Program Evaluation Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Evaluation Manager to oversee the execution of program evaluations and independent assessments for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This role will focus on evaluating the effectiveness, cost efficiency, and veteran satisfaction with VA Mental Health (MH) and Suicide Prevention (SP) programs, including the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grants Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The ideal candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, leveraging their expertise in data analysis, programmatic evaluation, and stakeholder engagement to produce actionable insights and comprehensive reports in line with Congressional mandates.

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors-helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and Manage Evaluation Projects:

Assess the development and execution of evaluation methodologies and approach plans for VA's MH and SP programs. Design and establish evaluation frameworks, methodologies, and metrics for measuring program performance and outcomes.
• Conduct annual independent evaluations to generate Congressionally Mandated Reports (CMR) in compliance with the Clay Hunt Act and the Hannon Act.

• Utilize the CDC's Program Evaluation Framework to inform and guide evaluations, ensuring assessments are thorough and aligned with best practices.
• Utilize evaluation findings to make evidence-based recommendations for program enhancements and corrective actions.
• Encourage and support innovation and improvement initiatives within the program.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of program projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program-related inquiries and represent the program at meetings, conferences, and events.

Support Data Analysis and Quality Assurance:

• Manage data collection, analysis, and integrity checks for all evaluation datasets to ensure data collection and analysis aligns with evaluation needs.
• Generate analytical datasets using data provided by VA and ensure statistical validity of findings.
• Support the analysis of evaluation data to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• In conjunction with Lead Data Scientists and Data Analysts, provide VA with code and methodologies used for data analysis (e.g., SAS, SQL, R, Python).

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Facilitate meetings with VA Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) to understand data usage, methods, best practices, and published findings.
• Coordinate with VA stakeholders, including key informants and subject matter experts, to gather additional insights and address evaluation challenges.
• Prepare presentation materials, visualizations, and reports for VA and Congressional committees in a digestible and informative style.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Develop comprehensive reports and documentation detailing program performance, outcomes, and recommendations.
• Submit annual draft and final reports for the SSG Fox SPGP and Clay Hunt Act evaluations by specified deadlines.
• Document best practices and promising interventions for inclusion in final reports and propose recommendations based on evaluation findings.
• Ensure all deliverables include comprehensive data, analyses, and methodologies.

Continuous Improvement and Learning:

• Review and enhance evaluation strategies and methodologies, incorporating human-centered design (HCD) principles and feedback from previous evaluations.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in program evaluation and suicide prevention.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Economics, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program evaluation, management, and data analysis.
• Proven experience applying monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, and adaptation (MERLA) frameworks. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate program performance and outcomes.
• Strong background in managing large-scale, multi-year evaluation projects, preferably in healthcare or governmental settings.

• Knowledge of how to apply statistical software and data management tools (e.g., SAS, SQL, R, Python). Ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.

• Superior communication and diplomatic skills for cross-functional stakeholder engagement, particularly with doctorate level stakeholders. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., PMP certification, Agile, Scrum).
• Proven ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement improvements.
• High level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in evaluation processes and reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to diverse audiences.

• Strong leadership and team management abilities to guide and inspire program teams. Strong connector - make insightful connections to bring the right people together to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and exhibit flexibility based on changing client needs.

• Ability to manage a multidisciplinary team of evaluators, data analysts, and subject matter experts.

• Ability to pass a government background investigation, including financial, criminal, residential, educational, foreign affiliation, prohibited substance abuse, and employment verifications. Please note that only U.S. citizens are eligible for a suitability determination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with VA healthcare systems, policies, and data.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating Suicide Prevention and/or Mental Health Programs.
• Previous experience conducting independent assessments and drafting Congressionally Mandated Reports.

The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.

THe salary range for this position is up to $150,000.