowledge management systems, including the responsible use of AI tools and collaboration on platforms such as Salesforce.

Work with safeguarding and communications colleagues to ensure that data collection and storytelling protect the dignity, consent, and safety of children, young people, and communities.

Synthesize learning across programs and regions into strategic insights for senior leadership and the Board.

Collaborate on impact reports, donor communications, and external publications, sharing organizational learning with partners, peer networks, and the wider philanthropic sector.

Model organizational values and commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in leadership, collaboration, and decision-making.

Requirements:

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with substantial experience in learning, evaluation, research, or impact management, ideally within an international nonprofit, philanthropic, or social justice environment. You combine strong analytical capabilities with participatory and equity-centered approaches, and can translate complex evidence into practical improvements and compelling narratives for diverse audiences. The following qualifications and experience are expected:

At least 9 years of progressive experience leading learning, evaluation, research, or impact functions.

At least 5 years of people management experience, including setting direction, supporting staff development, and building effective teams.

Demonstrated experience designing and implementing learning agendas and/or outcomes frameworks and ensuring their adoption by program teams.

Strong understanding of participatory, equitable, and trust-based approaches to evaluation and learning, with a willingness to challenge conventional practices that may reinforce unequal power dynamics.

Familiarity with feminist, decolonial, or other community-led approaches to research, evaluation, and impact measurement.

Expertise in mixed-methods research, combining qualitative storytelling with quantitative analysis and synthesis across diverse programs or portfolios.

Demonstrated ability to develop theories of change and practical learning and outcomes frameworks.

Experience training and coaching program staff to integrate learning and data practices into their work.

Proven ability to build a learning culture and facilitate reflection, collaboration, and evidence-informed decision-making across an organization.

Exceptional facilitation, communication, and writing skills, including the ability to present complex findings to senior leadership, Board members, and donors.

Strong commitment to equity, children's and young people's rights and wellbeing, and ethical data collection and storytelling.

Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, build trusting relationships, and support equitable participation and shared accountability.

Experience working with grassroots, community-based, or youth-led organizations and individual changemakers across different regions is preferred.

Familiarity with child and youth development, rights-based approaches, ecosystem perspectives, or life-course frameworks is an advantage.

Experience in change management, strategy development, or organizational transitions is beneficial.

An advanced degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience is preferred.

Experience building or restructuring a learning, evaluation, or impact team is an asset.

Familiarity with data and knowledge management systems, AI tools, grants management platforms, or CRM systems is desirable.

Knowledge of Salesforce and its use for grants, data, or learning management is an advantage.

Fluency in an additional language, particularly Spanish or French, is preferred.

Knowledge of gender justice and/or climate justice, including relevant issues, stakeholders, and approaches to measuring change, is beneficial.

Experience gained through lived experience, community work, or non-traditional professional paths is welcomed.

Benefits:

Annual salary range of $105,000–$140,000 for US-based candidates, depending on experience. Compensation for international hires is locally benchmarked according to location, benefits, and experience.

Full-time, exempt position.

International candidates outside the US and UK may be engaged through an Employer of Record, with benefits aligned with local employment laws.

Comprehensive private healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Generous paid time off, including annual leave, enhanced sick leave, wellbeing days, sabbatical leave, and family-friendly leave.

Flexible working arrangements, including remote, hybrid, and compressed work schedules.

Pension contributions.

Employee Assistance Services.

Professional development opportunities, including training, collaboration, mentorship, and access to professional development funds.

Team-building activities and social committees.

Additional benefits may be available depending on the employee's location.

An international, collaborative, and inclusive working environment focused on meaningful social impact.