Research Analyst III

About Us:

VOALA

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

EVALUATION - CORPORATE

Serving those who serve others. The Evaluation Department assesses the effectiveness of our programs through consultative approaches coupled with extensive data analysis. Based on results, the Evaluation staff works with the program to identify and implement strategies and processes for continuous improvement.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

As part of the Evaluation team, the Research Analyst III will join and lead program evaluation efforts from planning stages through execution of the evaluation and testing processes. Oversee and create effective systems for continuous improvement throughout VOALA and the communities it serves. Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization as well as with external partners to establish and implement evaluation plans. Oversee Creation of effective systems (electronic and hard copy) for the gathering, quality assurance, and storage of all project data.

Monitor and provide regular feedback on staff use of these systems. Thoroughly verifies and debugs code & software components, using best practices or established procedures; Assists in identifying causes of database errors and provides resolutions; Participates in interviews with end-users to analyze and document program requirements; Creates the initial mockup to ensure the requirements are accurately translated into the proposed solution; Prepares user manuals, flow charts, training materials, and various technical documents; Provides technical assistance and training to end-users.

Oversee qualitative and quantitative data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews, observation protocols). Manages, organizes and analyses quantitative and qualitative data using a combination of tools (including SSPS, Atlas Ti, Excel, Tableau).

Prepares written and visual summaries of data to convey results to stakeholders including program evaluation reports, annual reports, dashboards and other evaluation-related documents. Keeps up to date on best practices for data visualization.

Manage project timelines and leading project deliverables.

Performs and manages special research projects as directed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct and oversee evaluation projects that apply qualitative and quantitative methods to assess programs and initiatives within and outside of the organization, drawing upon primary and secondary data. Lead evaluations and perform major project tasks, including formulating research questions, writing evaluation plans and scopes of work, designing data collection and analytic plans, establishing and managing project timelines, and leading project deliverables. This may include working collaboratively with programs to design practical evaluation plans, develop goals and indicators, develop logic models and theories of change, and prepare data management plans.
• Manage project timelines and leading project deliverables
• Conduct site visits to observe programs to assess program quality and fidelity of program implementation as needed. Evaluate current program operations and outcomes, and apply research, data, and policy analysis to recommend program improvements strategies. Present evaluation findings and recommendations in briefings, reports, and presentations to lay and stakeholder audiences such as program staff, directors and executive leadership, professional associations, and other external organizations.
• Create effective systems (electronic and hard copy) for the gathering, quality assurance, and storage of all project data. Works with Evaluation team and program to understand the program requirements, functional and technical specifications. Analyzes and defines data flow requirements and prepares applicable system documentation and operation manuals as needed. Provide program trainings on database administration and conducts site visits and follows up with one-on-one training where needed. Holds management meetings regarding data use and program decision making.
• Oversees qualitative and quantitative data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews, observation protocols). Manages, organizes and analyses quantitative and qualitative data using a combination of tools (including SSPS, Atlas Ti, Excel, Tableau). Prepares written and visual summaries of data to convey results to stakeholders including program evaluation reports, annual reports, dashboards and other evaluation-related documents. Keeps up to date on best practices for data visualization.
• Contribute to grant development efforts that identify and respond to RFPs that align with and advance the organization’s vision and current objectives. Provide technical assistance and support to programs regarding grant requirements, data collection procedures, and grant goals, objectives, and targets.
• Travel as needed regarding the above duties.
• Other duties as required and may be subject to change.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications

EDUCATION:

• Master's degree in social sciences, public health or related degree

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of overall experience in program evaluation and/or direct service in a community-based organization
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in research and/or data management.
• Minimum of 2 years experience leading projects in program evaluation, data management, and training on data management in a community based organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred PhD
• Preferred experience in internal evaluation, mixed methods evaluation, community-based participatory research, data collection techniques, and data analysis.
• Experience working in underserved communities
• Knowledge of Evaluation theory.
• Knowledge on any of the following statistical software: R, Atlas TI
• Training on making data accessible to all stakeholders

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.