Research Assistant, Project Launch 50%

Position Purpose

The Lead Evaluator is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive evaluation of the MPSI Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health) initiative. This position ensures compliance with SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) evaluation and reporting requirements while supporting continuous quality improvement and data-informed decision making across project activities. The Lead Evaluator works collaboratively with the project director, the project team, and community partners to assess program implementation, outcomes, and systems-level impacts related to early childhood social-emotional well-being and family mental health.

Essential Functions

• Lead the development, implementation, and refinement of the Project LAUNCH evaluation plan, including evaluation questions, measures, and analytic strategies.
• Conduct or supervise quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess program implementation, outcomes, and systems change.
• Ensure alignment with SAMHSA evaluation requirements and federal reporting guidelines, prepare and submit quarterly and annual reports to SAMHSA.
• Oversee data collection processes across multiple project components and partner sites, ensuring data quality.
• Prepare evaluation reports, data summaries, and presentations for SAMHSA, the project team, and community partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree

Discipline: Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field

Experience: Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with federally funded grants preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of mixed-methods evaluation design and implementation.
• Ability to manage and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Experience translating evaluation findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.