Evaluation Specialist- Youth Development

Required Qualifications:

(All required qualifications must be documented on application materials to be considered.)

• Two years of post-Master’s degree related research or evaluation experience.
• Experience analyzing data for use in strategic planning.
• Demonstrated use of multiple methods to collect data.
• Experience publishing research in peer-reviewed journals
• Mastery with data collection and analysis tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SPSS)
• Master’s degree is required in evaluation, measurement, youth development, family social science, education, psychology or related fields at the time of application.
• Strong oral communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
• Demonstrated use of data for continuous program, operations or systems improvement.
• Demonstrated success in developing and distributing reports or other tools to communicate evaluation findings.
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication.
• Experience designing, developing and implementing an evaluation plan.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• The position will involve some travel which may include overnights and work that may require evenings and/or weekends. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Valid driver's license and access to own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated collaborations to further evaluation and research agendas.
• Experience increasing evaluation skills in staff.
• Demonstrated success in grant development and budget management.
• Demonstrated ability leading teams and providing work direction.
• Doctoral degree in research or evaluation methods, youth development, family social science, education, psychology or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement research studies.

Working Title: Evaluation Specialist

Appointment: 100% time; Annual renewable, UMN Benefits apply

Classification: 9742R6 - Researcher 6

Salary Range: $72,000 - 83,000

Program Area: Department of Youth Development

Location: St. Paul campus; Hybrid work options may be available

Supervisor: Associate Dean and Department Head, Youth Development

Initial Deadline: May 28, 2023

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This is a full-time academic professional position. The Evaluation Specialist is responsible for leading the design, development and implementation of a comprehensive evaluation plan for the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development program, Youth Worker training, and initiatives/special projects within the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development. The Specialist sets an evaluation agenda for the Department in collaboration with the Associate Dean, and works with colleagues to ensure alignment of the evaluation practices to maximize the public value of Extension programs while also contributing to the field of youth development. The Specialist works directly with the Associate Dean and other leads to proactively contribute to the strategic direction of the Department with data-driven information and trends. This position also aligns the Youth Development departmental evaluation portfolio with the Extension portfolio.

This Evaluation Specialist reports directly to the Associate Dean. Performance will be evaluated annually based on the position responsibilities and specific work plan for the year, using Extension performance appraisal procedures. The position will involve some travel which may include overnights and weekends.

Program/Team Evaluation Responsibilities 35%)

• Lead project teams carrying out evaluation efforts. Contributes to and identifies opportunities to communicate the outcomes, impacts and value of UMN Extension Department of Youth Development.
• Guides staff in developing evaluative tools, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting; maintains dashboards and creates reports; builds internal capacity through training, coaching and consulting.
• Designs evaluation plans, collects and analyzes data using qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods and produces evaluative reports
• Translates evaluation and monitoring results into content for presentations, publications, usable graphics, fact sheets, and other materials to be used for communication, reporting, and educational purposes by staff, leadership in public and academic forums.

Departmental Evaluation Responsibilities (50%)

• Provides leadership to federal reporting process and other accountability processes of Youth Development as directed by the Associate Dean.
• Collaborates with academic technologist, operations leaders and other staff on information architecture and solves problems related to data collection and reporting.
• Works collaboratively with Department staff members to develop a results-oriented culture; strengthens the internal staff capacity to access and use performance data, research and other knowledge for learning and continuous improvement of the Department’s priorities (both within and across teams and regions).
• Guides the Department in honing the use of data in its strategic planning, including tracking and documenting the relationship between the Department’s targets and desired outcomes and the data that are tracked at other levels within and across the Department.
• May supervise and/or direct the work of undergraduate/graduate students and other staff members contributing to departmental evaluation efforts.
• Leverages resources by securing grants and partnerships to further the Department’s evaluation and research portfolio. Manage budgets.
• Serves on the Department leadership team and represents the Department in Extension evaluation.
• Provides leadership in all phases of the evaluation process, including the design, development and implementation of an integrated Youth Development evaluation plan that documents youth program outcomes, adult education outcomes, and a data collection and reporting system in collaboration with the Associate Dean.
• Models a cohesive, reflective practice of Extension scholarship by making significant contributions to Extension, the field of youth development and the profession of program evaluation.

Extension-wide Evaluation Responsibilities (10%)

• Develop college-wide comprehensive and systematic approaches, measurements and learning related to evaluation
• Work across Extension to engage and collaborate, on a regular basis, with other departmental evaluators on organizational projects

Professional Development and Other Duties (5%)

• Builds evaluation competence through continuing education and involvement in professional/academic associations
• Perform other duties as required or directed.

Appointment/Salary/Benefits

ABOUT EXTENSION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement. Find further information at www.extension.umn.edu.

As one of four departments, the Extension Department for Youth Development has a long history of positive youth development education. Within the Department, the 4-H Youth Development program is the largest non-formal youth program in the state. In addition to delivering the 4-H program, the Department conducts research on positive youth development; provides training, education and tools for youth workers and leaders; and provides financial support for youth development programs through the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Resume or Vitae
• Cover letter- Summarize the strengths you will bring to this position.

• If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
• A Diversity Statement- In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth
• Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
• Personalized views and experiences
• Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email [email protected] or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Jennifer Skuza, Associate Dean & Department Head, Youth Development, [email protected].

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, [email protected].

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax.

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