Main Responsibilities of an Independent Impact and Evaluation Consultant
Rakhee's consulting work encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from "evaluation and data analysis" to strategic planning and "articulating outcomes and their vision," often working with executive teams. This multifaceted role also includes "knowledge management," quantitative and qualitative research, talent management with a DEI lens, and even communications, website development, and budget management within their own organization, showcasing a versatile skillset and adaptability.
Data Analysis, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Communication, Leadership Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rakhee Patel
Impact & Evaluation Consultant
Independent Consultant
Wellesley College (studied abroad for 1 semester at University College London)
UCLA | M.S. and Ph.D. in Statistics (2011)
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Consulting
Honors Student, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Rakhee's work involves a variety of tasks, reflecting the multifaceted nature of impact and evaluation consulting. She supports clients in evaluation and data analysis, helping them understand their work's impact.
2. She engages in knowledge management, assisting organizations in improving data collection, organization, and information systems for greater efficiency.
3. Rakhee also contributes to strategic planning, facilitating sessions and advising senior teams on various matters, highlighting the blend of analytical and leadership skills needed in the field.
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities in your current role?
In my consulting projects, I support clients with various needs. This is one of the aspects I love about my job.
Some of my main responsibilities include evaluation and data analysis. I help clients determine the impact of their work on the community or the populations they serve.
I also handle knowledge management, assisting people with databases and information systems. This involves organizing information to improve their organization's efficiency.
Furthermore, I help clarify outcomes and vision, often working with CEOs and executive directors. Many leaders have a great vision but lack a clear path to achieve it. My role involves facilitating this process to determine what needs to be evaluated.
I also conduct a lot of strategic planning, leading working sessions for teams. Whether virtually or in person, I facilitate exercises to help teams develop strategies and plans.
Additionally, I perform quantitative and qualitative research. This includes surveys, data analysis, landscape analysis, stakeholder engagement, interviews, and focus groups.
I provide support in talent management, drawing on my previous experience at the Broad Center. I understand leadership development and organizational talent needs from a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective. This involves ensuring an inclusive culture and diverse representation to meet desired outcomes and represent necessary perspectives.
I offer strategic advising to senior teams and executives, providing coaching and general project management. In my role with the Social Studies Accelerator organization, we operate like a startup, requiring everyone to wear many hats.
My work often involves strategy and impact, focusing on what will best serve students and schools. I help prioritize our initiatives.
I also handle communications, surprisingly for a math person. This includes creating newsletters and developing our website with a designer. I also design many of our documents.
My responsibilities extend to budget and accounting, project management, and program design and recruitment. Last year, I led the behind-the-scenes work for a program launched with content creators.
Ultimately, working in this space requires versatility, and I enjoy the variety of tasks involved.