Senior Evaluation Associate

University of Mississippi; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi is hiring a full-time Senior Evaluation Associate to expand its Higher Education evaluation portfolio at the Center for Research Evaluation. The successful candidate will design and manage various evaluation projects while building strong client relationships and applying innovative evaluation methods.

This role requires a Master's degree and at least 3 years of experience in evaluations. The incumbent will also contribute to grant development and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Educational Measurement, Psychology, etc.).
• At least 3 years conducting evaluations for paying clients.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Skill in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage evaluation projects from conception to completion.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Produce clear reports and presentations from complex data.
• Manage 5-10 projects concurrently.

Skills

Project management

Quantitative evaluation design

Qualitative evaluation design

Client relationship management

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Summary

The Center for Research Evaluation (CERE) at the University of Mississippi is an independent evaluation center that partners with communities, universities, and other mission-focused organizations to design and implement high-quality evaluation and applied research projects. We are hiring a full-time Senior Evaluation Associate to expand our Higher Education evaluation portfolio. The incumbent will design and manage evaluation projects, build trusting client relationships, apply innovative methods, contribute to proposal writing and grant development, and support outreach activities such as workshops and publications.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and deliver evaluation and applied research projects from conception to completion.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients, including higher‑education professionals (faculty, administrators, students).
• Apply a range of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies and design innovative approaches to answer client questions.
• Produce clear, actionable reports and presentations that translate complex data into practical insights for non‑technical audiences.
• Manage 5‑10 projects concurrently in a fast‑paced environment while ensuring high quality and timely delivery.
• Work independently, making evaluation decisions and managing projects with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to proposal writing, grant development, and CERE’s outreach efforts (capacity‑building workshops, social media, blog posts, and academic publications).

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Educational Measurement, Psychology, Social Sciences, Sociology, Public Health, Statistics, etc.).
• At least 3 years of experience conducting evaluations for paying clients in a revenue‑for‑service setting.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated skill in quantitative and qualitative evaluation design.
• Experience contributing to proposal development and grant writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Evaluation, Measurement, or Statistics.
• Experience working with higher‑education stakeholders and leading staff.
• Experience conducting facilitation (data workshops, trainings, presentations) for diverse participants.
• Active involvement in professional evaluation communities (e.g., AEA, regional affiliates).

Education

• Master’s (Educational Research) – Required
• Master’s (Psychology) – Required
• Master’s (Public Health) – Required
• Master’s (Social Sciences) – Required
• Master’s (Sociology) – Required
• Master’s (Statistics) – Required

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.