Research Associate II, Evaluation

The Evaluation Department is responsible for collecting, cleaning, maintaining, and analyzing all participation data for HCZ. We are seeking a Research Associate II to support a large-scale community assessment, and aid in assessing the implementation and impact of the organization's multiple programs, with a focus on those provided within a public housing development within HCZ's catchment area. Guided by the Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation for Early Childhood, Parenting, Community and Wellness Programs, the Research Associate II will assist with research design, planning, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. In cooperation with program directors and staff, the Research Associate II will facilitate interview and focus groups, as well as conduct internal program observations. Additionally, he or she will provide support in report writing and internal and external communication. The ideal candidate will have solid experience in evaluation work, possess excellent judgment and organizational skills, pay impeccable attention to detail, and have the ability to prioritize demands and shifting workflows.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop project-specific evaluation plans for review
• Conduct literature reviews requiring exploration of a given field, identifying relevant projects or data, and synthesizing information across a broad range of areas or domains
• Discuss research and data with non-researchers (Zone residents and program staff)
• Synthesize data and perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Describe and conduct data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics
• Develop protocols for program observation, focus groups and interviews
• Perform program observations, and facilitate and conduct interviews and focus groups
• Prepare tables and write narrative for reports
• Perform data entry, cleaning, merging, and database management tasks
• Maintain positive and professional ongoing communication with program staff, external consultants, and community members
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification, Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• Master's degree in education research, evaluation, psychology, social policy, sociology, psychometrics, or other related disciplines
• 2 - 5 years' experience conducting program evaluation and managing research studies, preferably in education and/or nonprofit settings
• Content knowledge/expertise in at least one particular area pertinent to the work of the agency; knowledge of community development preferred
• Must have strong quantitative analysis skills, with extensive experience with statistics software such as SPSS, STATA, or SAS
• Detail-oriented with strong written and oral communication skills; must be able to explain complex research design concepts and statistics in plain English
• Ability to lead projects with minimal supervision
• Prior experience with youth and adults of diverse cultural backgrounds
• Familiarity with Salesforce preferred but not required

We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. No telephone inquiries or recruiters please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. HCZ is an EOE.