Education Research and Evaluation Associate [Lincoln Park Zoo]

Develops and implements research/evaluation plans and protocols for conservation education initiatives for the Hurvis Center for Learning Innovation and Collaboration initiative, including methodology development, data collection and analysis, as well as dissemination of results to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Under the direction of the Senior Director, develop and initiate research/evaluation protocols to measure impact of Center initiatives
• Oversee day-to-day management of budgets, report generation, oversight of resources, and logistical planning as related to research/evaluation tasks
• Implement research/evaluation studies from query generation and methodology through dissemination of results
• Under direction of the Senior Director, explore new technologies and innovative application of existing technological resources within research/evaluation protocols.
• Provide support as needed to Education Manager and Education Coordinator to ensure successful program implementation
• Assist in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with zoo staff, other cultural institutions, research/evaluation organizations, and conservation/wildlife agencies
• Regularly give presentations/workshops at professional conferences and annual meetings.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director, publish within peer reviewed journals as well as other publications important to the field
• In collaboration with the Senior Director, explore, develop and maintain relationships with universities including but not limited to achieving adjunct status
• Work with the Education Manager and Data Coordinator of the Center to track program attendance and assist in generating regular reports on Center activities and achievements
• With direction from the Senior Director, communicate with donors and other stakeholders effectively and courteously
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion and adhere to confidentiality guidelines with regards to human subjects data
• Satisfactorily complete within first two weeks of position the National Institutes of Health online training on protecting human research participants
• Ability to conduct evaluation/research in alignment with the zoo’s Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• Work with Senior Director in supervising Data Coordinator as it relates to research/evaluation projects
• Supervise interns and program staff as needed

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to operate zoo vehicles including electric carts and vans
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent project management skills with strong ability to successfully manage several large initiatives simultaneously
• Working knowledge of PCs, using word processing, spread sheet and databases software.
• Comfort with computer-based data management resources (for example, one or more of the following: SPSS, SYSTAT, S-Plus, SigmaPlot, R, or SAS, etc.)
• Comfort with change, innovation, and unique approaches to educational research methods and programming
• Comfort with a team-based approach to goal achievement
• Comfort with approaching members of the public for data collection purposes.
• Comfort with traveling for business purposes
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to read and understand written and oral instructions
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public

EDUCATION

A master’s degree in education or other applicable field from an accredited college or university is required.

EXPERIENCE

Knowledge of diverse  evaluation and/or research methods appropriate for the field of informal learning, including both established methodologies and unique approaches to measuring impact

Experience with evaluation and/or research work in the area of informal education with emphasis on science education, visitor studies and/or conservation education preferred

Experience with federally funded grants and initiatives desirable

Experience working with an IRB desirable

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Available to work weekends, holidays and special events which may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned.

Valid driver’s license with good driving record.