K20's Evaluation and Data Scientist provides research and program evaluation support for the three FY2018 GEAR UP partnership grants (GEAR UP OKC, K20 GEAR UP for MY SUCCESS, and K20 GEAR UP for the FUTURE). This incumbent will lead various aspects of research, including developing data collection instruments; collecting, cleaning, and managing large data sets; conducting complex analyses; preparing reports and presentations based on results; and making recommendations across a variety of internal and external projects. In addition, the Evaluation and Data Scientist schedules, coordinates, and manages on-site research activities; establishes and maintains positive relationships with external partners and stakeholders; and trains other personnel as appropriate.
Essential Job Duties & Functions
Research:
The incumbent will support K20 Center's rigorous analytical evaluation of project services through research initiatives that will:
Ensure proper facilitation of social-behavioral educational research with a focus on the protection of human subjects.
Facilitate research team meetings and assist in implementing rigorous research protocols with internal (teams) and external (cohort schools) stakeholders.
Organize recruiting/managing participants.
Oversee the careful tracking of study activities.
Coordinate the preparation of key study personnel to collect data according to approved protocols.
Coordinate documentation (surveys, assessments, and observations) of selected activities, behaviors, or outcomes.
Oversee the monitoring of data collection activities.
Talent Management:
The incumbent will ensure that the project delivers high-quality support and services by:
Recruiting and hiring exceptional candidates.
Monitoring staffing requirements and assessing existing talent.
Focusing on staff engagement and retention.
Developing and maintaining a high-performance culture.
Facilitating periodic formative (K20 Center) and summative (OU) evaluation.
Additionally, the incumbent will provide consultative, coaching, or mentoring services to management and/or department staff as appropriate to reach their full potential through:
Guiding the performance improvement process, which identifies and closes any existing skill gaps or addresses behavioral concerns that may be preventing staff members from reaching their team goals.
Facilitating the performance development process seeks to define and clarify staff members’ career goals and then organize appropriate opportunities to allow them to develop the skills or gain the experience for their continued professional growth.
Project Management:
The incumbent will provide project management of evaluation and research services by ensuring appropriate and timely communications, developing project evaluation or research plans, output (milestones), and outcomes.
The evaluation and data scientist will collaborate with Project Leadership and supporting staff to implement the intervention with fidelity and achieve targeted outcomes.
Research-Based Evaluation:
Collaborate with K20 Center leadership, engaged researchers, program staff, and partners to document each program’s evaluation (operational) goals.
Design, plan, implement, and manage effective program evaluation protocols to measure the planned impact of the best practice intervention or program on expected outcomes.
Plan, develop, implement, and analyze valid and reliable questionnaires, surveys, and other data-gathering instruments.
Organize research activities such as: recruiting/managing participants, tracking study activities and timelines, assisting with training data collectors, and monitoring data collection activities.
Report findings on the impact of the interventions on targeted goals.
Evidence-Based Practice.
The incumbent will support the K20 GEARUP for LIFE's understanding of trends and developments in educational literature by:
Determining the nature and extent of the information needed, selecting the most appropriate investigative methods or information retrieval systems, and evaluating information and its sources critically.
Preparing annotated bibliographies of selected sources that summarize the central theme and scope of the books and articles reviewed.
Producing summaries and explanations of the complete and current state of knowledge on selected topics (e.g.,validated instrument for cognitive engagement) as found in academic books and journal articles.
Dissemination of Findings.
Lead an evaluation team to plan, develop and implement a project evaluation plan that addresses the federal reporting requirements as specified by project sponsor(s).
Prepare regular internal and external communication notices regarding project updates and monitor grant resource allocation.
Assist in the development of project reports through writing, proofreading, and document layout.
Disseminate project findings through internal research team meetings as well as external scholarly publications and national presentations.
Participant Management:
Provides active tracking tools, K20's research participant management system (TREK), and risk management practices to support documented communication with internal (project team members, research teams, etc...) and external (project sponsors) stakeholders.
Editor:
The incumbent will maintain effective internal and external communications through the support and publication of only the highest-quality resources by serving as a peer editor for the Research and Evaluation team and:
Reviewing methodological approach, content, and statistical analysis to ensure that they align with accepted research practices in social science research.
Collaborating with engaged researchers and stakeholders to ensure that the findings are accessible to the intended audience.
As Needed:
Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 108 months of related experience.
Skills:
Data Visualization for a Lay Audience
Employee Talent Development Strategies
Knowledge of trends and developments in process innovation and project management
Project Management Practices
Strong Qualitative Analysis Skills
Strong Quantitative Analysis Skills
Active Listening Skills
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
Departmental Preference
Ph.D. in education, statistics, or a related discipline
5 or more years of evaluation on a federal sponsor (e.g. U.S. Department of Education or National Science Foundation);
4 or more published scholarly articles that disseminate research-based findings or more years of teaching in a secondary classroom.
Special Requirements:
Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
Will be required to travel to school sites and national conferences to meet with leaders, community partners, and GEAR UP stakeholders and facilitate research and evaluation activities; this may require overnight trips.
Actively participate in K20 Center-sponsored professional learning experiences and, when available, seek certification for learning opportunities.
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
