As a member of the Program Evaluation Unit within Social Work Office of Research and Public Service's Division of Applied Research and Evaluation (DARE), this position works in collaboration with the Unit's Manager, evaluators, and other team members to develop and execute research and evaluation plans for the City of Knoxville's Tender Loving Care Project. This position has deep ties to the communities impacted by the project and will provide guidance to support successful adoption of the project. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

This is a part-time contract, 9-month position.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience:
  • 2 years of experience working or volunteering in programs or initiatives that address community safety, violence prevention, or related social services
  • Familiarity with program evaluation practices and data collection methodologies (Coursework acceptable)
  • 2 years of experience with community organizing
  • Must have a valid driver's license and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage or an alternative reliable means of transportation to travel in the service area.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Deep and thorough knowledge of the communities impacted by the TLC Project
  • Ability to organize community members
  • Knowledgeable about data collection methods and methods for protecting confidential data.
  • Demonstrated experience of strong observational, analytical, and critical thinking skills to be able to review trends, information, and outcomes and deduce reasons for the results and consider alternative possibilities for conclusions and recommendations.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear and concise written and verbal reports that outline findings

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience:
  • 5 years of experience working or volunteering in programs or initiatives that address community safety, violence prevention, or related social services
  • 2 years of experience with program evaluation practices and data collection methodologies (outside of coursework)
  • 5 years of experience with community organizing
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of research and program evaluation practices, particularly culturally competent evaluation.
  • Knowledgeable about qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methodologies.
  • Knowledge of measurement theories and experience with design, validity, and reliability of instruments.

Position Details

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Hybrid

• Position Pay Rate/Range: $25 per hour

• Hours: 20 hours per week.

• Duration of Temporary Assignment: 9 months

The Community Research Coordinator responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

- Work with team members to develop an evaluation plan, evaluation instruments, and protocols

- Collect data through interviews, focus groups, and surveys

- Synthesize and analyze qualitative and quantitative data

- Translate findings, as well as the methods that produced them, for stakeholders who are unfamiliar with evaluation practice and terminology.

- Prepare and present interim and final reporting to stakeholders.

- Identify and develop partnerships with key stakeholders within TLC Project zones

- Act as a Program Evaluation champion, reinforcing with stakeholders, community members, and sponsors the importance of evaluation and the benefits a strong evaluation has on project success

- Recruit community members and stakeholders to participate in the TLC Project Advisory Board

- Participate as an active member of the TLC Project Advisory Board