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Position Overview

The Director of Research and Evaluation (R & E) will provide strategic leadership to CASCW research and evaluation efforts by directing, designing, implementing, and maintaining a research program focused on answering questions about child and family well-being for families served by the child welfare system or families at risk of entering the child welfare system. In this role, the Director will often serve as a principal investigator of independent and collaborative research projects. The Director will be primarily responsible for developing grant proposals and contracts for project funding; leading the design and implementation of R & E projects at CASCW; participating in research and evaluation activities as needed to promote the success of such endeavors (e.g., data collection, data analysis, writing, etc.); hiring and managing staff and student personnel; supervising students and staff working on research and evaluation projects at CASCW; developing and managing budgets; ensuring ethical conduct of research; submitting compliance reports to funders; communicating with key stakeholders about CASCW research and evaluation efforts; and presenting findings to key stakeholders, including community stakeholders, State agency personnel, and the academic community, through technical reports, presentations, and scholarly publications. The Director will also serve on School, College, University, community, and scholarly committees as a means of advancing CASCW research efforts and the capacity of the practice and scholarly communities.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

This position is being recruited with a starting salary of $85,000 - $115,000 based upon experience. In addition, this position will allow for up to $5,000 in relocation costs for eligible candidates.

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus of $2,500 to be paid out in two installments upon completion of eligibility requirements. This position is fully funded by sponsored funds.

Job Responsibilities

Management and Administration of CASCW Research & Evaluation Efforts (30%)

• Develop and promote the CASCW research & evaluation mission, engaging key stakeholders in the process
• Develop and carry out strategic planning for CASCW research and evaluation efforts
• Identify and secure external funding to support CASCW research & evaluation efforts
• Lead hiring efforts for research and evaluation staff and student personnel who bring a variety of perspectives, experiences, and skills
• Supervise staff and students working on research and evaluation projects at CASCW with an awareness of diverse supervision expectations and project needs
• Locate and/or provide training and mentoring relevant and appropriate for a diverse group of staff and graduate assistants to develop relevant knowledge and skills
• Guide professional development and ensure accountability for project activities for all research and evaluation staff through regular meetings and communication
• Participate in monthly CASCW All-Staff meetings, Directors meetings, SSW Council meetings, SSW committee meetings (as assigned) and bi-weekly Administrative meetings
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and organizations in the community; participate in community-based meetings and taskforces, as appropriate to current or potential research and evaluation efforts
• Engage in dialogue with members of the academic community (both locally and nationally) as a means of connecting CASCW research and evaluation efforts to current issues in the field and bringing cutting-edge research and methods to CASCW efforts; this may occur through participation in and presentation at local and national conferences, publication in peer-reviewed journals, etc.
• Lead the development of training for child welfare professionals serving Title IV-E eligible youth in out-of-home care based upon knowledge generated through CASCW's research and evaluation efforts (as appropriate)

Research and Evaluation (R & E) Design and Implementation (55%)

• Lead the development and implementation of research and evaluation studies at CASCW, including:
• The development and implementation of appropriate research design and methodologies,
• Preparation of research plans for submission to the IRB for approval and updating IRB protocols, as needed,
• The development and implementation of data security and confidentiality protocols,
• Oversight of adherence to data security and confidentiality protocols,
• Data collection, cleaning, recoding, and analysis,
• The management of study progress and ensuring study time lines are met,
• Preparation of technical reports or Minn-LInK briefs for key stakeholders and/or funders,
• Preparation and presentation of findings to study investigators, community stakeholders, state agency personnel, and/or the academic community (e.g., conference presentations, community presentations, etc.), as appropriate,
• Determination whether findings warrant publication in a professional journal; preparation of written article(s), as appropriate,
• Preparation of training materials relevant to public child welfare employees (e.g., learning modules, brochures, etc.).
• Identify and engage key stakeholders (including other study investigators, faculty, community stakeholders, State agency personnel, and other members of the academic community, as appropriate) in project-specific conversations about research and evaluation planning, findings, and dissemination opportunities, as appropriate, usually through the use of project-specific Advisory Boards

Resource Development & Grant Management (15%)

• Engage key stakeholders (including community stakeholders, State agency personnel, and other members of the local and national community, as appropriate) in conversations about ways in which CASCW's research and evaluation efforts may fill a needed gap in the knowledge
• Locate additional sources of funding to promote R & E efforts
• Develop and/or collaborate on the development of grant proposals to fund R & E projects, including the development of project budgets
• Manage the fiscal and programmatic aspects of awarded grants, including but not limited to hiring of project staff, monitoring and assuring appropriate allocation of project resources, approval of project expenditures, ensuring project timelines are followed, and development of project reports to funders
• Coordinate resource allocation across R & E projects, ensuring adequacy of staffing and continuation of effort

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in social work or related field plus three years of relevant experience OR Master's degree in social work or related field plus six years of relevant experience
• Substantial research and publication record
• Ability to secure external funding for research, scholarship, and/or training
• Evidence of local and national recognition in child welfare and/or child well-being research
• Strong record of external funding for research, scholarship, and/or training
• Advanced research and quantitative analysis skills
• Strong project management skills and experience supervising research staff
• Established record of interprofessional research and/or collaborations in local and state agencies or organizations
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of local and national recognition in child welfare and/or child well-being research
• Strong record of external funding for research, scholarship, and/or training
• A record of community-engaged research
• Familiarity with the field of child welfare and a deep understanding of child protection
• Knowledge of methodologies used to integrate data across systems
• Experience working with State educational, child welfare, or other State system data
• Experience working with large administrative data sets to measure outcomes

Center Overview

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW or the Center) is in the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. CASCW supports the education and training of public child welfare professionals, identifies, and examines effective child welfare practice methods, informs the public and policy makers about various child welfare issues, and incorporates evaluation findings into the School of Social Work curriculum. In addition, Minn-LInK, a research and evaluation project is located within CASCW and provides research services to internal and external clients through grants and agreements.

Department Overview

Founded in 1917 on its Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including: a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners, e.g., the Youth Work Learning Lab, the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Center for Practice Transformation, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services that is funded by the state legislature to further develop equitable child welfare practices.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. Please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

To be considered for this position, you must submit the following materials with your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover letter
3. Sample of scholarly writing

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.