SLAWR REU Program Evaluator

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing program evaluations, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Proficiency in tools for data analysis and ability to effectively summarize them into recommendations to improve student programming
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present findings clearly in reports or other deliverables for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, both in person and remote, and manage deadlines
• Experienced with evaluation of REU programs and research programs with Tribal Nations
• Ability to attend in person at IonE the SLAWR REU Research Symposium to conduct focus groups, surveys, and observe student poster session (confirm your ability to meet this requirement in the cover letter)
  

About the Job:

The Institute on the Environment (IonE), Knowledge Initiatives team, at the University of Minnesota, is seeking a an experienced program evaluator to provide evaluation services for the Sustainable Land and Water Resources Research Experience for Undergraduates program (SLAWR REU). This is a temporary position (67 workdays or less in a calendar year), up to 90 hours of work to be fully completed by no later than Oct. 28th, 2026.

SLAWR REU is a community-centered and tribally focused summer program that explores the interactions between physical, natural, and social processes. The 10-week program is co-directed by Dr. Antony Berthelote, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Salish Kootenai College; and Melissa Kenney, Director of Research and Knowledge Initiatives, University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment (IonE). Learn more at https://slawr.umn.edu/.

The appointment is 100% funded externally by federal grants.

Location and Work environment:

Our offices are located in St. Paul, MN. This may be a hybrid of remote and in-person work (P1, P2, or P3 work profiles), with the exact work location mix dependent on the person and job responsibilities thus, preference is given to incumbents who will be located within reasonable driving distance from the UMN St. Paul campus. The person will be expected to engage via web-conferencing and in-person with the team, attend important IonE events, and develop working relationships with other IonE staff.

Work Schedule: This is a temporary casual position (67 workdays or less in a calendar year), up to 90 hours of work to be fully completed by no later than Oct. 28th, 2026. Required to attend in-person at IonE the SLAWR REU Research Symposium to conduct focus groups, surveys, and observe student poster sessions on August 6, 2026.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Evaluation

• Lead program evaluation for the SLAWR REU program, including designing and implementing evaluation methods that align with program goals and federal grant requirements.
• Administer annual pre-, professional development, and post-program surveys to all SLAWR REU participants, collecting data at the start of the 10-week summer program and in the program’s last week.
• Analyze survey data to assess participant outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Conduct observations and 3 focus groups with participants on one day during the final week of programming in Minneapolis. This is required to be in-person and takes place on August 6, 2026, at UMN IonE.
• Analyze qualitative data collected through observations and focus groups to complement survey findings.

Report Evaluation Results

• Prepare an annual written evaluation report, summarizing findings and insights for the SLAWR REU leadership team.
• Communicate evaluation findings in a clear and accessible manner, supporting program improvement and funder reporting.

The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment (IonE) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary institution that works to advance sustainability through collaborative research, leadership and education programming, and public-interest storytelling and communications. This person will meet in-person and online multiple times a week with PIs to advance programs and externally funded research projects. The supervisor for this position is Dr. Melissa Kenney, Director of Research and Knowledge Initiatives at IonE.

A complete application is required for consideration. Submit a 1) cover letter, 2) resume or CV, and 3) example evaluation report led by the candidate. In your cover letter, clearly articulate your relevant experience and availability to meet in-person requirements. Finally, in your cover letter, please fully disclose any and all usage of AI to support the development of your application materials, including for spelling and grammatical checks. All application materials must be submitted as a PDF to be considered.

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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. This position is not eligible for H-1B or green card sponsorship.

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.