Join CERTs as our Evaluation Coordinator (applications closed)

Responsibility #1: Clean Energy Program Evaluation (75%)

• Staff activity data: Maintain, adapt, and administer CERTs staff monthly report surveys. Clean, analyze, and communicate this data to inform internal decision-making and support internal and external reporting needs.
• Program data: Track and measure impacts of CERTs’ projects and programs, including seed grants. This will include both quantitative and qualitative measures (e.g., energy saved, generated, or electrified; program participation; participant satisfaction, learning, and actions). In collaboration with other team members, develop appropriate metrics tracking and evaluation strategies for new projects and programs.
• External data: On an ongoing basis, identify, analyze, and share external data (such as demographic, environmental justice, or energy burden data) with team members to inform CERTs’ program design and targeting.
• Analysis and evaluation: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data (internal and external) to support the development and implementation of CERTs’ programmatic goals. This includes but is not limited to tracking staff partnerships and activities, community models, best practices, and energy impacts.
• Communication of data: Communicate relevant internal and external data in formats preferred by CERTs co-directors and staff, including (but not limited to) spreadsheets, summaries, maps, data visualizations, presentations at staff meetings, and one-on-one consultations.
• Reporting: Coordinate reporting to funders and other partners, including (but not limited to) Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources quarterly and annual reporting, Legislative reporting, and reporting for various grants to CERTs.
• Coordination of evaluation efforts: Coordinate with RSDP Assistant Director to ensure that CERTs’ evaluation efforts are compatible with Extension–RSDP’s required reporting. Based on analysis of staff monthly reports and other internal data, document the issue, major activities, results, audience and public benefits of CERTs’ work for preparation of the Sustainable Energy section of the Extension Federal Report, as well as community partnership reporting for Extension’s Strategic Goal (through 2025).
• University relationships: Represent CERTs and RSDP in Extension evaluator meetings and communicate and collaborate with the RSDP Assistant Statewide Director on evaluation needs and efforts.

Responsibility #2: Organizational Support (25%)

• Shared learning: Foster sharing of research and resources among all CERTs staff, including those based in the University of Minnesota Regional Partnerships and at other CERTs Partner Organizations.
• Shared documents: Structure and maintain the system for keeping shared documents organized.
• Steering committees: Assist with management of steering committees, in coordination with Regional Coordinators and RSDP Executive Directors.
• Internal meetings: Assist with internal staff meetings, such as ongoing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion meetings, strategic plan implementation meetings, etc.
• Communications: As needed, assist with tasks relating to the website, newsletter, or other communications (updating pages, managing contact lists).
• Other initiatives: Work with partners to coordinate implementation of initiatives aligned with CERTs’ strategic priorities (e.g., targeting of direct outreach efforts to specific audiences on specific funding or technical assistance opportunities).

Required qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work with people and organizations that represent significant diversity in culture, values, education, occupation, and income.
• Combination of 6 years of relevant education and experience, including at least 2 years in a related field, which includes but is not limited to data management, analysis, and visualization; program evaluation; social science or environmental science research. (A related bachelor’s degree and 2 years relevant experience can substitute)
• Demonstrated experience in using spreadsheets and other data management and analysis tools.
• Demonstrated strong skills and abilities in oral and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Project coordination experience
• Attentive to detail.

Additional qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance for occasional travel around the state, including occasional overnight stays. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Must be able to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• Positions are not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications: 

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a related discipline, including but not limited to data management, analysis, and visualization; program evaluation; and social or environmental science research.
• Knowledge of clean energy technologies (energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification), including ability to calculate energy savings.
• Passion for advancing community development through sustainability, resilience, clean energy or other actions that help communities thrive into the future.
• Experience with survey tools, such as Qualtrics or Google Forms.
• Data management and visualization experience, including mapping.
• Facilitation experience.
• Demonstrated skills in reporting and using relevant software tools.

Applications must be submitted online to the University of Minnesota.

You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials when you apply:

• Cover letter
  • Tell us why you would be a good fit for this role and why CERTs would be a good fit for your career plans. This is your chance to let us see who you are outside of what's on your resume.
• Resume
  • Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.
• Names and contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

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

See full instructions.

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

For questions about this position, contact:  

Melissa Birch, CERTs Interim CERTs Statewide Co-Director and Rural Energy Development Manager, mbirch@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.