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 for 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, contribution, and timely completion of tasks.
* Monitor the implementation of research and evaluation plans according to established timelines, ensuring high- quality products and deliverables.
* Lead multiple research and evaluation initiatives by managing projects and facilitating the planning and implementation processes.
* Proactively address and overcome project challenges and difficulties, while actively seeking and providing support and guidance as necessary, to ensure the continuous progress and success of client evaluations.
* When leading projects, serve as the primary point of contact for client communication, facilitating clear and efficient documentation and information exchange.
* Manage project budgets and allocate resources effectively to support project personnel and ensure tasks are aligned with budget constraints.

Required Qualifications

* Advanced degree in Evaluation or associated area, such as Education, Psychology, Leadership, Research or a related field, with evaluation/research experience and publication record (e.g. reports, articles).
* Demonstrated experience leading and/or conducting evaluations involving students, teachers, parents, and/or administration in education and/or social service settings.
* Proficiency in creating research and evaluation plans incorporating varying methods, and applying those plans in real-world settings.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
* Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
* Demonstrated written (e.g. reports) and oral (e.g. presentations) communication skills, and attention to detail.
* Familiarity with survey software platforms (Qualtrics preferred), Microsoft Excel and software packages for qualitative (Nvivo preferred) and quantitative (e.g. SPSS) analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in conducting field-based research in local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools, using mixed approaches including quantitative and qualitative methodologies to evaluate programs and policies.
* Familiarity with grant writing and fundraising processes, and ability to collaborate with team members to secure funding for evaluation projects.
* Experience and commitment to anti-racism/oppression, culturally responsive approaches and practices, and integration of an equity lens across the evaluation life cycle.
* Excels in a fast-paced work environment.
* Ability to make informed decisions to drive processes forward, maintain project momentum, and effectively achieve project goals.
* Experience with qualitative data analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis or content analysis.
* Proven ability to take initiative, working effectively in both independent and collaborative team environments.
* Skilled in managing complex challenges that may arise during any phase of the evaluation lifecycle.

Department Overview
CAREI is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI's mission is to maximize wellbeing in schools, families, and communities. Our vision is to become the premier hub for making research accessible and actionable to ensure equitable outcomes.

College Overview
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://cehd.umn.edu

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

*To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).