Evaluation Associate/Senior Evaluation Associate (K-12 Evaluation)

University of Mississippi • University, MS

2d • $70,000 - $89,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Research Evaluation (CERE) at the University of Mississippi is seeking an Evaluation Associate or Senior Evaluation Associate to join their K–12 Evaluation team. This role involves designing and leading evaluation and applied research projects for school districts, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, university partners, and other organizations focused on improving educational opportunities and outcomes. CERE is an independent evaluation center that collaborates with partners across Mississippi and the nation, translating data into actionable information for learning and decision-making. This is an open-rank position, with the appointment level determined by the candidate's qualifications. The position is based on the Oxford campus, with potential travel required. Associates typically manage multiple projects simultaneously and must be comfortable working across different projects, content areas, and client contexts.

Requirements

• At least a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field, such as Measurement, Evaluation, Education, Psychology, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• At least two years of relevant experience.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research or evaluation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to or manage evaluation, applied research, or related projects.
• Experience developing data collection tools and analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate findings to nontechnical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with clients and project teams.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s or doctoral degree in an appropriate field, such as Measurement, Evaluation, Education, Psychology, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• Experience conducting evaluation or applied research in K–12 education settings.
• Knowledge of K–12 education systems, programs, policies, or data.
• Experience working directly with state education agencies, educators, school districts, nonprofit organizations, foundations, or other education partners.
• Experience with mixed-methods evaluation designs.
• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis skills, including experience with statistical or qualitative analysis software.
• Experience translating evaluation findings into accessible reports, presentations, data visualizations, or other products designed to support decision making.
• Experience facilitating meetings, presentations, workshops, or data-informed conversations with clients and partners.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with different timelines, partners, and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage evaluation and applied research projects, including developing work plans, coordinating project activities, and ensuring high-quality, timely implementation.
• Design practical and rigorous evaluation approaches that align evaluation questions, methods, data sources, and deliverables with client and project needs.
• Develop and implement data collection strategies, including logic models and theories of change, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data and conduct literature reviews or other background research to inform evaluation activities and findings.
• Translate findings into useful information through reports, presentations, data visualizations, briefs, and facilitated conversations designed for technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with clients and partners and support the use of evaluation findings for learning, improvement, and decision making.
• Contribute to the quality and growth of CERE’s work through collaboration with colleagues and students, quality assurance, proposals and business development, and other professional or capacity-building activities.
• Responsibilities will vary based on appointment level. Senior Evaluation Associates are expected to demonstrate greater independence in leading complex projects, managing client relationships, providing quality assurance, mentoring or supporting other staff, and contributing to business development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level