Evaluation Lead - Researcher 5

The Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) within the Institute of Child Development is seeking a researcher/evaluator with a coherent body of work focused on early childhood coaching and training. This individual will serve as the lead evaluator for a childcare coaching and relationship-based professional development project. This person will work closely with the CEED director on designing, implementing, evaluating, and analyzing this project. It is also expected that this position will assist and/or lead grant writing for additional work.

CEED serves as an intellectual home for high-quality, cutting-edge research and evaluation in the early childhood workforce, including research-to-practice on multiple early childhood related topics, professional development and program quality for early childhood professionals, workforce issues in early childhood, and evaluation of early childhood programming. Competitive applicants will have a track record of securing grant or foundation funding; demonstrated experience writing successful grant proposals and demonstrated ability to execute research studies from beginning to end.

The individual in this position works under an annually renewable contract contingent upon performance and available funding. This position is currently available at 75% with the potential to increase to 100% based on future funding sources.

The University of Minnesota is a national leader in research, education, and outreach. This position would add to that mission by being a part of the research-to-practice arm of the number one developmental psychology program in the nation. The individual in this role will join a vibrant team working in a number of exciting research-to-practice opportunities. This role is classified under Professional and Administrative at the UMN, which provides excellent benefits and opportunities to partner with internal and external early childhood faculty, researchers, and organizations.

Program Evaluation (75%):

● Serve as the lead evaluator of a statewide childcare coaching and relationship-based professional development training project

● Write and secure successful federal funding proposals focused on areas related to early childhood workforce or a related topic

● Conduct and oversee research studies; is responsible for the design, implementation, evaluation, and analysis of research projects

● Publish research findings in peer-reviewed publications

● Supervise, mentor, teach, and coordinate graduate and undergraduate research assistants on research projects, as needed

● Attend professional conferences, colloquia, and symposia

● Coordinate and assume a lead role in developing research publications and presentations

● Keep current in the field of evaluation theory and practice and in the field of childcare coaching and relationship-based professional development

● Complete and maintain responsible conduct of research and human subjects training

Program Management and Implementation (25%):

● Collaborate with the project team to implement the proposed plan, including day-to-day operations

● Manage and direct research projects independently

● Contribute to the mission of professional advocacy, policy making and outreach activities that support CEED’s mission 

● Design, implement and manage projects, including the management of project activities independently, the development and management of work plans, timelines, budgets, and resources to meet project goals.

● Participate in meetings to provide mentorship and expertise in research strategies and to encourage and generate new funding proposals

● Supervise the work of students in relation to specific project activities.

● Ensure IRB policies are followed for all research involving human subjects.

● Complete other tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

● Candidates must possess a doctorate in evaluation, child psychology, early childhood education, early childhood special education, social work, human development, psychology or closely related field

● A minimum of three years working in early childhood programming and/or evaluation

● Candidates must provide evidence of success in seeking, receiving, and managing external funds for research, training, and outreach; a strong administrative background; and the ability to manage project budgets.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Direct practice/work experience with infants, young children, and families

● Training in early childhood development

● Demonstrated leadership experience as the principal investigator (PI) on research and/or professional development grants

● A track record of NIH, IES, or comparable federal funding or substantial foundation funding

● Demonstrated skills in interpersonal communication, administrative leadership, project management, supervision, and team building

● Demonstrated commitment to and experience in working with community partners, such as child care programs, non-profit organizations that serve diverse families with young children, local schools, state and local health, human service and education agencies, and other community-based organizations supporting families at risk

● Demonstrated success in working in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. 

An on-line application is required for this position. Please access the University of Minnesota Employment System at https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and search for Job Opening ID: 343375. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.