Extension Evaluation and Data Specialist

TITLE: Extension Evaluation and Data Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension

REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator 

CLASSIFICATION: Staff - 12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Extension Data Specialist is 100% Extension appointment and will report to work at Kentucky State University Campus in Frankfort, Kentucky, and will report to the Associate Extension Administrator. Evaluation and Data Specialist will provide leadership to build Cooperative Extension's capacity to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of educational programs in achieving desired results. This position will be responsible for the coordination and submission of federal and state extension reports. The specialist will provide leadership in data collection and analysis for compliance and reporting requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Coordinates prepare and submit of the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Federal Report of Accomplishments and Annual Plan of Work on behalf of Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program.
• Maintain databases of all Cooperative Extension Programs projects, partners, outcomes, and impacts
• Report impact of extension activities as needed.
• Oversee the process for collecting and analyzing the data for state, federal and other reports
• Coordinate data analysis, interpretation, and summarization for state, federal and other reports
• Provide data collection instruments for Extension professionals to utilize for programming
• Maintain appropriate records of data and reports
• Design and/or develop specific databases for collection, tracking, and reporting data
• Oversee needs assessment development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation for future program planning.
• Assist Extension professionals to develop methods for evaluation and needs assessments
• Assist Extension professionals with impact assessments, sampling, survey development, and data collection and analysis
• Complete other related assignments from the Associate Administrator of Extension
• Assist with the identification of evidence based strategizes and interventions
• Serve as a resource to Extension professionals in assigned program areas in formulating evaluation plans during grant and program development. 
• Impact and accomplishment reports for Extension educational programs and funded projects in assigned program areas.
• In coordination with Media and Communications, create reports and infographics to share program data and impacts with state and federal agencies and stakeholders.
• Attend all required meetings
• Serve as the primary contact with federal state and local reporting agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience conducting program evaluation using various social science research methods including focus groups, surveys, and key-informant interviews; experience in research methodology including quantitative and qualitative analysis and, experience in creating evaluation reports.
• Robust knowledge of statistical analysis associated software tools.
• Strong writing skills
• Strong professional and collaborative skills.
• Knowledge of Extension program evaluation and reporting is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Ability to write coherently and concisely, using appropriate grammar and spelling.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills to coordinate projects and people, prioritize and track multiple projects simultaneously, and meet critical deadlines.
• Commitment to working with a wide range of audiences.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

OTHER DUTIES: 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree required, but a terminal degree preferred.
• A minimum of three to five years of experience in program evaluation.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires some standing or walking.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Extensive travel required.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.