Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation

boards of education and an external evaluator to collect, analyze, report, and utilize data to improve college access and success programming. Provide research, planning, and administration leadership on college access and success initiatives for the Commission and Council.

Classification:
Full-Time, Exempt, Non-Classified, Benefits-Eligible

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research, Evaluation, and Data Analytics (40%)

• Direct all aspects of research design, evaluation strategies, and assessment for the federally funded GEAR UP grant program.
• Develop and oversee qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Collect, analyze, validate, interpret, and maintain data to support program evaluation.
• Measure formative, summative, short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes.
• Utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness and improve postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion outcomes.
• Direct research, planning, assessment, and evaluation activities for the Division of Student Affairs.

Federal Reporting, Compliance, and Performance Measurement (25%)

• Prepare and submit required annual federal reports and ad hoc reports.
• Monitor progress toward grant goals, objectives, GPRA performance measures, required federal measures, and project-specific outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and evaluation standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor research-related Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), data-sharing agreements, and associated policies.

Collaboration, Partnerships, and Strategic Planning (15%)

• Collaborate with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Council for Community and Technical College Education, West Virginia institutions of higher education, the West Virginia Department of Education, local county boards of education, the U.S. Department of Education, and external evaluators.
• Participate in strategic planning and provide data-informed recommendations to support agency and program initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate participatory evaluation efforts across partner organizations.

Leadership, Supervision, and Program Administration (10%)

• Supervise assigned staff, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Provide leadership and oversight for research and evaluation initiatives within the Division of Student Affairs.
• Coordinate project priorities, timelines, and evaluation activities.

Outreach, Communications, and Resource Development (10%)

• Represent the Commission and Council by presenting program accomplishments, outcomes, and initiatives at local, state, and national events.
• Assist in identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities to expand agency initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

• Require a Master’s degree in education or a research-oriented field.
• Research related coursework preferred. Doctoral degree in an appropriate field is preferred.
• Three years of recent relevant experience required.
• Acceptable combination of education and related experience will be considered.
• Valid West Virginia Driver’s License; may be required to drive to meetings, trainings, and events.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of college access and success efforts at the national, state, and institutional level.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to access and analyze a wide array of student-level, institutional, state, and national data sets.
• Familiarity with statistical packages and intermediate statistics procedures.
• The successful candidate must possess strong organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines.
• Must be detailed oriented and possess the ability to simplify complex analysis for audiences as needed.

Supplemental Information:

Position Open Until Filled. Review of applications and interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Process: In addition to filling out the online application, interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. Contact information for three professional references will be requested later in the interview process.

IMPORTANT: Your eligible score will be based on information provided in your application; therefore, make sure the work experience section in your application is detailed and complete.

Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks.