Program Evaluation Specialist

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints•Salt Lake, UT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position uses research to support the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in their responsibility to ensure that the Church remains one in Christ. As a researcher, you will combine your academic knowledge and work experience to conduct a variety of mixed-methods studies that support the design, development, and evaluation of Church products and programs. In this important work, you will collaborate with a team of researchers housed within the Church’s evaluation research team. Your primary responsibility will be to conduct effectiveness evaluations for the Church’s key programs and products. Your assignments will include research design, instrument development, primary data collection, data analysis, and authoring reports and presentations. Candidates must be able to lead multiple projects that often have competing deadlines. It’s important that candidates are comfortable working with data within a faith-driven organization. Primary preference will be given to those who are legally authorized to work in the US, who live in or are willing to relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Requirements

Master's or PhD degree in education, instructional design, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, or other social science field.
Five to seven years professional experience in program evaluation.
Experience conducting research with populations outside the United States and Canada.
An understanding of evaluation theory and guiding principles.
The ability to clearly define and translate program objectives into an evaluation.
Research design (particularly causal inference, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, non-experimental causal designs, and sampling methods).
Developing, conducting, and analyzing surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations.
Strong presentation design skills with the ability to concisely communicate findings.
Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate in lead and support roles, and the ability to communicate clearly.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and to manage competing tasks, deadlines, requirements, and decisions.
Ability to think critically, problem solve, modify approaches in consideration of practical concerns, and accept and adapt to sudden changes in client priorities.
Proven ability to lead research projects through all research phases.
Deep understanding of a culture outside of the United States (e.g., more than serving a mission outside of the United States).
Fluent language abilities in English and another language spoken by Church members.

Nice To Haves

A degree with an emphasis in program evaluation is preferred.
Candidates with less experience are encouraged to apply but may be hired at a lower grade level.

Responsibilities

Conduct effectiveness evaluations for the Church’s key programs and products.
Research design, instrument development, primary data collection, data analysis, and authoring reports and presentations.
Lead multiple projects that often have competing deadlines.
Conduct literature reviews.
Design surveys.
Design interview, focus group, and observation protocols.
Participate in data collection site visits.
Conduct interviews and observations.
Analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
Disseminate research findings to multiple audiences including product developers, management, and General Authorities.
Contribute to and lead project teams.
Maintain project management documents and databases.
Help colleagues solve problems.
Review colleagues’ plans and products.
Consult with clients to provide useful information and answer questions or address their issues.
Monitor and work with vendors and subcontractors.