About Community Solutions

Community Solutions is a non-profit organization that works to achieve a lasting end to homelessness that leaves no one behind. We envision a more equitable future where homelessness is never inevitable or a way of life, for anyone. Since 2015, we have led Built for Zero, a movement of more than 100 cities and counties using data to radically change how they work and the impact they can achieve — and proving that it is possible to make homelessness rare and brief. Nearly half of these communities have reduced homelessness and 14 have ended veteran or chronic homelessness. To help communities equitably and sustainably end homelessness, we are also testing strategies that can address gaps in housing, disrupt inflow into homelessness, and produce more racially equitable housing and homelessness systems.

Position Overview

The Learning & Evaluation Analyst will design evaluation and learning projects by regularly gathering, analyzing, and harvesting insights from a diverse mix of qualitative and quantitative data sourced from communities, states, researchers, and policy papers. In response to this data, they may execute or support the execution of strategies that are crucial for ending homelessness in a measurable and equitable manner across communities, as appropriate. The successful candidate will be skilled in applying rigorous mixed methods to design evaluations, conduct research on topics relevant to Community Solutions’ strategic plan aims, and support the continuous improvement of these methods.

Additionally, the Learning & Evaluation Analyst will have opportunities to publish content externally, present findings at conferences, and assist in developing a network of external evaluators and researchers.

Defining Success for this Position:

• Facilitate the development of a shared learning system across all Built for Zero portfolios, accelerating the achievement of our strategic plan aims.
• Develop processes to identify and disseminate learning opportunities throughout the organization.
• Support continuous improvement of systems, ensuring data management fosters a human-centered approach.
• Apply an equity lens to all data analyses—quantitative and qualitative—and make concrete, data-informed recommendations to advance equity in all evaluated work.
• Contribute to the design and writing of projects intended for publication.
• Utilize data analytics skills to interpret analyses and apply findings to targeted learning questions and the broader strategic plan.
• Ensure tools are accessible and designed with the user in mind, and that our systems are scalable to support the growing needs of more communities and initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, execute, and lead evaluation and learning projects in coordination with the Learning & Evaluation Strategy Lead and Director, Strategy & Evaluation.
• Foster sustainable engagement and change within communities.
• Identify learning opportunities and develop processes to enhance organizational learning and knowledge sharing.
• Lead project designs for publication and contribute writings.
• Build sustainable capacity in critical problem-solving areas.
• Identify and address key policy barriers and levers.
• Promote excellent strategy, execution, and culture across the Built for Zero team.
• Scope and support the implementation of transformational projects, including community investments, real estate projects, and partnerships with adjacent sectors like behavioral health and criminal justice.
• Design and execute projects centering on user experience, coordinating regularly across Built for Zero teams.
• Present summary reports, presentations, and findings to both internal and external audiences.
• Maintain an equity focus in all evaluations and offer concrete, data-informed recommendations to enhance equity in all evaluation efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned to further the objectives of Built for Zero.

Key Knowledge and Skill Areas

• The ideal candidate will have demonstrated the ability to apply best practice methods in evaluation approaches, ensuring robust and impactful analyses. Additionally, the candidate should possess:

• Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with the capacity to synthesize and integrate data from diverse sources.
• Strong analytical skills, with a history of turning data into actionable insights and strategic initiatives.
• Experience in using data visualization tools and software to effectively communicate findings to a variety of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current trends in homelessness prevention, public health, and social services, with an ability to apply this knowledge in a practical, results-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly and persuasively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• A commitment to equity and inclusion, with experience applying an equity lens in data analysis and program evaluation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of previous work experience in a professional environment.
• Experience with homelessness response systems, public health agencies, or systems upstream of homelessness is preferred.
• A passion for justice, equity, ending homelessness, and the belief that it is possible.
• Strong understanding of evaluation methods.
• Experience with facilitation and public speaking.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment and demonstrate flexibility in managing various responsibilities with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, as evidenced by leading projects to successful and measurable completion.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural racism and its impact on communities of color.
• Collaborative work ethic and a high tolerance for feedback, direct communication, and proactive conflict resolution.
• Non-traditional candidates are welcome. Community Solutions strives for representation and authentic inclusion of applicants and employees who have direct, first-hand experience with poverty, homelessness, and their root causes, including racism, marginalization, discrimination, and all forms of inequity.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Software/Apps Used

• Microsoft Office
• Google Business Apps
• Asana
• Zoom
• Social media software and applications

Work Environment

This position can be located anywhere in the continental United States. The Built for Zero team has office space in Los Angeles, and New York City, but the position provides for the flexibility to work from a remote location without the standard support available at an office if such an arrangement meets the needs of Community Solutions.

Position and Salary

This position is grant-funded for two years with potential for renewal.

CS offers competitive salaries and benefits packages for every position. The salary range for this position is between $76,634-$97,921. The actual salary is commensurate with the candidate's experience and may go beyond the listed range.

Travel Requirements

Up to 5 days of travel per month may be required to attend semi-annual team retreats, community visits, and other on-site trainings or convenings.

Diversity and Inclusion

We strive for inclusivity and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We seek to employ an all-star team of people who vary by their race and ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, age, culture, religion, veteran status, physical and mental abilities. We promote equal opportunity in the recruitment, selection, training, compensation, promotion, and benefits of all employees.

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all Community Solutions staff—full-time, part-time, and contracted. Vaccination documentation must be provided to Community Solutions. Vaccination information is completely confidential between the staff member and HR.