Project Director/Evaluator, Rural Institute on Disabilities

Description

The University of Montana invites applications for a Project Director/Evaluator. The Project Director/Evaluator will lead the coordination and implementation of evaluation activities, primarily for an early childhood care and education systems building project in Montana. The role will require project management, facilitation, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational and communication skills, and work collaboratively to address complex programmatic challenges. This role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate stakeholder relationships and ensure the delivery of impactful evaluation findings. The Project Director/Evaluator will independently manage and execute multiple evaluation projects, providing oversight and support to project staff.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Designing and implementing research and evaluation studies tailored to stakeholder needs
• Developing data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups) and determining appropriate analytical methods
• Managing project tasks, timelines, and other project staff to ensure timely delivery of high-quality work
• Leading qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Facilitating stakeholder meetings to communicate progress and gather feedback
• Supervising and supporting project staff, including task delegation and performance monitoring
• Actively contributing to strategic planning and promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate degree in public health, social work, community health, or related field
• Knowledge of research and evaluation, with demonstrated experience in mixed methods data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of workforce capacity development, public health systems, with an emphasis on public health initiatives for families
• Knowledge of how to integrate health equity into research and evaluation design
• Demonstrate ability to develop and implement survey, focus group, and interview research and evaluation activities using novel recruitment strategies
• Demonstrate proficiency in report writing and public speaking
• Demonstrate the ability to work in and lead interdisciplinary teams of providers, researchers and community members
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and provide sensitive feedback to decision makers
• Demonstrate commitment to ensuring that evaluation activities are done in a culturally competent manner
• Creative problem-solver who collaborates well with others
• Ability to produce effective data visualizations
• Demonstrate proficiency in data management
• Be able to travel independently as overnight travel will be required between 10-15% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in field related to human development, social sciences/services, and/or public or community health
• Demonstrated ability to embed equity into data, analysis and data visualizations
• Excellent written and public speaking skills for a diverse range of audiences
• Understand how research/data can be used to improve systems of care and outcomes for children, families and marginalized groups
• Experience administering online survey via social media platforms
• Experience conducting research or evaluation related to early childhood care and education systems
• Proficient in using a wide range of software systems (e.g. R, STATA, SPSS, Tableau, RedCap, NVivo) for data analysis, generating reports, and disseminating findings

Additional Information

• Position is full-time (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), during the fiscal year (12-months) 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position ranges from $60,000-$72,000 per year commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Position is through March 2026. Contract may be extended based on satisfactory performance and continued funding.
• The position may be remote or in person. Hybrid options are also available.

To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information
• Writing sample
  • The writing sample may include evaluation or research results and data analysis and visualizations as prepared as part of a report, presentation, or brief. If the writing sample is a collaborative works, please note which sections you lead or authored. Ideally, the sample should be 2-5 pages. If the original document is longer, you may submit an excerpt that highlights your writing and analytical abilities.