Program Evaluation Specialist

About the Position

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeks a Program Evaluation Specialist to support the leadership including the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, ensuring unity within the Church through evidence-based research. This role involves utilizing academic expertise and practical experience to carry out mixed-method research to aid in the design, assessment, and refinement of Church programs and products. The specialist will become part of the evaluation research team contributing to valuable insights that guide Church initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive research tasks such as literature reviews, research and survey design, developing protocols for interviews, focus groups, and observations, and actively participating in data gathering activities.
• Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, generating reports and presentations to communicate findings effectively to diverse stakeholders including product teams, Church management, and General Authorities.
• Lead and collaborate within project teams, handle project documentation and databases, offer problem-solving support, and review colleagues' research plans and outputs.
• Engage with clients to provide guidance, resolve inquiries, and address challenges related to evaluation efforts.
• Oversee vendors and subcontractors as part of project execution.
• Undertake local and international travel as required to fulfill research duties.
• Some positions may require temporary residence outside the current country of residence within the Church's global network.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of a Master’s or PhD in education, instructional design, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, or related social sciences, with preference given to those with evaluation focus.
• Five to seven years of professional experience in program evaluation; applicants with fewer years may be considered for lower grade levels.
• Demonstrated research experience with populations beyond the U.S. and Canada.

Professional Skills

• Solid understanding of evaluation theory and fundamental principles.
• Ability to translate program goals into measurable evaluation frameworks.
• Expertise in research designs such as causal inference, experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental methods along with sampling techniques.
• Proficiency in developing, executing, and analyzing surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observational research.
• Competency in designing clear, impactful presentations that summarize findings succinctly.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills enabling effective teamwork and leadership roles.
• Capability to independently manage multiple projects in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving aptitude, adaptability to shifting priorities in client needs.
• Successful track record of guiding research projects through complete life cycles.
• Cultural fluency with experience living or working deeply in communities outside the United States.
• Fluent in English and another language commonly spoken by Church members.

Work Conditions

The position offers a flexible work arrangement allowing up to four days of remote work per week, contingent upon residing in Utah. The primary work location is Salt Lake City, Utah, with the expectation of being legally authorized to work in the US and readiness to relocate if necessary.

Additional Details

The Church values employees who bring their unique talents to advance its mission. Only members of the Church who maintain a temple recommend and demonstrate worthiness are eligible for this role. Employment is provided without discrimination on various protected grounds in compliance with relevant laws, and reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Applicants should note the position may close without prior notice. This role is categorized within Research & Development and is a full-time regular employee position. One opening is available.