Grow NJ Kids Project Coordinator - Evaluation

Montclair State University • Montclair, NJ

92d • $75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Reporting to a Senior Research Associate in the Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS), the Grow NJ Kids Project Coordinator - Evaluation leads the planning and execution of day-to-day tasks of the evaluation of a statewide child care quality rating and improvement system. The Project Coordinator - Evaluation manages junior staff members and graduate students in conducting project work. This position is hybrid, with occasional travel to Montclair State University and around NJ for work-related activities, though that is subject to change.

Requirements

• Graduate degree (i.e., Masters or above) in education, evaluation, or related social science field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience providing applied research, evaluation, and/or other related services to clients or partners.
• Experience managing large-scale, multi-site projects or project components.
• Experience collecting and using data to inform programming.
• Experience communicating project findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience mentoring or managing junior staff or team members.
• Proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Fluency in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience (clinical, practical, or research) in early care and education (ECE) settings.
• Familiarity with Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) and/or Environmental Rating Scales (e.g., ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3).
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Strengths both as a team player and a self-starter.
• Strong organizational, task, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team and with diverse populations.
• Quick learner, flexible, and willing to learn new ideas, content areas, and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain high-quality standards.
• Bilingual Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team members, clients, partners, and stakeholders to conceptualize and design project work.
• Translate overall evaluation design and milestones into trackable day-to-day operations, including detailed work plans and timelines.
• Maintain current knowledge of early childhood education and Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) developments.
• Apply to and ensure compliance with Montclair State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.
• Develop data collection instruments, including but not limited to, surveys, focus group guides, interview protocols, and observation tools.
• Collect evaluation data through surveys, focus groups, interviews, observations, and program documentation review.
• Collaborate with the Grow NJ Kids Rating team to improve data management processes, tracking systems, and CRM development.
• Analyze and summarize qualitative and quantitative data.
• Prepare technical reports, findings deliverables, and presentations.
• Tailor communication of project findings in multiple formats for varied audiences.
• Build, strengthen, and sustain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Participate in and/or facilitate Advisory Committee meetings and activities.
• Facilitate various meetings including data validation activities, internal team meetings, and client meetings.
• Present evaluation findings at stakeholder meetings and professional conferences.
• Manage staff and tasks to ensure successful completion of planned activities.
• Supervise junior staff and graduate students on project work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Master's degree