Job Details

Evaluation Coordinator-Synergy Evaluation Institute-UTK

Position Number: 6468571
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Assessment, Accreditation, and Compliance

Evaluation Coordinator-Synergy Evaluation Institute-UTK
United States

Job Identification: 4595
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 08/14/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1122 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (Hybrid)

Job Description
The Evaluation Specialist will coordinate evaluation and planning to meet the funder and client needs, engage in the design of survey instruments and interview protocols, and participate in data collection and analysis, and reporting. The Evaluation Specialist will assist in managing the day-to-day operations of evaluation projects through (i) implementation of an array of evaluation and program assessment methodologies needed to meet the requirements of the various sponsors for reporting on the processes and impacts of programs evaluated by SYNERGY (ii) analyzing and visualizing data using appropriate statistical and visualization software; (iii) preparing technical reports, briefings, presentations, and contributing to articles publishable in the research literature concerning impacts of program activities as specified in (i); and (iv) assisting the SYNERGY team with organizing and managing the work of student workers. The Evaluation Specialist will collaborate with the SYNERGY Director, Associates, and the leadership teams of various research and education programs in developing and publishing research papers associated with the evaluation of program activities.

This position also supports the Center with financial management, Pre- and Post-Award Administration and Contracting, as well as Human Resource and Personnel activities.

Responsibilities
Evaluation Responsibilities (70%)

Data collection (e.g., Create data collection plans and tools; design and deploy surveys; adapt and/or develop protocols for focus groups and interviews; review documents).

Analyses (e.g., Clean quantitative and qualitative data; create and execute analysis plans and user stories for descriptive quantitative and qualitative analyses and appropriate visualizations; plan visuals; combine data sources for a complete data story; use qualitative software for managing and coding data).

Reporting (e.g., Review and validate data visualizations; combine qualitative and quantitative data outputs; create appropriate deliverables, reports, and progress summaries).

Client management: (e.g., Communicate with clients throughout project; set up and prepare for evaluation meetings; communicate with and support Synergy team on collaborative projects).

Business Coordination (30%)

Financial Management (e.g., oversight and management of accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement cards; monthly ledger reconciliation, including tracking expenses, entering corrections, all in compliance with UT Fiscal Policies and Procedures).

Pre- and Post-Award Administration / Contracting (e.g., Work with Office of Sponsored Programs, Sponsored Projects Accounting Office, and/or Contracting Office to complete required award documents for new accounts; ensure expenditures comply with OMB Uniform Guidance Circular; manage Center financial databases and budgets; provides information upon request to Principal Investigators and/or Business Managers regarding funded research projects; run DASH reports for comparison with internal records).

Human Resources, Personnel and Payroll Management (e.g., Initiates HR, personnel and payroll related business activities, reviews and manages HR, personnel and payroll actions affecting Institute; ensures the Institute is compliant with UT Human Resource Policies and Procedures).

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: Master's Degree in Social Science (Social Sciences (Communications, Evaluation, Psychology, Sociology), Data Science or similar

Experience: At least 3 years of experience in operations, project management, evaluation/research support roles using cloud-based technologies for HR, accounting and/or operations.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Evaluation

Knowledge of research and project management principles and protocols, including qualitative and quantitative data use
Effective oral and written communication, time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills
Ability to manage multiple projects
Ability to lead meetings effectively
Ability to work with diverse populations

Financial Management

Knowledge and ability to implement standard accounting practices, post-award management of grants and contracts, forecasting, budgeting, planning,
Ability to implement financial accounting transactions for a high-volume of complex projects using UT Financial accounting systems (DASH/Cayuse/Market Place/Contract Management System)
Ability to use standard office technologies (MS Office products)
General knowledge of financial, operational, and administrative policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to align administrative, financial, human resources, and operations of a department, with overarching goals and vision.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of evaluation theory and practice; familiarity with descriptive statistical/analytical procedures; excellent communication skills, ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously; experience with Power BI, SPSS, Microsoft Office suite, or other data collection/analysis/visualization software. We have strong preference for an individual with experience in project management and working financial data.

Work Location

Location: Synergy Evaluation Institute is located in the Philander P. Claxton Education Building in Knoxville, TN
This position permits hybrid or fully remote work.

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR 08
Anticipated hiring range: $55,000 - $65,000
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 1, 2025.

Resume highlighting training and other preparation to support both evaluation and operational activities
Cover Letter highlighting work experience in both evaluation and finance / HR
List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The Synergy Evaluation Institute mission is to advance the art and science of transdisciplinary program evaluation. We are dedicated to fostering collaboration and synergy across diverse fields, bringing together experts from various disciplines to drive innovation, enhance understanding, and create lasting impact.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/4595/?mode=location