Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an Evaluation Specialist trained in program evaluation to join our nationally recognized Penn State Extension and support the new Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) Regional Training and Evaluation Center . The Extension Evaluation Specialist will provide leadership and support for a full range of vector-borne disease training programs related to program evaluation, under the guidance of the Evaluation Director. The position will foster the integration of evaluation into the Penn State Extension and VBD Training and Evaluation Center 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 the various programmatic efforts and drive continuous program improvement. The Program Evaluation Specialist reports directly to the Extension Evaluation Director.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

60% Program Evaluation Design, Implementation and Utilization in Extension Programs

• Provide leadership for the design, implementation and utilization of evaluation and assessment for programs within the .
• Develop evaluation resources for programs, research-based curricula, instructional tools, and other educational opportunities that support learning.
• Collaborate with faculty and colleagues to develop resources and tools that support staff and volunteers in program evaluation efforts.
• Support the generation of resources for incorporating assessments and data use into programming efforts by building research and evaluation into grants or seeking independent resources for this work.
• Support all efforts, internal and external, ensuring proper and meaningful data collection and analysis and developing systems that facilitate organizational data learning and use.
• 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 evaluation best practices, research, and reporting processes.

25% 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 across the evaluation lifecycle through the development and presentation of internal educational programs (e.g., webinars, communities of practice) on evaluation topics ranging from needs assessment, to stakeholder analysis, to program goal and objective identification, to program theory and logic model development, to evaluation design methodology, implementation, and data collection to data analysis, report writing and program enhancement.
• Connect University and community resources to develop and present adult and youth educational programs.

15% 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.

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding. Th is 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. Typical Education and Experience/ Competency Requirements: This position typically requires a Master\'s Degree or higher in evaluation, measurement, youth development, family social science, education, psychology , or another related field, plus 3 years 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. Doctoral candidates and recent graduates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply. Applicants with a master\xe2\x80\x99s degree in one of the above listed fields are also encouraged to apply. Additional Required Competencies: Preference for additional experience related to one or more of the following: public health; epidemiology; 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.
• Skill in providing training, technical assistance, and capacity building in evaluation for non-experts.
• Working knowledge of statistical and survey software packages (e.g. SPSS; Qualtrics).
• Knowledge of database and data visualization tools.
• 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 write high quality reports 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.
• Skill in securing and managing financial and human resources.
• 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 work load.

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. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here . Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. EEO IS THE LAW 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.