Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories
Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities.
VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Learn more at www.voala.org .
Evaluation
– Corporate
Serving those who serve others.
The Evaluation Department assesses the effectiveness of our programs through consultative approaches coupled with extensive data analysis.
Based on results, the Evaluation staff works with the program to identify and implement strategies and processes for continuous improvements.
JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE
As part of the Evaluation team, the Senior Research Analyst will lead program evaluation efforts from planning stages through execution of the evaluation and testing processes.
Manage evaluation teams as well as projects across multiple departments and their programs.
Lead evaluation capacity building projects for programs that includes empowering them with tools for real time data decision making to allow them to implement evaluative procedures in day to day program decision making.
Create effective systems for continuous improvement throughout VOALA and the communities it serves.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization as well as with external partners to plan and implement evaluation plans.
This includes involving others in planning and design, as well as collecting, processing, managing, and sharing client-, program
– and organizational-level data.
Demonstrate responsible professional behavior by participating effectively within and across teams.
Conduct and oversee evaluation projects that apply qualitative and quantitative methods to assess programs and initiatives within and outside of the organization, drawing upon primary and secondary data.
Oversee the creation of effective systems (electronic and hard copy) for the gathering, quality assurance, and storage of all program data.
Lead evaluations and perform major project tasks, including formulating research questions, writing evaluation plans and scopes of work, designing data collection and analytic plans, establishing and managing project timelines, and leading project deliverables.
Work collaboratively with programs to design practical evaluation plans, develop goals and indicators.
Contribute to grant development efforts that identify and respond to RFPs that align with and advance the organization’s vision and current objectives.
Provide technical assistance and support to programs regarding grant requirements, data collection procedures, and grant goals, objectives, and targets.
Conduct site visits to observe programs to assess program quality and fidelity of program implementation as needed. Evaluate current program operations and outcomes, and apply research, data, and policy analysis to recommend program improvements strategies.
Present evaluation findings and recommendations in briefings, reports, and presentations to lay and stakeholder audiences such as program staff, directors and executive leadership, professional associations, and other external organizations.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
EDUCATION:
Master’s degree in social sciences, public health or equivalent
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 5 years of experience leading projects in program evaluation, data management and training on data management in a community based organization
KNOWLEDGE:
Proven knowledge of project management, research, and statistical analysis methodology Working knowledge of evaluation practices and human development needs theories.
Knowledge of effective programming practices.
Understanding of theory behind evaluation practices to help create appropriate evaluation design.
Understand the theory behind human developmental needs to ensure properly represented in program design and measurement.
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:
Proficient in data analysis for quantitative and qualitative research.
Ability to use Microsoft, Excel, PowerPoint, Online data collection tools.
SPSS (strong database use) Knowledge on any of the following statistical software: SPSS, R, Atlas TI.
Training on making data accessible to all stakeholders.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to conduct needs and assets assessments Able to present research at conferences Able to conduct process mapping, focus groups, and quantitative research procedures.
Able to identify and/or create appropriate measurement tools based on evaluation needs.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Detail oriented and solution focused.
Demonstrated ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences in an understandable format.
Ability to travel.
Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
INTERPERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Understanding of population being served Comfortable working independently, with experience working in a team environment.
Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred PhD Preferred experience in internal evaluation, mixed methods evaluation, community-based participatory research, data collection techniques, and data analysis.
Experience working in underserved communities Knowledge of Evaluation theory.
Experience with group facilitation preferred
Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law
This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.