The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Applied Research and Evaluation (OARE) seeks a qualified individual to fill a Research Scientist 1 - Program Evaluator position. This position is located in Trenton, NJ. This position may be eligible to work remotely for up to two days in a calendar week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision of a division director, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, independently initiates and coordinates a research or developed program in a specified professional field; may supervise lower levels of Research Scientists and other technical staff, manages high level technical projects and reports results to designated officials for inter- and intra-agency response; does related work.

The preferred candidate will possess strong analytical and methodological expertise in program evaluation to lead the design and implementation of program evaluations focused on services for children and families. Anticipated tasks of this position include:

Lead the design and implementation of evaluation projects using qualitative and quantitative methods.
Coordinate and manage evaluation teams consisting of both research and programmatic staff.
Review, summarize, and communicate findings from relevant scientific and national literature related to evaluation projects.
Participate in the design of research protocols and evaluation plans.
Develop and maintain data collection tools, data collection systems and databases, as needed.
Participate in fieldwork and data collection efforts.
Maintain analytical files including analytical outputs and tables with evaluation findings.
Design and participate in continuous quality improvement processes related to DCF programs and services.
Create and maintain standardized reports and data visualizations.
Facilitate data-driven conversations aimed at improving program performance and outcomes.
Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using software packages such as Excel and SPSS.
Develop interactive data dashboards and visualizations using Tableau for program partners and stakeholders.
Collaborate with stakeholder groups to implement evaluation projects, interpret data and develop recommendations.
Communicate findings to stakeholders at multiple levels and with various backgrounds through presentations and written products.
Partner with external research institutions to facilitate successful implementation of external evaluations of DCF programs.
Support the development and maintenance of interactive data dashboards and visualizations using Tableau for program partners and stakeholders.
Collaborate with stakeholder groups to implement evaluation projects, interpret data and develop recommendations.
Communicate findings through presentations and written products to both internal and external partners.
Manage project activities, maintain workplans, develop meeting agendas and notes, and ensure adherence to timelines.
Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate.
Provide supervision to research staff.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.

EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.

NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.

SPECIAL NOTE: Successful candidates will have at least two (2) years of experience in public health, child welfare, health services, or epidemiological research and program evaluation. Proven qualitative and quantitative analysis skills. Experience creating data visualizations preferred, particularly using Tableau. Proven track record of delivering accurate, comprehensive results within tight deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work well both independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration and organizational skills.

RESUME NOTE:Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented on the resume only. Applicants who possess a degree from a college or university outside the United States must provide an evaluation of one’s transcripts from a recognized evaluation service at the time of submission. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.

SALARY: $93,816.41 - $133,882.16

TO APPLY: You must submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document, saving the file by your Last Name, First Name.

Please indicate in your cover letter the Posting # and where you found this job opportunity. Send the file to:

Job.Posting@dcf.nj.gov

The Department of Children and Families is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment which reflects the diversity of the state we serve.

LICENSE: Appointee will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: As a prospective employee of the State of New Jersey, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Are you a veteran? If so, proof of your NJ Veterans Preference is required at application. Please provide a copy of your New Jersey Civil Service Commission NOTIFICATION OF VETERANS STATUS along with your cover letter and resume. For information on how to apply for Veterans Preference in the State of NJ, please visit the Civil Service Commission's website at http://www.state.nj.us/csc/seekers/veterans.

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3.

RESIDENCY LAW: Please refer to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ website at: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/employment/dcf/.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The preferred candidate will possess strong analytical and methodological expertise in program evaluation to lead the design and implementation of program evaluations…