University of Minnesota
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Research Associate
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University of Minnesota About the Job: The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) seeks a part-time (0.75 FTE) Research Professional 6 to lead evaluation projects across various contexts, with a primary focus on education and community settings. Projects serve non-profits, schools, higher education institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and faculty initiatives, while supporting the University’s and CAREI’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Position Overview: The Evaluator will design and implement evaluations using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches for both short- and long-term projects. Responsibilities include developing proposals and grant applications; creating evaluation plans, logic models, and theories of change; tailoring data collection instruments; and managing projects from start to finish. This includes analyzing large data sets; producing reports and presentations; coordinating staff and consultants; and maintaining communications, timelines, and budgets. The Evaluator will collaborate with clients to build evaluation capacity and apply a range of evaluation frameworks (process, implementation, developmental, and outcome-focused) in response to partner needs, with a commitment to rigorous and impartial evaluation. Qualifications Overview: The ideal candidate will have extensive evaluation expertise and experience in PreK-12, higher education, and community-focused evaluation. They should be detail-oriented, highly organized, and skilled in communication, grant writing, and proposal development. Ability to work independently, make project-level decisions, and manage multiple simultaneous projects. Reports to the Associate Director of Effective Practices and Evaluation. Work Environment and Benefits: The University of Minnesota supports work-life balance with a flexible work environment. Flexible arrangements may include schedule and/or location. 100% remote work requires approval prior to an offer. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. The position is 75% appointment as a P&A staff member in the CEHD department. Job Responsibilities
Evaluation Implementation and Analysis (45%) Organize, code, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations) to identify patterns and actionable findings. Apply core and advanced statistical methods (descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, regression) using software (SPSS, R) to manage and interpret data. Summarize and communicate findings through reports, executive summaries, and presentations tailored to diverse client audiences. Project Management and Coordination (25%) Coordinate evaluation projects and support staff and consultants; provide guidance to foster collaboration and timely progress. Monitor implementation against timelines using project management tools; manage multiple initiatives and client communications. Budget and Resource Management: allocate resources to support personnel and ensure alignment with budgets. Address project challenges and support continuous progress. Proposal Development and Evaluation Design (20%) Co-develop and write comprehensive evaluation proposals, including responses to RFPs and grant applications; ensure alignment with client needs and budgeting. Incorporate equity as a guiding principle; engage diverse perspectives to inform decisions and address disparities. Create evaluation plans tailored to schools, districts, non-profits, higher education, and community organizations. Develop theories of change and logic models to guide evaluation design and implementation. Develop data collection instruments (interviews, focus groups, surveys, observation protocols) tailored to project questions. Conduct literature reviews and integrate findings to inform evaluation processes. Quality Assurance and Capacity Building (10%) Establish criteria and procedures for data collection, analysis, and reporting; implement quality checks for accuracy and validity. Build evaluation capacity through training and support; uphold ethical practices with IRB oversight and participant confidentiality. Qualifications
Required
Advanced degree in evaluation, education, social sciences, or related field; demonstrated training and experience in research/evaluation design, implementation, and analysis; track record of communicating findings to partners or communities. Experience leading evaluations in educational settings, non-profits, higher education, or community organizations. Background in community-based evaluations and nonprofit contexts (schools, districts, colleges, etc.). Proficiency in designing evaluation plans using mixed methods; ability to apply plans in real-world settings. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse communities. Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Strong written and oral communication skills with attention to detail. Experience using survey software (Qualtrics preferred), Excel, and qualitative (NVivo) and quantitative (SPSS) analysis. Preferred
Experience in field-based research in local educational agencies and schools using mixed methods. Familiarity with grant writing and securing funding for evaluation projects. Commitment to anti-racism/oppression, culturally responsive practices, and equity across the evaluation life cycle. Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-project environment; initiative and independent as well as collaborative work style. Experience with qualitative (thematic/content analysis) and quantitative analyses. Department and University Context
CAREI is a college-wide center linking research and practice in Minnesota schools from PreK-16 and other agencies. CAREI emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its work and values continuous learning and professional development. The CEHD college emphasizes diversity and inclusive excellence. For more information, visit the CEHD website. Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $61,217.26 – $72,750.00. Time Appointment: 75% Appointment. Position Type: P&A Staff. Benefits include medical/dental, retirement plans, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and more. See the Office of Human Resources for details. How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. Attach a cover letter and resume. You may add other documents later in your My Job Applications page. Please include a list of evaluation projects with title, year, description of evaluation and methodology, and your role, plus a sample evaluation report where you were the primary author. This position will remain open until filled. For accommodations during the application process, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity and Employment Requirements
The University is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Employment requires successful background check; some positions are not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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Research Associate
