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AARP

Director, Impact Assessment

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K/yr

... design, implementation, and interpretation of impact assessments. Experience developing, measuring, and reporting social impact metrics is highly desirable. * Demonstrated success partnering with ...

Social Impact, Inc.

The SME will be responsible for supporting the design of evaluation with key subject matter ... To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website. SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.

Social Impact, Inc.

The SME will be responsible for supporting the design of evaluation with key subject matter ... To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website. SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.

Social Impact, Inc.

... DC Social Impact, Inc. (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide ... management, design, monitoring and oversight of security assistance. The PM Bureau's need to ...

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How much do social impact design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for social impact design in the United States is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is social impact design?

Social impact design is a multidisciplinary approach that uses design principles and processes to address social, environmental, and economic challenges within communities. Professionals in this field collaborate with stakeholders to create solutions that promote positive change, equity, and sustainability. Their work can include designing products, services, systems, or environments that have a measurable benefit for society. Social impact designers often work with nonprofits, governments, or mission-driven organizations, aiming to create long-lasting improvements for people and the planet.

What is the difference between Social Impact Design vs Social Impact Coordinator?

AspectSocial Impact DesignSocial Impact Coordinator
Primary FocusDesigning solutions and strategies to address social issues through innovative projectsCoordinating and implementing social programs and initiatives
Required SkillsDesign thinking, project development, stakeholder engagementProgram management, communication, community outreach
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, NGOs, social enterprisesNonprofits, community organizations, government agencies
Common CertificationsDesign or social impact certifications, relevant degreesProject management, nonprofit management certifications

While Social Impact Design focuses on creating innovative solutions to social issues through design and strategy, Social Impact Coordinator manages and implements social programs. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core activities and skill sets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Impact Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Impact Designer, you need expertise in human-centered design, research, and problem-solving, often supported by a background in design, social sciences, or related fields. Proficiency with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), data visualization tools, and sometimes project management platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration skills help you engage communities and stakeholders effectively. These skills are crucial for designing solutions that are both innovative and meaningful, ensuring positive and sustainable social outcomes.

How does a Social Impact Designer typically collaborate with community stakeholders during a project?

Social Impact Designers often work closely with a diverse range of community stakeholders to ensure that solutions are both relevant and sustainable. This collaboration usually involves conducting workshops, interviews, and co-creation sessions to gather input and feedback throughout the design process. Open communication and empathy are key, as designers must balance stakeholder needs with project goals. This collaborative approach not only improves project outcomes but can also foster long-term partnerships and trust within the community.
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What job categories do people searching Social Impact Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Social Impact Design jobs are:
Social Impact Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Impact Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,367 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Director, Impact Assessment

Director, Impact Assessment

AARP

Washington, DC • On-site

$140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

AARP rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 710 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Overview
AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
The Director, Impact Assessment leads a high-performing team in generating the evidence, insights, and strategic learning needed to assess and strengthen the Foundation's impact across programs and initiatives. The ideal candidate brings the intellectual agility to work across a range of issue areas, and develop innovative methodologies for assessing hard-to-measure social and economic outcomes of the Foundation's work. They also possess the collaborative ability to shape a shared learning agenda, and inform Foundation strategy.
Responsibilities
  • Leads impact and economic evaluation of the enterprise direct service programs, strategic grants, litigation, impact investing, and other systems-change initiatives, and develops best practices and new approaches.
  • Directs the design and application of evidence-based learning loops that integrate performance measurement, monitoring, and learning to support adaptation in systems-change initiatives.
  • Develops best practices and innovative approaches for measuring social and economic outcomes across diverse programs and initiatives.
  • Communicates findings to leadership, internal stakeholders, and external audiences, including funders and the general public
  • Collaborates with internal program and functional teams to generate evidence and insights that inform strategic and operational decisions.
  • Set team strategy, priorities, and delivery plans in alignment with the enterprise's strategy that help impact portfolio needs.
  • Manages external evaluation consultants and data partner relationships to support the design and execution of rigorous evaluations as needed.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree in economics, public policy, or a related field, with 8+ years of progressive experience in impact evaluation, program assessment, and performance measurement, including a demonstrated ability to generate actionable insights that inform strategy, decision-making, and social impact outcomes.
  • 3+ years of people leadership experience, including building, developing, and leading high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Strong analytical and intellectual rigor, with a proven ability to balance methodological excellence with practical business needs, translating complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methodologies, including the design, implementation, and interpretation of impact assessments. Experience developing, measuring, and reporting social impact metrics is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated success partnering with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholder groups, effectively building relationships, aligning priorities, and driving consensus across organizational levels.
  • Exceptional project and program management capabilities, with a track record of managing multiple, concurrent initiatives in dynamic, fast-paced, and evolving environments.
  • Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts and findings effectively to executive leadership, subject matter experts, and broad audiences, and facilitate workshops.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Additional Requirements
  • Regular and reliable job attendance
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
  • Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
  • In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.
Compensation and Benefits
AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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