Hi, I'm Daniel
I’m a mixed-methods researcher and strategic advisor with 15+ years of experience helping organizations turn complex data into clear insights that drive better decisions. My work sits at the intersection of research, strategy, and storytelling — supporting leaders as they define outcomes, measure impact, and align resources with mission.
EXPERIENCE
2021-PRESENT
Senior Director
COMBINED JEWISH PHILANTHROPIES
Lead and manage CJP's long-term research initiatives, supporting $50M+ in annual strategic grantmaking. Help design and oversee large-scale studies across portfolios, including education, health and well-being, and organizational effectiveness, translating B2B and B2C data into actionable guidance for senior leaders, program teams, and grantees. Design and lead the 2025 Greater Boston Jewish Community Study.
2017-2021
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY / COHEN CENTER FOR MODERN JEWISH STUDIES
Associate Research Scientist
Managed and implemented survey research and evaluation of local and national programs, and socio-demographic analysis and population estimates for local and national communities. Publications include research on ethnic and religious identity, gender, and family life, and survey methodology. Expertise in qualitative and quantitative fields of research.
2006-2017
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY / COHEN CENTER FOR MODERN JEWISH STUDIES
Research Associate
Conducted evaluation research and designed and implemented multi-modal surveys for large-scale programs. Experience with qualitative data collection including focus groups, interviews, and ethnography as well as quantitative data collection and analysis
EDUCATION
2017
PhD
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Heller School for Social Policy & Management
Concentration in Children, Youth, and Families
Dissertation: Choosing Marriage in a Period of Decline: The Role of Homogeneity, Religion, and Social Networks in the Marriage Market Among Jewish Young Adults
2005-2008
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Near Eastern & Judaic Studies / Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program
Master's Degree
Dual degree program in Jewish studies and professional leadership. Concentration in American Judaism and social scientific study of contemporary Jewry.
2001-2005
California State University, San Bernardino
Bachelor's Degree
Cum Laude
Bachelor's degree in History, with a concentration on American history.
SKILLS
SPSS/Stata - Advanced
Qualtrics - Advanced
ArcGIS Mapping - Proficient
Power BI - Proficient
Survey Research & Design - Advanced
Program Evaluation - Advanced
Theory of Change - Advanced
Data Visualization - Advanced
EXPERTISE
SURVEY RESEARCH & DESIGN
I am experienced with questionnaire development, field testing, CATI management, sampling, and survey operations.
I bring expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as mixed-methods research. My experience with quantitative methods and analysis includes descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, advanced statistical modeling, and graphics. I have also conducted ethnographic research, structured and semi-structured interviews, transcription, and analysis.
PROGRAM EVALUATION
​Program evaluation is at the core of my training in survey research. I have experience with pre/post and retrospective designs using both quasi-experimental and nonexperimental methods. Evaluation research includes qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method design and analysis. Prior experience includes evaluation of large-scale national programs such as Birthright Israel as well as smaller programs.
POLICY ANALYSIS
​My degree in social policy with a concentration in children, youth, and families provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to stay up-to-date with programs and policies affecting local Jewish communities. I also lead measurement and outcome development using tools such as logic models and theory of change. I work with a wide-range of organizations and funders to help develop and implement research to aid in evidence-based decision making.
Teaching Experience
2022 - 2026
HRNS-246a: Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders
HRNS-247: Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders
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Two/four credit graduate-level courses designed to help students understand common statistical analyses used in policy and management contexts and program evaluation
Lecturer
Fall 2022: Two-credit graduate-level course designed to help understand common statistical analyses used in policy and management contexts
2011 - 2020
Teacher
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Designed and managed senior research capstone (Sofit).
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Taught courses on American Jewish history and culture, research methods in the Jewish studies, and contemporary issues in the Jewish community
Prozdor
2007 - 2012
Fall 2007: American Judaism (NEJS 162).
Spring 2008: Analyzing the Jewish Community (NEJS 165a).
Fall 2009/Spring 2011/Spring 2012: Research Design for Social Policy Researchers (HS 359)
