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Apply for Job Job ID362022 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyResearch-Researchers Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9742R6 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Position Overview The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) invites applications for a Researcher 6 position to conduct evaluation projects. These projects provide evaluation consultation and collaborative services primarily on education topics, serving the needs of various organizations such as non-profits, educational institutions, government agencies, and faculty initiatives. This position actively supports and advances the University's and CAREI's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Evaluator will be expected to design and implement comprehensive evaluation projects using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches. This includes developing detailed evaluation proposals, plans, logic models, and theories of change, as well as tailoring and creating data collection instruments to meet specific evaluation needs of each client and/or project. This role involves conducting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, writing comprehensive, detailed reports, and presenting findings to various audiences. The successful candidate will assist in hiring graduate assistants and managing their work, and coordinating with consultants on specific projects. This role is client-centered and involves collaborating with various community partners and organizations to build evaluation capacity, and efficiently manage project aspects, such as communications and timelines, to meet their evaluation needs. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise and experience in the field of evaluation as well as experience working in school districts, higher education settings, and/or community agencies. The candidate must be highly organized and skilled in oral and written communication, and will have the ability to work independently and make decisions within a project. This position will report directly to the Associate Director of Effective Practices and Evaluation. This position will manage project design, resource allocation, budgets, personnel coordination, and timely execution of deliverables of multiple evaluation projects, to guarantee project success. The role involves coordinating diverse project contracts, including External Sales agreements with school districts, non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, or community organizations, as well as Internal Sales with other University of Minnesota Departments or faculty, and Sponsored Projects via federal, state, or foundation granting agencies. The primary focus of the CAREI Evaluator's work is to enhance the quality of education for all learners (PreK-Adults), contributing to improved services and products through rigorous evaluation processes. While many projects are education-focused, this role involves concurrently coordinating multiple short- and long-term evaluations across both educational and non-educational domains. It necessitates attention to detail, a strong grasp of research methodologies and a commitment to impartial, comprehensive evaluation. The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to an offer. Job Responsibilities Evaluation Planning, Implementation and Reporting (80%) * Design Comprehensive Evaluation Proposals: Co-develop and propose comprehensive evaluation proposals for grant projects and clients, ensuring alignment with their needs and accurate budgeting of necessary tasks, time, and resources. * Create Evaluation Plans f r Diverse Organizations: Design evaluation plans, including questions, data collection and analysis methods, timelines and milestones, tailored to meet the unique needs of school districts, non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and other community organizations. * Conduct Literature Reviews and Integrate Findings: Perform comprehensive literature reviews and consolidate findings from multiple data sources in coherent ways to effectively inform evaluation processes. * Develop Data Collection Instruments: Develop comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments, such as interview and focus group protocols, surveys, rating scales, and observation protocols, tailored to address the specific research/evaluation questions defined in the project. * Organize and Analyze Large Data Collections: Organize, analyze, and summarize qualitative and quantitative data from various sources, such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to meet the evaluation's requirements. * Communicate and Summarize Findings for Varied Audiences: Summarize detailed literature reviews, evaluation plans, logic models, and qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method findings through written reports, executive summaries, and oral and visual presentations. Ensure that communication of results is clear, meaningful, and tailored to different levels of client expertise and needs. * Integrate Equity as a Guiding Principle: Integrate principles of equity and inclusion into evaluation practices, prioritizing the voices of those most impacted by the evaluation process. Actively seek diverse perspectives to inform decision-making and to address disparities in evaluation. * Perform Quantitative Data Analysis: Utilize core statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA to analyze quantitative data. Apply statistical software (e.g. SPSS) to manage and interpret datasets, ensuring accurate and insightful evaluation results. * Maintain Quality Assurance: Establish clear criteria for evaluation processes, develop procedures and protocols for data collection, analysis, and reporting, and implement rigorous quality-check processes to ensure accuracy, reliability, and validity of data/findings. * Collaborate and Communicate with Partners: Ensure a client-centered approach by building and maintaining client relationships; and fostering effective communication and rapport throughout all phases of the evaluation process, maintaining ongoing alignment with client needs and expectations. * Build Evaluation Capacity: Enhance individuals' and organizations' abilities to conduct effective evaluations through training and support. * Uphold Ethical Practices: Work with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and adhere to ethical guidelines throughout the evaluation process. This includes obtaining IRB approval and implementing measures to protect participant rights and confidentiality. Coordination and Direction of Evaluation Projects and Personnel (20%) * Support and manage graduate students and consultants involved in evaluation projects, guiding and providing feedback to ensure their effective coordination,... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.