Evaluation and Research Fellow
City of Boston, Department of Innovation and Technology · Boston, MA
Overview:
This is a grant funded position, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and expected to last for two years or when funds are depleted, no later than December 31, 2026.
The Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) seeks a motivated, detail-oriented, and analytical Evaluation and Research Fellow to support the City of Boston’s evaluation and research initiatives. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in real-world policy evaluation and research that will directly influence the lives of Boston residents and improve City programs. As a key part of the City’s Analytics Team, the Fellow will work closely with the Evaluation and Research Lead to conduct rigorous evaluations of City programs and policies, with a particular focus on those funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These evaluations will help measure the impact of critical programs and services, informing decisions that contribute to long-term improvements in citywide operations, public service delivery, and
resident outcomes. This role is central to expanding the capacity of Boston’s government to use data to drive impactful policy change.
The Fellow will assist in identifying high-potential opportunities for evaluation and shaping and refining the research questions that guide the evaluation process. They will contribute to the design of evaluation frameworks, including both experimental and quasi-experimental designs, and support the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. The work will culminate in reports and presentations that clearly communicate actionable insights to City departments, decision-makers, and the public. In addition to data analysis and research, the Evaluation and Research Fellow will collaborate with City departments and stakeholders, helping to ensure that evaluations are designed to align with the City’s goals and priorities. This role also offers the chance to coach other members of the Analytics Team in evaluation techniques and build relationships with various departments across the City.
This position is ideal for candidates with a passion for public service and an interest in evidence-based policymaking. The Fellow will have the opportunity to develop their skills in program evaluation, policy analysis, and data-driven research while contributing to projects that directly impact the City of Boston.
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Evaluation and Research Lead in designing and executing rigorous impact evaluations for City programs, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.
- Develop and maintain evaluation documentation, track project progress, and analyze program data using experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
- Collaborate with the Analytics Team and City departments to align research findings with broader City strategies, identify key research questions, and ensure evaluations meet City goals.
- Prepare reports and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences and serve as a resource for departments conducting independent evaluations.
- Provide support and guidance to Analytics Team members and City staff on evaluation techniques, helping foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s or PhD in public policy, social sciences, economics, or related fields.
- Understanding of program evaluation, policy analysis, or research methods (familiarity with experimental and quasi-experimental designs is a plus).
- Knowledge of data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, Python, or similar) to conduct evaluations and generate insights.
- Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain findings clearly to various audiences.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a desire to collaborate and learn in a fast-paced environment.
- Enthusiasm for public service and improving City programs through data-driven research and evaluation.
- Eagerness to learn new evaluation techniques and contribute to impactful research projects.
BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED
Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/$25 per hour
Hours Per Week: 14
