Overview

• This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after July 5, 2024. 
• The salary range is $6,000 to $7,500 per month dependent upon qualifications and internal equities and is non-negotiable. 
• This position works a hybrid in-office/remote schedule and the incumbent must reside a commutable distance from SDSU. 

The Institute for Public Health (IPH) was established in 1992 as a liaison between the public health academic community and public health practice. As the practice division of San Diego State University’s (SDSU) School of Public Health (SPH), the IPH is involved in public health practice, community-based program evaluation, and community-engaged research with public health agencies and organizations in San Diego County and California. The primary goal is to expand the knowledge base for the public health workforce. The IPH is working on various topic areas, including COVID-19, cancer, health informatics, medical interpretation services in healthcare settings, behavioral health, HIV prevention, alcohol and drug prevention, youth community planning, tobacco prevention, homelessness, and injection-drug use.

The position of Evaluation Lead requires an individual who can work independently and collaboratively with equal ease. The role demands the coordination, management, and execution of evaluation and practice-based research services that align with the standards of a contract or grant while maintaining a high level of professionalism. The Evaluation Lead will be responsible for designing and implementing program-specific evaluation methodologies, analyzing data using the most appropriate techniques, and organizing and presenting results to various audiences. Furthermore, the Evaluation Lead will support and coordinate public health program evaluation and monitoring activities, including evaluation planning and design, data collection and analysis, collaboration with key stakeholders, data synthesis, and report writing and presentation, with a focus on equity, utilization-focused, and community participatory evaluation strategies. This role involves collaborating with team members and external partners on public health projects, from direct services to broad community-level policy and systems change initiatives. Additionally, the Evaluation Lead will contribute to securing evaluation service contracts and help cultivate business opportunities by identifying and contributing to evaluation design elements of grant proposals. The Evaluation Lead is a crucial role that demands professionalism, expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders. The individual in this position will play a significant role in ensuring the success of public health projects and initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of evaluation and research.

Responsibilities

The Evaluation Lead will be responsible for the following duties:

Evaluation Design and Implementation (35%)

• Manage the design and implementation of various quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies, including surveys, semi-structured focus groups, and interviews.
• Manage the development of efficient operations for evaluation needs relative to each program area.
• Provide clear, accurate, and explicit feedback based on evaluation results and observations.
• Manage data collection to ensure the timely availability of clean metrics for analysis.
• Analyze data and interpret results to evaluate program progress and identify areas of potential program improvement.
• Identify and track relevant data in compliance with the funder's metrics requirements.
• Write and present clear reports on evaluation results, including short and long-term impacts, for various audiences.

Program Management (35%)

• Manage and carry out project activities and coordination duties.
• Maintain project communication with project directors, junior members, external contractors, and funding agencies.
• Work closely with internal staff, external contractors, and external partners to develop and manage project timelines and workflows.
• Maintain detailed records of project activities and prepare written reports acceptable to the project director and the funding agency.
• Provide functional oversight of junior staff to complete tasks specified by the project director.

Data Collection and Management (20%)

• Manage, monitor, and clean data from partner organizations.
• Collect quantitative and qualitative data from existing sources, surveys, key informant interviews, or focus groups.
• Provide technical assistance to partner organizations related to any evaluation needs.
• Conduct descriptive quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Other duties as assigned (10%)

Among others:

• Representing IPH and SDSU at meetings, on advisory boards, and in other functions as needed
• Assist with grant writing and the preparation of responses to requests for proposals.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION

• Equivalent to a master’s degree in appropriate field related to program/project.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Six years of experience at a Program Specialist II level, two years of which were in a position with high level of responsibility and requiring specialized skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience conducting various research methodologies (including qualitative and quantitative studies), statistical analysis, and translation and dissemination of research and evaluation findings.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• If contacted for an interview, candidate must submit a writing sample prior to the interview date in order to recieve full consideration.
• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Brackground Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.