Researcher 3, Program Evaluation Specialist at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

PURPOSES

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 researchershoused 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. Secondary preference will be given to those who are authorized to work in one of the following countries and are willing to relocate to the specified cities: Tokyo, Japan; Aukland, New Zealand; Manilla, Philippines; Accra, Ghana; Nairobi, Kenya; Johannesburg, South Africa; Frankfurt, Germany; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Lima, Peru; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina. This position will be hybrid, working in office at least once a week. 

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:

• The ability to clearly define and translate program objectives into an evaluation.
• An understanding of evaluation theory and guiding principles.
• 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.