Position Announcement

Evaluation and Research Leader: eXtension Initiative

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY: Provide national leadership in the development and implementation of an evaluation program to measure how effectively eXtension, a new initiative of the Cooperative Extension System, is serving the educational and informational needs of Communities of Interest (CoIs)and the effectiveness of facilitating the work of Communities of Practice (CoPs). The evaluation and research leader will join the eXtension leadership team to provide evaluation expertise and to coordinate evaluation activities intended to impact decision-making processes.

SCOPE OF POSITION: This appointment with eXtension is flexible either as an independent contractor relationship or as an employee of a partnering higher education institution. If the position is filled as an institutional employee, the FTE is flexible from .5 to 1.0 FTE on a limited term basis (minimum two years). The person(s) may be located anywhere in the United States; travel will be required. Individual contractors will be responsible for maintaining their own business office.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Develop an evaluation system to measure processes, strategies and outcomes related to serving the needs of Communities of Interest (CoIs) through the delivery of Internet-based educational and informational programs and services including, but not limited to:

• Basic Information (i.e., publications, news, etc.)
• Ask the Experts
• FAQs
• Distance Diagnostics
• Discussion & Chat
• Decision Tools
• Conferencing/Streaming Videos
• Individual Learning Modules
• Multiple Learning Modules
• Certificate/Credit Courses

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis.

• Integrate eXtension evaluation and research activities within the Cooperative Extension system. Collaborate with institutional evaluators to achieve compatibility between eXtension and local evaluation processes.

• Establish a national eXtension evaluation advisory committee charged with helping to develop an effective evaluation system.

• Develop a reporting system to communicate with stakeholder groups (i.e., national, state, institutional and county levels); report evaluation findings.

• Consult with grant writers in the development of grant proposals regarding evaluation and impact assessment.

• Develop and sponsor assessment and research activities where "lessons learned" can be applied to strengthen and improve techniques and approaches.

• Assist Communities of Practice (CoPs) with:

• Evaluation designs and instruments to help identify "best methods and practices."

• Data collection; management and analysis; assessment of needs opportunities and capacities.

• Measuring the effectiveness of educational and informational programs and services to address the needs of CoIs.

• Serve as spokesperson for eXtension at meetings and conferences.

• Assist in the development of eXtension budgets related to evaluation of the initiative.

NOTE: Evaluation processes and strategies should include eXtension Performance Metrics listed in the 2005-2007 eXtension Implementation Plan.

eXtension Performance Metrics (from 2005-2007 eXtension Implementation Plan) PDF

For more information about the eXtension initiative, please visit: about.extension.org

SUPERVISION: This position will report to the Director of the eXtension initiative.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required qualifications:

• A minimum level of Master’s degree in an evaluation-related field; Doctorate preferred.

• Experience in designing evaluations for an Internet-based environment.

• Minimum of five years of experience and a record of excellence in non-formal, outreach-based educational program evaluation is required.

• Ability to plan and manage evaluation projects to completion; outstanding oral and written communication skills; excellent technology skills and understanding of Internet-based delivery.

• Desired qualifications:

• Experience in working effectively at a distance with professionals across the nation as demonstrated by leadership and/or participation on projects with regional and national multi-institutional, multi-state, or professional evaluation groups.

• State-level experience in land-grant university program evaluation.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary or contractual rate will be commensurate with professional experience and demonstrated ability.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE: A letter of application, resume and contact information of three references should be sent to:

Dan Cotton

Director, eXtension

6 Ag Communications Building

PO Box 830918

Lincoln, NE 68583-0918

Office: (402) 472-2821

FAX: (402) 472-0025

Email: dan_cotton@extension.org

The review of applicants will be conducted until finalists are identified.

Application Deadline

June 15, 2006

eXtension and Cooperative Extension are Equal Opportunity Employers. For questions regarding employment with eXtension, call 402-472-8841.