SPECIAL SERVICE FOR GROUPS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Title:  Assistant Director, Research & Evaluation Unit                               

Division:               Core

FLSA:    Exempt                                                                                                 

Supervisor:          Eric Wat, R&E Director

Pay Range or Rate: $62,400 Annually        

Summary

Special Service for Groups (SSG) is a multi-service nonprofit agency currently operating over 20 programs primarily in Los Angeles County.  Under its Research & Evaluation (R&E) unit, SSG provides various forms of training, technical assistance and capacity-building related to research and evaluation for SSG programs and our community partners, including other community-based organizations, schools, clinics/hospitals, and funders. Under the direction of the R&E Unit Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for conducting trainings and providing individualized technical assistance, as well as guiding R&E team members in providing research, evaluation and capacity building services. The tasks, duties and responsibilities of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions

• ·       Provide technical assistance to local nonprofits and SSG programs on community-based participatory research, program evaluation, and organizational development.
• ·         Design and conduct community trainings and workshops around program design, evaluation and community-based research.
• ·         Provide guidance to R&E team members to ensure successful completion of projects, including creating spaces for reflection and identifying opportunities for staff development.
• ·         Develop and maintain relationships with peers in the field of capacity building, community based research, and program evaluation.
• ·         Develop and maintain relationships with other service providers and organizations that serve the agency's targeted communities.
• ·         Identify and pursue opportunities for business development, including but not limited to writing proposals, developing initiatives and projects, and meeting with funders.
• ·         Support R&E Unit Director in the long-term planning and development of Unit.
• ·         Facilitate focus groups, interviews and other methods of data collection in communities.
• ·         Present research results to community groups, elected officials and SSG staff.
• ·         Conduct secondary research to identify data and literature relevant to SSG agencies and partners, including the use of online, academic, library, Census and community resources.

·     Represent the agency in a variety of community settings including funder, provider and community meetings, and major events.

·         Assist with management of daily operation of R&E, as needed.

Secondary Functions

·         Support the planning and development of SSG as a whole: Work collaboratively with SSG Development Team and other Core units.

·         Participate in the development, writing, and production of research publications, as well as distribution and dissemination.

·         Perform data requests for SSG agencies and its partners.

·         Collect additional information from SSG programs and partners (including staff, volunteers and clients) to generate policies in support of SSG agencies and partners.

·         Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

·         Master's degree or higher in a professional field, especially in Urban Planning, Public Policy, and Public Administration.

·         Minimum of 5 years’ experience in conducting research and evaluation in Los Angeles or similar communities.

·         Minimum of 2 years’ experience in project management, including guiding staff in completing deliverables in a timely and professional manner.

·         Knowledge of Appreciative Inquiry, community-based participatory research (CBPR), empowerment evaluation and other research/evaluation approaches.

·         Knowledge and practice of effective and creative communication styles to maintain team morale, including active listening, conflict mediation, and openness to new ideas.

·         Familiarity with strategic planning, organizational development, and business development.

·         Good writing and editing skills are essential.

·         Knowledge of and ability to work with low-income or racially diverse communities, including residents and CBO staff of diverse cultures, languages and educational backgrounds.

·         Ability to work independently and coordinate work with others, as well as ability to provide guidance to staff.

·         Ability to facilitate inclusive decision-making processes.

·         Proficient skills in use of Internet, MS Word, and MS Excel.

·         Knowledge of Southern California non-profits, community-based organizations and funders.

·         Possess a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and appropriate automobile insurance.

·         Background check and proof of employment eligibility required.

·         Regular attendance.

Non-Essential Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

§         Ability to speak and write fluently in languages other than English.

§         Knowledge and experience in using MS PowerPoint, InDesign, etc.

§         Knowledge and experience in using data analysis software, especially SPSS, Atlas.ti, and MAXQDA.

§         Knowledge of nonprofit management and philanthropic/funding trends.

§         Ability to perform duties on some weekday, evenings, and weekend days when required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will support R&E Director in supervising staff and maintaining team morale.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

This position takes place primarily in the SSG/Research and Evaluation office and in the field (including Los Angeles and surrounding Counties).

Physical Requirements 

The position requires primarily sitting and working at a computer workstation, including reading and typing.  This position requires driving. 

Mental Requirements

The position requires the ability to process and analyze information from multiple sources and to articulate the significance of that information.  This position also requires the ability to work independently and prioritize in order to meet deadlines.  The position requires work schedule that is responsive to the needs of research participants.