Chief Impact Officer

The Chief Impact Officer (CIO) with the Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) serves as a visionary and results-driven leader responsible for guiding SAM’s data, evaluation, research, and measurement strategies. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this role ensures the integration of data insights into decision-making, strategic planning, and program evaluation to drive systemic change and improve outcomes from cradle to career.

Essential DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

Strategic Leadership

• Design and implement a data-driven strategy to measure and improve outcomes across all SAM initiatives.
• Lead the development and execution of an external measurement and research agenda, including convening work groups and advisory councils of local data leads and external experts. 
• Ensure that measurement and evaluation strategies incorporate external data sources, best practices, and field-wide learning to inform organizational and community impact.

Data, Evaluation, and Research

• Oversee data collection, analysis, and visualization to provide actionable insights for decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage partnerships with research institutions, evaluators, and data providers to drive high-quality impact evaluations.
• Develop and maintain systems to track progress on key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with SAM’s strategic priorities.

Capacity Building

• Build the capacity of SAM staff and partners to use data effectively in their work, including providing training on continuous improvement (CI) practices.
• Support local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in implementing evidence-based interventions and using data to improve outcomes.

Inclusive Data and Advocacy

• Ensure all data and evaluation practices focus on identifying disparities and designing solutions that promote fairness and improved outcomes for all. 
• Advocate for data-driven policy and funding decisions with local, state, and national partners.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a key spokesperson on impact and measurement, representing SAM to funders, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-sector partners to align efforts and maximize collective impact.
• Engage external stakeholders through presentations, advisory councils, and collaborative research initiatives.

Education and Experience Requirements:         

• Master’s or Doctorate in data science, education, public policy, social sciences, or commensurate experience.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in data, evaluation, research, or continuous improvement, preferably within a nonprofit or education-focused organization.
• Proven track record of leading impact measurement and driving systemic change.

Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) including the application of AI-driven predictive and generative analytics to forecast trends and model scenarios.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement science and its application to education and community initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and build partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills to translate complex data into compelling narratives for multiple audiences