Evaluation Specialist

Neighborhood House•Saint Paul, MN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Evaluation Specialist supports community-based, qualitative evaluation and learning efforts across programs by engaging directly with program participants, community members, and staff. Reporting to the Director of Community-Based Evaluation and Impact, this position contributes to qualitative evaluation activities, including interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, qualitative analysis, and synthesis, to inform program improvement, organizational learning, and impact communication. This position provides opportunities to develop skills in community-based evaluation, qualitative methods, facilitation, and organizational learning while contributing to projects that elevate participant voice and strengthen organizational decision-making. Success in this role requires strong relational skills, a commitment to equity and ethical practice, curiosity, and the ability to translate community perspectives into meaningful insights.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in evaluation, social work, public health, or related fields or equivalent relevant experience
Coursework and/or experience supporting qualitative evaluation or research activities, such as interviews, focus groups, or listening sessions
Familiarity with Dedoose or other qualitative data analysis methods and tools
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in English
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate respectfully with people of diverse ethnic, economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds
Demonstrated commitment to equity, community voice, and social impact
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a team environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs

Nice To Haves

Experience with community-based, participatory, or equity-centered evaluation approaches
Fluency or working proficiency in Spanish, Karen, Hmong, Somali, Amharic, and/or Tigrinya, especially in community engagement contexts

Responsibilities

Organize the planning and implementation of interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, Participant Advisory Council, and other community-based evaluation activities
Coordinate developing culturally responsive qualitative data collection tools (e.g., interview protocols, listening session guides, consent materials)
Facilitate or co-facilitate interviews, focus groups, and listening sessions in partnership with evaluation and program staff
Coordinate logistics for community-based data collection, including outreach, scheduling, and preparation of materials
Organize and manage qualitative data, including notes, transcripts, and summaries
Analyze qualitative data to identify themes, patterns, and participant perspectives that inform program improvement and organizational learning
Coordinate synthesis memos, evaluation briefs, and internal learning documents
Collaborate on the translation of findings into actionable recommendations for program improvement and decision-making
Apply principles of participatory, community-based, and equity-centered evaluation in day-to-day work
Document ethical evaluation practices, including informed consent, confidentiality, and respectful engagement
Engage in reflection on power, positionality, and equity in the evaluation process
Collaborate with program staff to coordinate evaluation activities and communicate project needs
Build respectful working relationships with participants and community members throughout evaluation activities
Coordinate team meetings, learning sessions, and collaborative planning efforts
Develop documentation of evaluation processes, tools, and lessons learned
Actively support and champion the mission and programs of Neighborhood House.
Actively support Neighborhood House’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and radical hospitality. Conduct all activities with a high degree of cultural competency.
Maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with colleagues, participants, donors, board members, volunteers, and community partners.
Consistently uphold Neighborhood House policies, procedures, and confidentiality protocols.
When representing Neighborhood House to internal and external audiences, articulate the organization’s desired image and position.
Contribute to building a cohesive, respectful, responsive, and productive staff environment that demonstrates our values and mission.
Actively participate in required meetings, trainings, and other events as requested.