Research Associate - Learning And Evaluation

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI) is responsible for leading the research agenda of the UNCF, the execution of numerous methods that support the agenda, and central in the development of the organization’s stance on advocating for HBCUs. The Research Associate is a critical component of the FDPRI, directly informing research strategies and decisions at various levels. Additionally, the Research Associate is charged with developing and executing a broad range of research methods, including the evaluation and learning work to inform strategy, practice, and future research. The Research Associate will support the research team in supporting program evaluation and assessment, the development of new knowledge through the collection of data, and the analysis of existing data. Additionally, the individual will work with academic and research partners to support the quality of their work, and identify and undertake research to inform UNCF’s ongoing organizational and strategy development.
The successful candidate will be part of a team seeking to partner with HBCUs and PBIs to increase student success outcomes and UNCF member institutional health and will work with a broad range of individuals and constituencies across the United States. The position requires a highly motivated and collaborative individual, who can communicate effectively and possesses strong organizational, analytic, evaluation, and writing abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree required, terminal degree or commensurate experience recommended with a minimum of five years of related experience Higher Education, Educational Policy or Educational Research experience preferred. Qualitative and quantitative research or program evaluation required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to apply evaluation tools and techniques in diverse situations and scenarios.
Experience providing technical advice and assistance.
Demonstrated skill in prioritizing and balancing multiple competing tasks, projects and deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Demonstrated skill in working collaboratively and effectively.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and able to learn and use new databases proficiently.
Superior analytic, writing, and editing skills.
Experience in writing program reports and best practices guides is ideal.
Commitment to education.
Individual must be a self-starter, who is able to problem-solver and take on a wide range of tasks to deliver results; collegial and professional manner; excellent communication and inter-personal skills.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The Research Associate reports to the Director, of Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute. S/he will support the development and execution of the Learning and Evaluation function for FDPRI and UNCF. The Research Associate will work closely and collaboratively with the FDPRI team, other UNCF staff participating institutions, and experts in the field to promote and support a program culture that values Learning and Evaluation that is both practical and useful for improving program and institutional effectiveness. S/he will provide strategic advice to FDPRI and UNCF by participating in evaluation planning, design, and implementation for programs. S/he will also promote several learning-oriented initiatives, both internal to UNCF and externally to the participating institutions.
Specific responsibilities include:

Program Evaluation Design, Implementation, and Learning

• Assess needs and design monitoring and Evaluation plans to address the progress of scholarship, professional development, and institutional transformation programs.
• Manage quality mid-term, final, developmental, and other types of evaluations of projects that support strategic learning on HBCUs.
• Lead efforts to link program evaluation with ongoing program planning and improvement, including assistance with developing and/or updating strategic approaches, logic models, theories of change, identifying appropriate indicators, and analyzing data.
• Managed the analysis and synthesis of key themes, achievements and lessons-learned
• Collaborate with UNCF staff and external stakeholders to effectively share the lessons learned from programs
• Contribute to fostering a “culture of evaluation” and expand the organization’s capacity and efforts around institutional Learning and knowledge management.
• Execute training and development programming for UNCF staff to use data in internal and external deliverables.

Other Duties

• Execute various methodologies and methods related to overall UNCF research strategy
• Produce literature for the higher education field related to UNCF program analysis
• Assist in the creation and mainstreaming of best practice resources about data and research on higher education.