Position Summary
Position Description
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
Chartered as the Maryland Agricultural College on March 6, 1856, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the cornerstone of the University of Maryland system, built upon a foundation of sound science, groundbreaking research through the Agricultural Experiment Station and Maryland pride. The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and programs through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond.
The Director of Evaluation and Reporting position provides leadership for University of Maryland Extension (UME) program evaluation and reporting. The Program Director will report to UME’s Associate Dean/Associate Director. This position aims to envision, develop, lead, and support UME’s all-encompassing program planning, evaluation, and reporting processes. The Director will contribute to advancing UME programs and impacts. The Director will provide leadership in program planning, designing, and implementing evaluation tools to measure the outcomes and a process for effectively reporting and communicating the impacts and values to stakeholders.
The position provides leadership in evaluation and reporting activities aligned with UME’s mission and the strategic priorities associated with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The position also plans and delivers professional development and education programs to increase the capacity of UME faculty, staff, and administrators to design and evaluate effective Extension programs through collaboration.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and support for needs assessments and program development, evaluation, and reporting for Extension Programs and applied research projects in collaboration with program leaders and faculty.
Conduct evaluation and reporting activities for UME, including data collection, writing, and submission of the annual USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Plan of Work and federal and other accountability reports.
Lead and ensure Civil Rights compliance program data collection, data management, analysis, and reporting.
Lead efforts to initiate the annual program planning process, evaluation design, assessment, reporting, and sharing of UME impacts for various stakeholders.
Lead and support needs assessments to identify local and statewide programming priorities in partnership with UME Assistant Directors and Area Extension Directors.
Develop and support evaluation and outcome/impact documentation, including overseeing developing and managing a statewide system of priority area indicators and tools, data collection and assessment, and reporting for Extension programs.
Determine needs for and collaborate to develop training in needs assessment, program planning, program evaluation, survey design, and reporting for in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.
Provide oversight of human subjects research and Department Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Coordinate efforts to communicate evaluation findings and impacts, such as annual impact reports and infographics.
Supervise one staff member and graduate and undergraduate student assistants.
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience and five (5) years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated ability to plan and implement extension program evaluations for diverse disciplines and audiences.
Demonstrated analytical skills such as statistical analysis (both quantitative and qualitative), program impacts, needs assessment, program planning, and evaluation.
Experience with online data collection and management (e.g., Qualtrics, Google Forms, PEARS), databases, and data visualization.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including writing federal and technical reports.
Demonstrated scholarly work such as grants, journal articles, and conference presentations.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability for interdisciplinary and collaborative work.
Ability to ensure internal and external deadlines are met by an organization and high-quality deliverables are provided to funders and stakeholders
Demonstrated evidence of developing and contributing to high-functioning teams.
Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel within the assigned counties and the state.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in a field with a strong evaluation emphasis, such as agricultural or extension education, sociology, education, economics, or related fields by the time of hire.
Five years of demonstrated experience in program monitoring and evaluation, leadership over data and reporting systems, research design, research methodology, and adherence to funder/donor requirements.
Or a Ph.D. degree in a field with a strong evaluation emphasis, such as agricultural or Extension education, sociology, public health, education, economics, public policy, or related fields by the time of hire.
Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating land-grant/Cooperative Extension programs.
Demonstrated experience in publishing evaluation data and program impacts in scholarly journals.
Demonstrated experience training or teaching program planning, research design, survey design, and program evaluation.
A commitment to the Cooperative Extension culture of learning and advancement of UME values.
Strong organizational, time, and project management skills.
Physical Demands of the Position:
This is an office position that may require light lifting (20 pounds). The job requires travel throughout the state (20%) regularly; the candidate must have a valid driver’s license. This position frequently presents information through oral and written communication. Use of a computer terminal is required for lengthy periods.
Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with education and experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Applications: To be considered, please apply at https://go.umd.edu/Direct_Eval_Report. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume, copies of transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Contact Name
Lindsay Harjak
Contact Email
lharjak@umd.eduContact Phone
3014050706