Manager of Research - Saint Paul, United States - The Sanneh Foundation Inc

Description

Job Description

The Data and Evaluation Manager manages Sanneh's database, trains and partners with staff members to ensure that data are routinely collected and reviewed to meet quality, fidelity, and accountability standards for ALL Sanneh programs.

This individual must possess the technical experience and leadership competencies needed to cultivate and sustain a culture of learning and continuous improvement in service of Sanneh's mission. The Data and Evaluation Manager will steward the process of transitioning the Foundation to a new data management system (such as Apricot 360, ACTIVNET, and Google Tools, just to name a few) with the support of a cross-organizational Sanneh team and in coordination with partners. This individual will employ an evidence based evaluation process to assess the efficacy of ALL Sanneh dual track programs.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

1. Manage the data and evaluation functions and practices of Sanneh.
2. Establish and implement comprehensive standards, policies, procedures, and conduct training of staff to support efficient, accurate, and timely data tracking and to ensure data quality and integrity, including reliability and validity.
3. Establish strategic and operational goals that utilize data and evaluation to advance Sanneh's Strategic Plan priorities and each of Sanneh's program(s) goals.
4. Design, facilitate, and support routine practices and staff/participants professional development training to promote and ensure the use of data to improve implementation, modifications, accountability, and outcomes across Sanneh.
5. Develop, manage, and refine data collection, analyses, and reporting tools and instruments.
6. Review program inventory and initiate program documentation process in partnership with program leaders.
7. In partnership with program leaders, ensure alignment of program activities with relevant grant agreements.
8. Support Strategic Planning process as needed, in coordination with the Sr. Leadership Team.
9. Supervises and manages Data & Evaluation VISTA projects.

Database Management

1. Responsible for the management, operations, troubleshooting, and upgrading of Sanneh's database to support the full range of the Foundation's data needs.
2. Manage all data and evaluation related vendor/consultant/partner relationships (i.e., Social Solutions Apricot database provider, IT service provider, coaches/consultants, etc.).
3. Stay current regarding features and functionalities as well as concepts driving the development of Sanneh's database.
4. Partner with the Sanneh Foundation leadership team, directors/managers to ensure that data are entered correctly and in a timely manner.
5. Review all reports for accuracy and timeliness so that the database maintains real time information about programs and programs' participants.

Reporting and Compliance

1. Monitor deadlines and ensure the timely completion and dissemination of internal/ external reports to meet public and private funder requirements.

1. Manage the process of importing and exporting data between Sanneh's database and the reporting systems utilized by various funders and partners.
2. Respond to the CEO and Sanneh's leadership team, directors/managers requests for information for preparation of reports to funders and partners.
3. Prepare for and participate in grantee meetings and other funder-related activities.
4. Lead completion of grant progress reports and consult on grant applications as needed.
5. Assist with vetting of funding opportunities and prioritization of grant applications based on organizational capacity and community need.

Research and Evaluation

1. Develop, manage, and maintain a user-friendly and up-to-date repository of internal and external research, evaluation findings, historical data analyses, and reports of Sanneh's programs and related program models.
2. Disseminate research, reports, and relevant data from internal/external sources to support staff and program improvement.
3. Manage inquiries from and establish/maintain relationships with external research and evaluation institutions.
4. Translate and disseminate evaluation results (e.g., analyzing data, writing policy briefs, preparing charts/PowerPoint presentations) to help Sanneh communicate the impact of Sanneh's programs.
5. Develop external relations with providers or contractors to guarantee Sanneh Professional Development and research activities are offered.

General Support

• Attend staff meetings as well as other Sanneh Foundation retreats and gatherings.
• Engage with the Development team in fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and grant writing activities.
• Cross functional communication to ensure organizational alignment in project development and rollout.
• Assist with preparation of documents and testimony for legislative hearings in support of funding bills (state and federal).
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Abilities

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in research, evaluation, database management, program management, or a related field.
• Proficiency with database administration (Social Solutions-Apricot, preferred), MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite, Google Apps, and Microsoft Business Intelligence (B/I).
• Ability to design, modify, and administer a variety of assessment instruments (e.g., pre/post tests) on youth development programs, mentoring, and Out of School Time (OST) activities.
• Ability to provide training on data collection methods, evaluation concepts, and use of computers/mobile devices for data entry by staff.
• Passion for and commitment to working with youth from marginalized and underserved communities.
• Highly consistent and self-motivated; able to take initiative, manage, and complete multiple tasks within deadlines and within budget.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills (verbal, written, and data visualization).
• Action-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment where tasks may be interrupted frequently.
• Ability to seek out, encourage, and exchange constructive as well as developmental feedback with colleagues and supervisor.
• Ability to identify and communicate needs for support.
• Ability to address challenges directly by de-escalating conflict and fostering mutual understanding.
• Commitment to ongoing self-improvement and professional development.

Attributes

• Strong commitment to Sanneh's mission and creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for community members and peers.
• Regarded by peers and staff as an effective and inclusive servant leader, coach and manager.
• Ability to professionally and effectively represent the organization to external audiences/public speaking engagements.
• Ability to think critically and strategically coupled with strong analysis, risk management/ mitigation and decision-making skills.
• Ability to regularly work beyond a forty hour work week, including evenings and weekends.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with confidential information.
• Ability to enact values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in program and organizational activities and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in a relevant field coupled with three (3+) years of success in data and program evaluation.
• Documented experience as a program manager or equivalent position.
• Demonstrated a track record of promoting access to opportunities for individuals from underserved and under-represented communities.
• Significant contributions through relationship building.
• Experience with grant seeking from state and federal sources of funding.
• Proven track record and experience of a growth mindset.
• Proven ability to understand Non-Profit Organizations as social enterprises.
• Proven ability to passionately foster and maintain a positive culture of service to others.
• Thorough understanding of project/program management techniques and methods.
• Excellent knowledge of performance evaluation techniques and key metrics (Key Performance Indicators and Key Result Indicators).
• Outstanding knowledge of data analysis, reporting, and budgeting.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Possess an analytical mindset with great problem-solving abilities.
• Thorough understanding of evidence based programming, program development, and program evaluation.
• Must be a fast self-starter comfortable with attention to detail and ability to work independently, along with the judgment to seek supervision and/or input from others when necessary.
• Master's degree preferred with two (2+) years of successful data and program evaluation.
• Supervisory and leadership experience preferred with a proven track record of promoting an inclusive working environment.