Policy, Planning and Evaluation Manager

Description

The Policy, Planning, and Evaluation Manager is responsible for managing and supervising the design and execution of advanced strategic planning, program design, policy development, and policy and program evaluation. Supports the Program Evaluation function in the Policy and Planning Department. Coordinates closely with data analysts and supervises and mentors undergraduate and graduate interns. Develops, oversees, and administers key resident, employee, partner, and community surveys that generate key strategic plan indicators. The position is responsible for leading and managing various inter-agency teams, cross-departmental work teams, and Opportunity Home client teams in meeting project objectives and deadlines, producing project deliverables, and managing project resources. Ensures team members comply with agency policy and best practices in data sharing, data security, program evaluation, engagement, survey, and focus groups. A function of this position is to forge and support the development of resident and community engagement efforts that can advance Opportunity Home’s strategic plan impact. 

Examples of Duties

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned as needed. These essential functions require a consistent presence in the work environment on a regular basis, and regular attendance must be maintained. 

Develop and manage project plans and timelines, delegate work assignments to team members, oversee project activities, and support team members to ensure meeting project deadlines.

Maintains project documentation to include: project charter, timelines, decisions made, key milestones, findings, and recommendations.

Produces project status, survey, and evaluation reports for internal and external use.

Supports the Policy and Planning department’s program evaluation efforts. 

In coordination with the Assistant Director of Policy & Planning/Planning & Evaluation, designs and carries out formative and summative program and policy evaluations, which includes coordinating with cross departmental staff to identify evaluation questions, evaluation methodology (quantitative and/or qualitative methods), data collection methods, data analysis, and the production of evaluation reports to be disseminated internally and externally 

Designs and manages infrastructure to carry out Opportunity Home surveys to inform Strategic Plan and select project/program needs. 

Develops, oversees, and administers key resident, employee, partner, and community surveys that generate key strategic plan indicators.

Shares survey results with residents, employees, and the community through paper and digital communication and in-person and virtual meetings 

Supports the development of Policy & Planning’s resident and community engagement efforts as described in the engagement maturity model(s) 

Supports the Resident Advisory Board 

Produces quarterly and annual project performance and impact analysis reports that show trends, depict progress towards goals, and highlight lessons learned to be disseminated internally and to external partners.

Leads various data collection efforts that include requesting partner data, leading focus groups or interviews with employees, clients, or partners, and designing and administering Opportunity Home surveys.

Serves as the point of contact for external program evaluators and coordinates with internal staff to meet external evaluation requests.

Researches best practices in program evaluation, data evaluation, research, and strategic plan priorities 

Recommends operational changes and assists in planning, developing, and implementing standard operating procedures (SOP), policies, manuals, and guides. 

Complete all duties as assigned or requested as outlined in operational and procedural guidelines. These guidelines are maintained and issued in the event of an emergency situation that arises at a property or any other location that serves our residents or employees. 

Participate in Trauma Informed Care (TIC) initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to achieve and/or maintain certification as a TIC organization.

Participate in initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to create awareness, foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Recognize the significance of a data-driven organization that adheres to expanded policies and practices in the area of data governance. Learn the distinct and different roles to include: Data Trustees, Data Domain Stewards, Data System Custodians, Data Stewards, and Data Users. Effectively collaborate with the various data roles as needed on a daily basis or in a project capacity.

Other duties as assigned.

All supervisors: 

Lead, motivate, engage, and retain employees by: 

Setting goals for performance and deadlines that comply and conform with the company’s plans and vision.

Organizing workflow and ensuring employees understand and are trained on their duties or delegated tasks.

Monitoring employee productivity and providing constructive feedback and coaching

Ensuring alignment across various procedures. 

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills

Values Driven  | Demonstrates an understanding of the values (Compassion, Equity, and Excellence) and embodies the values in their work and interactions with residents, vendors, co-workers, supervisors, board members, community members, and other stakeholders.

Leadership  | Provides direction to people and/or projects by clearly and effectively setting course of action for the assigned department staff and tasks; manages the planning, execution, and achievement of assigned department goals.

Customer Service  | Responds with Compassion in a professional manner to the expectations and needs of internal and external customers; is friendly and helpful to all customers, fostering positive relationships while providing Excellent service.

Effective Use of Information  | Communicates important information to those who need to know clearly, securely, effectively, orally and/or in writing; proactively exchanges accurate and timely information.

Commitment and Continuous Improvement  | Sets the standard for Excellence by proactively pursuing innovation through systematic experimentation and learning. Corrects mistakes by assessing appropriate processes, proposing adjustments, and prioritizing long-term solutions.

Teamwork  | Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits Compassion, objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts of Excellence; attends, supports, and participates in the organization’s team building events.

