Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation

Salary: $58,000.00 - $68,000.00 Annually
Location : 2001 Union Carbide Drive, Building 2000, South Charleston, WV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 0441P00046
Division: Division of Student Affairs
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 12:00 AM Eastern

General Job Summary
Serve in a leadership capacity responsible for directing all aspects of research and evaluation strategies, data collection, and Federal reporting. Leads an evaluation team to ensure the project's adherence to meeting GPRA performance measures, required program measures, and project-specific measures. Develop and monitor applicable research MOUs and related policies. Collaborate with the institutions of higher education, the WV Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, local county boards of education and an external evaluator to collect, analyze, report, and utilize data to improve college access and success programming. Provide research, planning, and administration leadership on college access and success initiatives for the Commission and Council.
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt, Non-Classified, Benefits-Eligible
Duties and Responsibilities
Research, Evaluation, and Data Analytics (40%)

• Direct all aspects of research design, evaluation strategies, and assessment for the federally funded GEAR UP grant program.
• Develop and oversee qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Collect, analyze, validate, interpret, and maintain data to support program evaluation.
• Measure formative, summative, short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes.
• Utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness and improve postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion outcomes.
• Direct research, planning, assessment, and evaluation activities for the Division of Student Affairs.

Federal Reporting, Compliance, and Performance Measurement (25%)

• Prepare and submit required annual federal reports and ad hoc reports.
• Monitor progress toward grant goals, objectives, GPRA performance measures, required federal measures, and project-specific outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and evaluation standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor research-related Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), data-sharing agreements, and associated policies.

Collaboration, Partnerships, and Strategic Planning (15%)

• Collaborate with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Council for Community and Technical College Education, West Virginia institutions of higher education, the West Virginia Department of Education, local county boards of education, the U.S. Department of Education, and external evaluators.
• Participate in strategic planning and provide data-informed recommendations to support agency and program initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate participatory evaluation efforts across partner organizations.

Leadership, Supervision, and Program Administration (10%)

• Supervise assigned staff, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Provide leadership and oversight for research and evaluation initiatives within the Division of Student Affairs.
• Coordinate project priorities, timelines, and evaluation activities.

Outreach, Communications, and Resource Development (10%)

• Represent the Commission and Council by presenting program accomplishments, outcomes, and initiatives at local, state, and national events.
• Assist in identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities to expand agency initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Qualifications

• Require a Master's degree in education or a research-oriented field.
• Research related coursework preferred. Doctoral degree in an appropriate field is preferred.
• Three years of recent relevant experience required.
• Acceptable combination of education and related experience will be considered.
• Valid West Virginia Driver's License; may be required to drive to meetings, trainings, and events.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of college access and success efforts at the national, state, and institutional level.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to access and analyze a wide array of student-level, institutional, state, and national data sets.
• Familiarity with statistical packages and intermediate statistics procedures.
• The successful candidate must possess strong organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines.
• Must be detailed oriented and possess the ability to simplify complex analysis for audiences as needed.

Supplemental Information
Position Open Until Filled. Review of applications and interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Process: In addition to filling out the online application, interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. Contact information for three professional references will be requested later in the interview process.

IMPORTANT: Your eligible score will be based on information provided in your application; therefore, make sure the work experience section in your application is detailed and complete.
Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks.
Equal Opportunity Employer

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions of its staff.
Why Work With Us?

Great careers aren't just about the job - they're about the whole package.
At the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council), we're looking for talented people who want more than just a paycheck. If you value purpose-driven work, financial security, and time to live your life, keep reading.
At the Commission and Council, we work every day to expand educational opportunities and improve quality of life for West Virginians. We know education is essential to building a strong workforce-today and for the future-and our efforts impact 60,000 students each year. In partnership with our state's colleges and universities, we strive to make postsecondary education more affordable, accessible, and attainable.
The Short Version

What You Get

The Details

Shorter Work Week

37.5 hours - not the standard 40

Flexibility

Hybrid schedule with remote and in-office days

Time Off

24 days annual leave 18 days sick leave all WV state holidays

Retirement

401(a) with 6% match, plus 403(b) & 457(b) options

Healthcare

Multiple medical plans comprehensive ancillary benefits

Environment

You'll work in a modern office with real amenities - think outside walking paths, an on-campus café, and plenty of space to spread out. But it's not just about the space. It's about a culture that gives you room to grow and work that actually matters.
Let's Talk About Retirement (Seriously)
Most people gloss over retirement benefits. Don't.

Our plan isn't your grandfather's pension - it's better. With a 6% employer match on your 401(a) and access to both 403(b) and 457(b) accounts, you can strategically save in ways that could replace well over 100% of your working income when you retire. That's not a typo. That's planning done right.
Time Off That Actually Lets You Recharge

• 24 days of annual leave accrued per year
• 18 days of sick leave - because life happens
• Every West Virginia state holiday - and if you know WV, you know that's a lot of days off

Add it all up, and you'll have the time you need to travel, rest, handle family obligations, or simply enjoy a long weekend.
Flexibility Without the Fine Print
Our hybrid work model gives you the best of both worlds - in-office collaboration and the convenience of remote work. And we don't just offer flexibility; we equip you for it. Expect dual monitors, quality peripherals, and the tools you need to be productive at home and in the office.
Benefits Beyond the Basics

• Health coverage: Choose from multiple medical plan options tailored to different needs and budgets.
• Ancillary benefits: Dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA options, and more - the full suite of coverage to protect you and your family.

The Work Itself
Let's not forget why you're here: the job.
The Commission and Council offers:

• Challenging, engaging work that keeps you learning
• A service-oriented mission where your efforts create real impact in higher education policy
• Opportunities for advancement - we promote from within and invest in your growth
• A welcoming office environment - modern space, good people, positive culture

The Bottom Line
You deserve a workplace that respects your time, invests in your future, and gives you room to thrive. That's exactly what you'll find at the Commission and Council.

Interested? Let's talk.

Benefits
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• Legal Services
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• 401(a) Retirement Account with 6% Employer Matching Contribution
• Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Accounts
• Vacation Days
• Sick Days
• Paid Holidays

Salary : $58,000 - $68,000