Program Evaluation Specialist

Researcher Position

This position uses research to support the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in their responsibility to ensure that the Church remains one in Christ. As a researcher, you will combine your academic knowledge and work experience to conduct a variety of mixed-methods studies that support the design, development, and evaluation of Church products and programs. In this important work, you will collaborate with a team of researchers housed within the Church's evaluation research team.

Your primary responsibility will be to conduct effectiveness evaluations for the Church's key programs and products. Your assignments will include research design, instrument development, primary data collection, data analysis, and authoring reports and presentations. Candidates must be able to lead multiple projects that often have competing deadlines. It's important that candidates are comfortable working with data within a faith-driven organization.

Primary preference will be given to those who are legally authorized to work in the US, who live in or are willing to relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Responsibilities

• Specific research and evaluation duties may include: literature reviews; research design; designing surveys; designing interview, focus group, and observation protocols; participation in data collection site visits; conducting interviews and observations; analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; and dissemination of research findings to multiple audiences including product developers, management, and General Authorities.
• Contribute to and lead project teams, maintain project management documents and databases, help colleagues solve problems, and review colleagues' plans and products.
• Consult with clients to provide useful information and answer questions or address their issues.
• Monitor and work with vendors and subcontractors.
• Local and international travel may be needed.
• Individuals hired into this position may be asked if they are willing to live in another area of the Church outside their current country of residence for a period of time.

Qualifications

Education & Work Experience:

• Master's or PhD degree in education, instructional design, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, or other social science field. A degree with an emphasis in program evaluation is preferred.
• Five to seven years professional experience in program evaluation. Candidates with less experience are encouraged to apply but may be hired at a lower grade level. Experience conducting research with populations outside the United States and Canada.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities:

• An understanding of evaluation theory and guiding principles.
• The ability to clearly define and translate program objectives into an evaluation.
• Research design (particularly causal inference, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, non-experimental causal designs, and sampling methods)
• Developing, conducting, and analyzing surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations.
• Strong presentation design skills with the ability to concisely communicate findings.
• Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate in lead and support roles, and the ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and to manage competing tasks, deadlines, requirements, and decisions.
• Ability to think critically, problem solve, modify approaches in consideration of practical concerns, and accept and adapt to sudden changes in client priorities.
• Proven ability to lead research projects through all research phases.
• Deep understanding of a culture outside of the United States (e.g., more than serving a mission outside of the United States).
• Fluent language abilities in English and another language spoken by Church members.

Work Arrangement Flexible work arrangement that allows up to 4 of 5 days remote work each week. Must reside in Utah.

About Us

Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord's work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings—giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances—our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom. Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.