Responsiveness and Accountability  | Demonstrates a high level of Excellence and holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; complies with procedures and directives and understands the importance of maintaining and managing confidential information; recognizes and anticipates issues and provides a responsive resolution in a timely manner.

Typical Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Public Policy, Program Administration, Program Evaluation, Social Work, or a related field.

Experience

Required

Six (6) years of related experience in program evaluation and policy analysis.

Must have the ability to learn and use cloud applications such as the Google GSuite applications, including but not limited to Google Chrome Browser, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Understand document sharing and collaboration in the cloud. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, cloud-accessible applications including but not limited to One Drive, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or MAC or PC desktop equivalent, is acceptable. 

Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, and work history verification, and drug screening test.

Preferred Education and Experience 

Professional certifications in Program Evaluation, Strategic Planning, or Data Analysis.

Housing Choice Voucher Manager or Public Housing Manager Certification

Strong Facilitation, program analysis, interpretation, and report writing skills.

Ability to learn cloud technologies such as LucidChart for diagram, workflow and chart drawing. Experience with Vizio or equivalent is acceptable. Basic understanding of Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to connect to internal business systems. 

License + Certificates

Required

Texas Class “C” driver’s license at the time of placement and insurable by the organization’s fleet and liability insurance carrier.

Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have

Strong oral and written communication skills, including writing and presenting clearly and concisely on complex topics. 

Understands the agency's Mission, Vision, and Values and directs work within these guiding principles and operational framework.

Knowledge of data management practices and principles.

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of work groups

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. 

Knowledge of indicator analysis and usage. 

Knowledge of logic models, theories of change, and program design and evaluation basics

Knowledge of program and policy evaluation techniques

Knowledge of survey development, administration, analysis, and reporting

Knowledge of project management best practices

Ability to facilitate cross departmental and interagency workgroups

Ability to work with and provide reports to the Board, ELT, Senior Team, and upper management

Ability to produce and carry out research and special topic presentations at local, regional, and national conferences

Ability to produce program evaluation and project reports for internal and external use

Ability to work both independently without close oversight but also as a team player who will

productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the

organization.

Ability to forge and manage relationships with partners, residents, employees, and community

Ability to facilitate program design, monitoring, and evaluation sessions

Ability to engage with Leaders from partner organizations

Skill in the use of online collaboration tools. 

Ability to organize complex data management workflow to maintain data integrity and security. 

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally, graphically (maps and charts) and in writing. 

Ability to present statistics and data analyses in an effective manner. 

Ability to develop complex and detailed plans and procedures. 

Ability to exercise independent judgment. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the general public.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting, standing, operating computers and other office equipment, walking and moving about the office and/or community property, and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to complete data entry, utilize various portals, and communicate via email and verbally via telephone. Will need the ability to walk large properties and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Office Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

High level of interaction with external/internal clients.

May be transferred or be required to work at different properties or sites for interim periods in order to support business needs. 

Outside Environment

Subject to environmental elements when conducting visits to various sites or participating in outside events. 

ADA Statement

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will make reasonable accommodations to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities if it would not impose an “undue hardship” on the operation of the employer’s business.

Ethics

As a public agency, the organization is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and honesty to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors, and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Opportunity Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information, marital status, veteran status, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Opportunity Home is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

Disclaimer

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This position specification is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this position specification at any time without notice. 

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
INSURANCE PLANS

HEALTH INSURANCE - BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD HEALTH PLAN

This is a voluntary benefit for the employees. Employees can choose from two PPO medical plans (750 & 1000). Opportunity Home contributes between 78-85% of the cost. This is effective on the 1st day of the month following the date of hire.

DENTAL INSURANCE – BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD DENTAL PLAN (BLUECARE DENTAL)

This is a voluntary benefit for employees. Opportunity Home contributes 50% of the cost. This is effective on the 1st day of the month following the date of hire.

VISION INSURANCE – HUMANA

This is a voluntary benefit for employees. Opportunity Home contributes one-third of the cost. This is effective on the 1st day of the month following the date of hire.

LIFE INSURANCE – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)

Life insurance is furnished at no cost to the employee for the amount of one time the employee’s annual salary rounded to the next thousand. Employees have the option to purchase additional life insurance at their own cost. This benefit is effective immediately. If additional life insurance is not elected during the first 30 days of employment, enrollment will be subject to the completion of an Evidence of Insurability form.

LONG TERM DISABILITY – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)

Long-term disability is furnished at no cost to the employee. The employee will be eligible to receive a weekly benefit of 66.67% of their basic weekly income. This is effective following 90 days of employment.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)

Short-term disability is furnished at no cost to the employee. The employee will be eligible to receive a weekly benefit of 66.67% of their basic weekly income. This is effective following 90 days of employment.

