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(Senior) Research Specialist, Evaluation - Buffett Institute

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants should note that the goals of the Institute are university-, state-, and nation-wide, but the location of the Institute administration is in Omaha. This position will work primarily out of the Omaha office.

Follow instructions to complete the Standard Application. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Direct questions about the position to: humanresources@nebraska.edu. Direct questions about the online application process to: (402) 472-3701.

The University of Nebraska is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

Posting Details

Position Information

Working Title (Senior) Research Specialist, Evaluation - Buffett Institute
Position Number
Job Description Summary
The senior research specialist will support existing and future evaluation efforts, and in this role will (1) contribute to the design and implementation of evaluation projects; (2) coordinate and manage efforts related to internal and external evaluation projects; (3) support data collection, analysis, and reporting for multiple evaluation projects; (4) prepare written and oral presentations for diverse audiences; and (5) contribute to writings and publications, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, briefs, and contract/grant proposals.
Position Details
Position Announcement Click here for Position Announcement.
Qualifications
The classification of this position is dependent on the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant. Applicants who meet the criteria for Senior Research Specialist will be appointed at that level.

RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Two (2) year of experience working in aspects of research projects and conducting work complementary to the overall research objective
  • Demonstrated experience in using data analysis software such as SPSS, NVivo, Atlas TI
  • Demonstrated experience developing logic models and theories of action to guide evaluation
  • Demonstrated experience with multi-site evaluation projects
  • Knowledge of equitable evaluation practices
  • Knowledge of evaluation theories and practice
  • Recognized training and/or experience with qualitative and mixed methodologies used in evaluation
  • Capacity to collaborate with internal and external partners on evaluation
  • Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree
  • Advanced coursework in program evaluation, research methods and statistics

SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Required Qualifications
  • Master’s degree
  •  Advanced coursework in program evaluation, research methods and statistics
  •  Three (3) years experience working in aspects of research projects and independently conducting work complementary to the overall research objective
  •  Demonstrated experience developing logic models and theories of action to guide evaluation
  •  Demonstrated experience in using data analysis software such as SPSS, NVivo, Atlas TI
  •  Demonstrated experience with multi-site evaluation projects
  •  Knowledge of equitable evaluation practices
  •  Knowledge of evaluation theories and practice
  •  Recognized training and/or experience with qualitative and mixed methodologies used in evaluation
  •  Capacity to collaborate with internal and external partners on evaluation
  •  Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills with strict attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of basic project management practices
  • Knowledge of the Guiding Principles for Evaluators put forth by the American Evaluation Association
  •  Experience working with community groups, which may include schools, school districts, and community programs
An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities is acquired may be considered.
The ideal candidate will (1) have experience collaborating with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers on complex evaluation projects; (2) be adept at working directly with internal and external partners to ensure evaluation needs are met in an efficient and effective manner; (3) have knowledge and passion for transforming the lives of young children; (4) be proficient in collaboration with university, public education, human service, and community partners in service of research and evaluation efforts; (5) be skilled in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, though they may be more experienced with one or the other; (6) possess attention to detail; (7) have the ability to work independently and collaboratively; (8) show initiative and creativity in developing relationships and approaches to addressing complex issues; and (9) be an optimistic, positive, resilient, insightful, and performance-driven decision-maker, problem-solver, and consensus-builder.
Work Location Omaha
Work Schedule
Pay Basis Monthly
Benefits Eligible Yes
Benefits Percentile 1A 100% Ben (12mo)
Posting Detail Information

Posting Number 2012586P
Number of Vacancies 1
Open Date 04/12/2023
Close Date
May Close at Any Time Open Until Filled No
Review of Applications Date 06/16/2023
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants should note that the goals of the Institute are university-, state-, and nation-wide, but the location of the Institute administration is in Omaha. This position will work primarily out of the Omaha office.

Follow instructions to complete the Standard Application. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Direct questions about the position to: humanresources@nebraska.edu. Direct questions about the online application process to: (402) 472-3701.

The University of Nebraska is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. Identify data analysis software you have used.

    (Open Ended Question)

  2. Describe your experience developing logic models and theories of action to guide evaluation.

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. Tell us about your experience with multi-site evaluation projects.

    (Open Ended Question)

  4. Describe your knowledge of equitable evaluation practices.

    (Open Ended Question)

  5. Tell us about your training or experience with qualitative and mixed methodologies used in evaluation.

    (Open Ended Question)

  6. What coursework have you taken that supports program evaluation, research methods, and statistics?

    (Open Ended Question)

  7. What project management practices are you familiar with?

    (Open Ended Question)

  8. Tell us how you used the Guiding Principles for Evaluators that is put forth by the American Evaluation Association.

    (Open Ended Question)

  9. Have you worked within the University of Nebraska system in the past 3 years?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  2. Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Other Document