Evaluations Specialist

Description:

SGA provides a wide range of social services in some of Chicago's most challenging and consistently underserved communities and creates long-term and community-wide change. SGA uses data, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement to understand program effectiveness, strengthen service delivery, demonstrate outcomes, and improve results for children, youth, families, and communities.

Job Overview

The Evaluation Specialist supports SGA's continuous quality improvement and program evaluation efforts by collecting, validating, analyzing, and interpreting program and outcome data. This position works collaboratively with program staff and leadership to identify trends, assess program performance, develop meaningful reports, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for program improvement.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews program data for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and anomalies; identifies data-quality issues and works with program staff to resolve them.
• Collaborates with the Continuous Quality Improvement Supervisor and program leadership to use evaluation findings and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborates with program and administrative staff to ensure reported data are accurate, complete, consistent with source documentation, and submitted according to established deadlines.
• Produces data tables, outcome summaries, and other analyses used in grant applications, funder reports, program reviews, and agency communications.
• Develops data collection tools, surveys, forms, manuals, procedures, training materials, and reports in agency and fund-required management data systems.
• Provides technical assistance and training to staff on data entry, data quality, reporting, and appropriate use of data systems.
• Supports the development of SGA's annual Program Evaluation Report
• Represents the agency in collaborative/collective impact projects, seeking accreditation, and other special initiatives.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with the performance management of the case management data system experienced by agency staff.
• Interpret grant guidelines and contractual deliverables to design, establish, and maintain compliance tracking systems that ensure ongoing alignment with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Performance Measures (PMs).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

KEY COMPETENCIES

Data Collection, Quality, and Analysis

Program Evaluation

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Technology and Data Systems

Communication and Collaboration

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Public Health, Data Analytics, Public Administration, or related field preferred. Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.

Bilingual Spanish preferred

Experience:

• 2–4 years of experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting program, performance, or outcome data, preferably in human services, education, public health, or related settings.
• Experience supporting program evaluation, performance measurement, and/or continuous quality improvement.
• Experience developing reports, dashboards, data visualizations, and presentations.
• Experience using databases or performance management systems such as Efforts to Outcomes (ETO), Bonterra Apricot, Salesforce, or similar platforms.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, including formulas, pivot tables, data cleaning, and analysis.

Other:

• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and reporting requirements with attention to detail.
• Ability to explain technical data concepts to program staff and other non-technical audiences.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ability to work varying hours Monday - Friday; Schedule may include evenings and weekends.
• Office Software Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) or G Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to remain stationary 50% of the time.
• Must be able to frequently move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS ELIGIBLE

BENEFITS

Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; a 403(b) retirement savings plan; paid vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays; an Employee Assistance Program. Benefits are provided in accordance with plan documents and organizational policies, and eligibility may vary based on employment status and scheduled hours.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; this description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

An Equal Opportunity Employer