Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Working Title: Evaluation Specialist

Appointment: Full-time, Researcher 5 (Job 9742R5), P&A

Extension Area: Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Office Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus

Application Deadline: May 22, 2023

About this position:

This Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for leading the design, development and implementation of the comprehensive evaluation program for University of Minnesota Extension—Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems. The position will support Departmental program teams in their evaluation efforts, overseeing specific evaluation initiatives, leading data collection/reporting for Extension projects and assisting field and campus faculty assess their educational efforts for measurable outcomes, professional development and promotion success. This broad range of evaluation/reporting projects will benefit the individual, program teams, Department, and Extension. The overall effort led by the Evaluation Specialist will result in information for continuous program improvement and impact reporting.

The Evaluation Specialist will work to build the capacity of the Department’s teams to integrate evaluation into the culture and practice of their educational programs. They will actively participate in setting an evaluation agenda for the Department in collaboration with the Department’s leadership team. They will also work with teams to ensure alignment of the evaluation practices to maximize the value of Extension programs while also contributing to academic disciplines of the field and campus faculty. The Evaluation Specialist will proactively contribute to the strategic direction of the Department with data-driven information and trends. This position provides leadership to align Departmental evaluation efforts with the larger Extension portfolios.

This full-time position will be located on the St. Paul campus and be supervised by the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems’ Education Manager.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Program/Team Evaluation Efforts (45%)

• Provide leadership in supporting the Department’s program teams in the use of data for their strategic planning by developing templates for program planning, conducting needs and assets assessments using logic models, evaluation plan templates, and other program planning tools.
• Lead the design, development and implementation of the comprehensive evaluation program for the Department of ANR
• Collaborate with teams in program design and take leadership in development of evaluation plans within grant proposals and special projects.
• Support and educate teams on analyzing evaluation data to understand and document the relationship between the data collected and their desired outcomes.
• Collaborate with teams on producing annual impact reports and related toolkits.

Departmental Evaluation Efforts (20%)

• Collaborate with other evaluation personnel in Extension to show evidence of impact from Extension programs, strategic initiatives and educational efforts.
• Contribute to college-level reporting efforts such as Federal Report and other accountability processes.
• Provide leadership in all phases of the evaluation process, including the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive Departmental evaluation plan.
• Develop and maintain data collection and reporting systems for the Department.
• Translate evaluation results into content to be used for communication, reporting and educational purposes documenting the value of Extension programs.
• Prepare program evaluation findings and evaluation methods that can be communicated with key stakeholders.

Personnel/Individuals (20%)

• Provide leadership to Extension Educators and Specialists in collecting and documenting their impacts for reporting and promotion processes.
• Develop and deliver evaluation workshops and curriculum for Extension Educators and Specialists to provide them with the tools to develop evaluation plans for their programs and projects.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff and other subject matter experts on evaluating non-credit, non-formal education supporting the land-grant mission to show impact.

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

Other (5%)

• Maintains professional competence through a continuing professional improvement program of study, research, participation in seminars, participation in professional societies, etc.
• Perform similar or related duties as required or directed.

SALARY/BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

1. This is a 100%, Researcher 5, 9742R5 job code, Annually renewable Professional & Administrative position. This position is a 12-month appointment pending the availability of funds, performance, and project needs. The position will be located on the St. Paul campus.
2. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits. Benefits package available here: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Summaries-Prospective-Employees
3. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
4. Estimated starting salary range is $60,000-72,000 annually. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) is required in evaluation, natural sciences, education, or a social science along with two (2) years of related evaluation experience.
• Commitment to ensuring that evaluation activities are done in a culturally competent manner.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with frameworks for program evaluations, especially in education and research settings.
• Knowledge of appropriate quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods as well as various evaluation designs (e.g., non-experimental, experimental, quasi-experimental).
• Ability to engage with, listen to, and learn from a broad range of evaluation stakeholders, encouraging their meaningful participation through collaborative emphasis.
• Ability to provide leadership in a team setting, move members forward and build consensus.
• Ability to gather data using qualitative and quantitative approaches such as interviews, group processes, participant observation, surveys, electronic data files, or other methods.
• Ability to conduct analyses using appropriate analytic tools/techniques for quantitative data (e.g., descriptive and inferential analysis in SPSS) and/or qualitative data (using content analysis and thematic clustering).

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and access to own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Travel (in-state and national) may be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• 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.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evaluation work experience in agriculture, horticulture, and/or natural resources.
• Experience in teaching evaluation principles and techniques.
• Experience with evaluations using mixed method approaches.

ABOUT EXTENSION

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.

TO APPLY
Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/about-extension/careers, Job Opening ID: 355418

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae
• 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:
• o Personalized views and experiences
• o Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
• o If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
• o 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 employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Tamara Benjamin, Education Program Manager and Search Chair, benja242@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

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

DIVERSITY

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.