Request for Proposals: External Evaluation of a Sports-Based Youth Development Program

Coach Across America•Chicago, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

Coach Across America is seeking proposals for an external evaluation of its sports-based youth development program. This program utilizes trained sports coaches as role models to teach skills that promote physical activity and positive decision-making among youth in economically vulnerable communities. The evidence-based model, Sports-Based Youth Development (SBYD), combines sports coaching and mentoring with positive youth development methodology. The program focuses on engaging community-based organizations, recruiting local adults as AmeriCorps Coach-Mentors (ACM), training them in SBYD, and conducting SBYD activities. The goal is to expand recreational opportunities, foster non-cognitive skills, and empower ACMs with social capital to benefit their communities.

Requirements

Experience in designing and conducting evaluations using a mixed-methods design.
Experience conducting studies and program evaluations in the field of sport-based youth development and/or mentoring.
Experience leading studies and program evaluations using community-engaged and participatory approaches.
Experience leading multi-site and multi-partner studies and/or evaluations.
Strong written and verbal skills in communicating technical or complex findings to non-specialist audiences.
A track record of open, collaborative working with clients.
The ability to prepare, submit, and receive approval from an Institutional Review Board.
A strong track record of working flexibly to accommodate changes as the project is implemented.
Ability to provide proposals including personnel allocation (roles/number of days/daily rates), and any other applicable costs.
Clear indication of background experience and knowledge of the subject area.
Demonstrated how they meet the required skills and experience.
Demonstrated availability.
Submission of a Letter of interest/cover letter.
Submission of a Technical Proposal Summary (3 pages Max.) including: Overview of relevant experience, proposed methodological approaches (measures, sample size for qualitative data collection, analysis strategy, timeframe).
CV for each evaluator.
Example of a previous evaluation report with a similar scope of work.
Cost estimate.
Submissions returned as a signed form or on official letterhead.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AmeriCorps grant cycles.
Familiarity with Sports-Based Youth Development (SBYD) methodology.

Responsibilities

Conduct a mixed-methods study to assess program effectiveness and implementation.
Examine the effects of program participation on youth outcomes, including social and emotional learning.
Assess coaches' perceived impacts of the program and the quality of their relationships with youth.
Document program determinants, including barriers and facilitators to implementation.
Assess core implementation outcomes such as feasibility, fidelity, appropriateness, and adoption.
Collaborate with the Coach Across America Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E) team to refine study questions.
Analyze and report on all quantitative and qualitative data in collaboration with the RM&E team.
Ensure all primary data collected facilitates disaggregation by gender, race/ethnicity, and age.
Develop a research protocol and data collection tools, including a literature review, study objectives, methodology, data analysis plan, ethical considerations, and consent procedures.
Provide remote training to the RM&E team and other data collection support staff.
Support data collection through regular calls with the RM&E team.
Produce a Final Study Report including an executive summary, background, scope, methodology, findings, limitations, conclusions, recommendations, and appendices with raw data and analysis outputs.
Create a 2-page Impact Brief summarizing the project, objectives, methodology, key findings, and recommendations.
Incorporate feedback from Coach Across America into the final report.
Deliver a final presentation on the study report to Coach Across America leadership and key staff.