Description & Details:

NDSU Extension Evaluation Specialist

The Extension Evaluation Specialist is a full-time 12-month, non-tenure track, 100% Extension position located in Fargo, ND. The specialist is responsible for providing leadership to build organizational capacity to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of educational programs. Capacity building includes initiatives such as conducting evaluation studies, facilitating/assisting with professional development, supporting accountability and reporting functions and working with all Extension professionals in support of evaluation efforts. This position will be supervised by the NDSU Extension assistant director, agriculture and natural resources.

The position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and technical assistance to Extension professionals in program evaluation and data collection/analysis methods.
• Develop evaluation strategies and assessment instruments for Extension educational programs to assess the effectiveness of individual, community and organizational learning and performance improvement.
• Develop and deliver training and serve as a resource person to county and state Extension personnel in program evaluation.
• In collaboration with the assistant director, family and community wellness, provide leadership for the use of Extension reporting system; NDSU Extension uses the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS).
• Provide consultation to Extension personnel requesting assistance in the development of impact statements.
• Respond to requests as appropriate and collaborate with relevant agencies.
• Work with Agriculture Communications to develop and maintain strategies for communicating the effectiveness of Extension programs in North Dakota.
• In coordination with Agriculture Communications, create reports and infographics to share program data and impacts with state and federal agencies and stakeholders.
• Serve as a resource to Extension professionals developing grant proposals needing assistance with logic model development and evaluation plans.
• Serve as a resource to Extension professionals needing to write technical reports that present the outcomes and impacts of programs.

The responsibilities of this position also will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Read and abide by all the rules and regulations for faculty at NDSU as outlined in the NDSU Policy Manual.
• Contribute to a positive work environment through cooperation, collaboration and teamwork with others by developing and maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, faculty, staff, employees, and clientele.
• Participate in local, regional and national professional associations, whenever possible.
• Participate in program planning and training efforts as required.
• Assure compliance with equal opportunity policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree in a related field completed by first day of employment.

2. Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Experience in one or more of the following is preferred: analysis of qualitative data, survey design and development, statistical analysis skills, experimental and quasi-experimental design.

3. Evidence of ability to evaluate community-based non-formal educational programs that reach racial-ethnic diverse audiences and communities.

4. Demonstrated ability to effectively teach and communicate ideas verbally, in writing and through educational technology.

5. Strong group and educational facilitation skills. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a team setting; ability to effectively manage conflicts.

6. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Three or more years of professional experience.

2. Experience and success in measuring and assessing the impact and effectiveness of Extension/outreach programs.

3. Knowledge and understanding of the land-grant system and Cooperative Extension.

4. An understanding of the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS).

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover Letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Three Professional References

Screening will begin: 5/17/24

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

Salary:

Salary is commensurate with experience.

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.

We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region. (see www.ndsu.edu/inclusioncouncil/native_american_initiatives/).