Remote Water Resources Research Jobs in Reston, VA

General Information

• Job Code: SHR-PE-04M
• Location: Ripple Effect Headquarters - Rockville, MD
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular
• Telework: This role is fully remote
• Clearance: Public Trust
• Salary Range: $102,413 to $117,774 per year (how we pay and promote)

Are you passionate about assessing programs to ensure they deliver measurable impact?

Do you excel at designing rigorous analyses, uncovering meaningful insights, and translating findings into actionable recommendations?

Ripple Effect is looking for a Research and Evaluation Manager that will work with the Research & Evaluation team to deliver mixed methods research, surveys, and portfolio analyses to ensure projects meet the expectations of stakeholders. This role will provide guidance on research design, analysis, and compliance while serving as primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders.

If this position sounds interesting, there's a place for you here at Ripple Effect! We embody a diverse, progressive, and engaging work environment. We offer a multitude of incentives and flexible work options that work for you and your lifestyle.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees the execution of evaluation projects by coordinating internal teams and external consultants, providing technical guidance on research design and analytical methods to ensure projects are methodologically sound and yield high-quality results.
• Facilitates clear communication within the project team and with external stakeholders by providing regular project updates and ensuring all parties remain informed and engaged throughout the study.
• Develops and manages detailed project plans, monitoring progress and adjusting scope, schedules, and resources as needed to ensure evaluations are completed on time and within budget.
• Ensures the technical accuracy and integrity of project deliverables by enforcing rigorous quality control processes across data collection, analysis, and reporting activities, promptly addressing any issues that arise.
• Guides and participates in data collection and analysis efforts, leveraging appropriate statistical methods to interpret data and generate insights that inform conclusions and recommendations.
• Manages project budgets by allocating resources efficiently and monitoring expenditures, ensuring projects stay within financial constraints while meeting all objectives.
• Ensures all evaluation activities adhere to relevant regulations, ethical standards, and contractual requirements by following established company policies and addressing compliance issues proactively.
• Oversees comprehensive documentation of project plans, methodologies, and results, ensuring all reports and technical sections (including contributions to proposals) are clear, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Implements process improvements to enhance team efficiency and project outcomes, using creative problem-solving to overcome challenges and adapt to changing project needs.
• Supervises team members by handling assignments, timekeeping, and problem-solving; responsible for quality, performance management, and training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, health, science or program evaluation field, Master's degree preferred
• 10 years of relevant, professional experience
• 2 years project management experience

Basic Requirements

• Technical experience with qualitative and quantitative software packages.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail and ability to execute instructions.
• Project and people management skills in budgeting, resourcing, planning, tasking and risk management
• Ability to communicate results simply and effectively
• Ability to develop strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and external vendors
• Experience with large data sets, quantitative methods, and multivariate statistical analysis
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. 
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to execute instructions
• Previous experience working with or directly supporting federal agencies

Skills That Set You Apart

• Masters or Doctoral degree (can substitute for years of experience)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience with Bibliometrics or Portfolio Analysis
• Experience with survey design
• Previous supervisory experience
• Experience preparing OMB and IRB clearance packages
• Intermediate experience with AI tools, including their limitations and risks, and how they can be applied to support project management tasks

About Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect is a woman-owned, 200-person company of communicators, scientists, researchers, and analysts. Established in 2003, and named as one of the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in 2024 and 2025 by the NABR, Ripple Effect has earned acclaim for delivering unparalleled consulting services and top-tier talent across federal, private, and non-profit sectors. 

Benefits

At Ripple Effect, we reward our employees for their contributions to our mission. Our comprehensive total rewards package includes competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and a range of programs that support your work/life balance and personalized preferences.  

Learn more about our benefits and culture here.