role at
University of Minnesota About the Job: The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) seeks a part-time (0.75 FTE) Research Professional 6 to lead evaluation projects across various contexts, with a primary focus on education and community settings. Projects serve non-profits, schools, higher education institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and faculty initiatives, while supporting the University’s and CAREI’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Position Overview: The Evaluator will design and implement evaluations using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches for both short- and long-term projects. Responsibilities include developing proposals and grant applications; creating evaluation plans, logic models, and theories of change; tailoring data collection instruments; and managing projects from start to finish. This includes analyzing large data sets; producing reports and presentations; coordinating staff and consultants; and maintaining communications, timelines, and budgets. The Evaluator will collaborate with clients to build evaluation capacity and apply a range of evaluation frameworks (process, implementation, developmental, and outcome-focused) in response to partner needs, with a commitment to rigorous and impartial evaluation. Qualifications Overview: The ideal candidate will have extensive evaluation expertise and experience in PreK-12, higher education, and community-focused evaluation. They should be detail-oriented, highly organized, and skilled in communication, grant writing, and proposal development. Ability to work independently, make project-level decisions, and manage multiple simultaneous projects. Reports to the Associate Director of Effective Practices and Evaluation. Work Environment and Benefits: The University of Minnesota supports work-life balance with a flexible work environment. Flexible arrangements may include schedule and/or location. 100% remote work requires approval prior to an offer. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. The position is 75% appointment as a P&A staff member in the CEHD department. Job Responsibilities
Evaluation Implementation and Analysis (45%) Organize, code, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations) to identify patterns and actionable findings. Apply core and advanced statistical methods (descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, regression) using software (SPSS, R) to manage and interpret data. Summarize and communicate findings through reports, executive summaries, and presentations tailored to diverse client audiences. Project Management and Coordination (25%) Coordinate evaluation projects and support staff and consultants; provide guidance to foster collaboration and timely progress. Monitor implementation against timelines using project management tools; manage multiple initiatives and client communications. Budget and Resource Management: allocate resources to support personnel and ensure alignment with budgets. Address project challenges and support continuous progress. Proposal Development and Evaluation Design (20%) Co-develop and write comprehensive evaluation proposals, including responses to RFPs and grant applications; ensure alignment with client needs and budgeting. Incorporate equity as a guiding principle; engage diverse perspectives to inform decisions and address disparities. Create evaluation plans tailored to schools, districts, non-profits, higher education, and community organizations. Develop theories of change and logic models to guide evaluation design and implementation. Develop data collection instruments (interviews, focus groups, surveys, observation protocols) tailored to project questions. Conduct literature reviews and integrate findings to inform evaluation processes. Quality Assurance and Capacity Building (10%) Establish criteria and procedures for data collection, analysis, and reporting; implement quality checks for accuracy and validity. Build evaluation capacity through training and support; uphold ethical practices with IRB oversight and participant confidentiality. Qualifications
Required
Advanced degree in evaluation, education, social sciences, or related field; demonstrated training and experience in research/evaluation design, implementation, and analysis; track record of communicating findings to partners or communities. Experience leading evaluations in educational settings, non-profits, higher education, or community organizations. Background in community-based evaluations and nonprofit contexts (schools, districts, colleges, etc.). Proficiency in designing evaluation plans using mixed methods; ability to apply plans in real-world settings. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse communities. Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Strong written and oral communication skills with attention to detail. Experience using survey software (Qualtrics preferred), Excel, and qualitative (NVivo) and quantitative (SPSS) analysis. Preferred
Experience in field-based research in local educational agencies and schools using mixed methods. Familiarity with grant writing and securing funding for evaluation projects. Commitment to anti-racism/oppression, culturally responsive practices, and equity across the evaluation life cycle. Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-project environment; initiative and independent as well as collaborative work style. Experience with qualitative (thematic/content analysis) and quantitative analyses. Department and University Context
CAREI is a college-wide center linking research and practice in Minnesota schools from PreK-16 and other agencies. CAREI emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its work and values continuous learning and professional development. The CEHD college emphasizes diversity and inclusive excellence. For more information, visit the CEHD website. Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $61,217.26 – $72,750.00. Time Appointment: 75% Appointment. Position Type: P&A Staff. Benefits include medical/dental, retirement plans, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and more. See the Office of Human Resources for details. How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. Attach a cover letter and resume. You may add other documents later in your My Job Applications page. Please include a list of evaluation projects with title, year, description of evaluation and methodology, and your role, plus a sample evaluation report where you were the primary author. This position will remain open until filled. For accommodations during the application process, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity and Employment Requirements
The University is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Employment requires successful background check; some positions are not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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