VOLUNTARY ACCIDENT INSURANCE - (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)

This is a voluntary benefit for employees. This benefit pays for treatments, services, or injuries incurred, as a result of a covered accident.

VOLUNTARY CRITICAL ILLNESS - (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)

This is a voluntary benefit for employees. This benefit helps cover unplanned expenses when recovering from a critical illness.

LEGAL SERVICES - ARAG LEGAL SERVICES

This is a voluntary benefit for employees. This program offers employees convenient access to affordable legal services such as the preparation of Wills/Trusts; Debt Matters; Divorce; Identity Theft; Consumer Protection; Real Estate Matters; Document Preparation and Review, plus various other services.

RETIREMENT PLANS OPPORTUNITY HOME PENSION PLAN

This is a mandatory benefit. All employees are required to participate in the pension plan following one year of employment. Opportunity Home contributes 11% and the employee contributes 5% of the gross wages each payroll. This is effective the quarter (January, April, July, or October) following the employee’s one-year anniversary.

457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN - (MISSION SQUARE)

This is a voluntary benefit. This is effective immediately upon receipt of an enrollment application. The minimum contribution is $10 per pay period. The maximum contribution is subject to IRS laws.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS – MCGRIFF INSURANCE SERVICES

This is a voluntary benefit. Medical reimbursement and Dependent Care reimbursement accounts allow the employee to save money from their paycheck on a pre-tax basis. The amount that the employee elects to contribute is not subject to federal income tax, social security or Medicare.

FMLA / ADA ADMINISTRATION - ABSENCE MANAGEMENT (COMPSYCH)

This program provides employee leave administration services. Provides direct online tools and resources to employees. Employees/Supervisors deal directly with Intake Specialists who can answer questions, and provide consultation, eligibility, and guidance.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE 

Opportunity Home contributes 100% for six weeks of paid parental leave.

PTO DONATION

This is a voluntary program. All eligible employees will be allowed to donate PTO from their unused balance to their co-workers in need of PTO who have a major family medical emergency or a major disaster. Employees who would like to receive donated personal time from their co-workers must generally have a situation that meets the guidelines. Employees must be employed with Opportunity Home for a minimum of one year to be eligible to donate and/or receive donated personal time.

LIVONGO DIABETES MANAGEMENT (BCBS)

Opportunity Home contributes 100% to this program. Employees and dependents covered under BCBS Medical insurance are eligible for this program. The program provides escalated treatment options to minimize and delay the ongoing progression of this disease. Features include real time messaging on a connected blood glucose meter; certified diabetes educators; interventions when readings are out of range; test strips and lancets at no extra cost, and delivery at your door.

SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM (BCBS)

Opportunity Home contributes 100% to this program. Employees and dependents covered under BCBS Medical insurance are eligible for this program. The program provides assistance with methods to learn how to quit smoking. Features include telephonic coaching via secure messaging; digital self-management with weekly online lessons; qualified staff, i.e. registered and licensed nurses, dietitians, exercise specialists, health educators, and mental health counselors.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – DEER OAKS

This is a free service provided to you, your dependents, and household members by Opportunity Home. The program offers a wide variety of counseling, referral, and consultation services. Opportunity Home contributes 100% for six counseling sessions per year and is available to both employees and their household family members. This is effective immediately upon employment.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

This benefit is effective after six months of employment.

DISCOUNTED TICKETS

Opportunity Home sells discounted tickets to Santikos Theaters and Fiesta Texas(during the summer months).

GYM REIMBURSEMENT/WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Opportunity Home will reimburse up to $50 per month for an employee’s membership in a gym or nationally recognized weight loss program.

HOLIDAYS

Opportunity Home furnishes employees with 13 paid holidays annually.

Martin Luther King Day – January

President’s Day – February

Battle of Flowers Day – April

Memorial Day – May

Juneteenth - June

4th of July – July

Labor Day – September

Indigenous People’s Day - October

Veteran’s Day - November

Thanksgiving - November

Friday after Thanksgiving - November

Christmas Eve Day - December

Christmas Day - December

 

PAID TIME OFF (PTO)

Years of Service Time earned

0-3 years - 3 weeks, 4.62 hours accrued per pay period

Over 3 years - 4 weeks, 6.15 hours accrued per pay period

Over 9 years - 5 weeks, 7.69 hours accrued per pay period

A maximum of 440 hours of PTO can be held at any time. Once the maximum amount is reached, PTO will stop accruing until some PTO has been used. 01 Do you at least have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Public Policy, Program Administration, Program Evaluation, Social Work, or a related field? Yes No 02 Do you have at least six (6) years of related experience in program evaluation and policy analysis? Yes No 03 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No

Required Question

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