Evaluation Analyst

Evaluation Analyst

Overview:

The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an Evaluation Analyst trained in program evaluation and data analysis to join our nationally recognized Penn State Extension. The Extension Evaluation Analyst will provide analytical support for a full range of Extension programs related to program evaluation, under the guidance of the Evaluation Director and Evaluation Specialists. The position will support the integration of evaluation into the Penn State Extension culture and practice of programs through active participation in the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive program evaluation process. This planning and implementation process will result in evaluation outcome and impact reports for various programmatic efforts and drive continuous program improvement. The Evaluation Analyst will be directly responsible for the development of various evaluation outcome and impact data products including formal reports, white papers, presentations, dashboards, etc. The position will also involve direct engagement with various internal and external program stakeholder groups to disseminate evaluation results and impact.

Primary Responsibilities:
50% Program Data Management, Utilization, and Reporting:

• Provide support for the management, cleaning, utilization, and reporting of programmatic data. Ensure data integrity. Support data management (chain of custody), integration and maintenance. Assist a research/evaluation team in generating descriptive and inferential statistics as well as testing and validating findings.
  
• Performs duties such as creating and updating databases and dashboards.
  
• Assist in the development of resources and tools that support staff and volunteers in program reporting efforts.
  
• Collaborate with faculty and colleagues to develop resources and tools that support reporting efforts for programmatic improvement, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory requirements.
  
• Support all efforts that facilitate data learning and use as relates to reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Ensure program evaluation methods support accurate reporting of data to our federal, state, and county partners as well as private funders.
  
• Partner with peers in other land grant universities to share best practices in reporting and data visualization processes.

25% Program Evaluation Design and Implementation:

• Provide support for the design and implementation for evaluation and assessment studies. Assist a research/evaluation team to collect appropriate data, ensure data validity, and participate in the design of process and outcome evaluations and performance measures. Performs research or evaluation duties such as Internet searches and literature reviews and survey instrument design and testing.
  
• Collaborate with faculty and colleagues to develop resources and tools that support staff and volunteers in program evaluation design and implementation efforts.
  
• Support the generation of resources for incorporating assessments and data into our programming efforts by building research and evaluation into grants or seeking independent resources for this work.
  
• Support all efforts, internal and external, to ensuring proper and meaningful data collection and data management.
  
• Partner with peers in other land grant universities to share best practices and research in evaluation development and implementation processes.

15% Teach/build organizational evaluation capacity:

• Collaborate to design strategies and provide support to utilize evaluation data for program management, program improvement, and to report on program outcomes. This will include teaching a range of evaluation skills to Extension colleagues across the evaluation life cycle.
  
• Support the development and presentation of internal educational programs on evaluation and data-related topics.
  
• Assist in the development of evaluation resources for Extension programs, research-based curricula, instructional tools, and other educational opportunities that support learning.
  
  

10% Conduct scholarship related to research and evaluation of Extension programs and specific Strategies:

• Create collaborative scholarly products (e.g., refereed publications, educational materials, popular press articles, and technical reports) that contribute to the evaluation field.
  
• Present scholarship at professional and community conferences and events.
  
• Build and maintain useful professional relationships and contribute to the field of evaluation through University, Extension, community, and professional association service activities.

Education and Experience/ Competency Requirements:

Position typically requires a Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of related experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. A strong preference for formal education with a significant course work in a program related to evaluation and/or working with adult/youth and program development and implementation. A Bachelor's degree in evaluation, measurement, data analytics, youth development, family social science, education, or psychology, along with additional years of experience in evaluation work in Extension, education, or social service organizations is preferred.

Additional Required Competencies:

Preference for additional experience related to one or more of the following: program administration; volunteer support and management; program coordination and event planning. Successful candidates are highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The candidate must possess a valid driver's license. Since the position requires operating a motor vehicle as part of the job duties, successful completion of a motor vehicle records check is required in addition to standard background checks.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

The person in this position must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to understand, collect, analyze, and effectively communicate evaluation data.
  

• Knowledge and application of quantitative and qualitative evaluation design methods.
  
• Knowledge and application of descriptive and inferential statistics.
  
• Skill in providing training, technical assistance, and capacity building in evaluation and data-related topics for non-experts.
  
• Working knowledge of statistical and survey software packages (e.g., SPSS; Qualtrics).
  
• Working knowledge of database and data visualization tools (e.g., Access; Excel; Power BI; Tableau).
  
• Understanding of the theory and application of human development philosophy, research, and best practice.
  

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
  
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently manage and clean datasets.
  
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality reports and other analysis products in a timely fashion.
  
• Skill in conducting and utilizing scholarly research in the area of expertise.
  
• Skill in the application of research to program design, delivery, and evaluation.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
  
• Ability to lead, engage, and support productive work teams to create evaluation plans, carry out evaluations, and share evaluation findings.
  
• Ability to work effectively with new, diverse and underserved audiences.
  
• Commitment to the ongoing pursuit of professional development.
  
• Ability to apply creative and effective problem-solving skills.
  
• Skills in the application of technology for communication, information finding, program delivery and reporting.
  
• Ability to handle the demands of a constantly changing work environment and workload.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Evaluation-Analyst_REQ_0000036766-1

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

jeid-c68b0ad3eb5d0e43a7f1de63e9d8e460