Senior Associate, Program Evaluator for DCBS-CPE Bridge Training Program

Location: Frankfort, KY, (hybrid eligible)
Travel: Occasional statewide travel to training provider sites, partner institutions, or DCBS offices.
Compensation: $60,000 - $72,000
Term: Full-time position through June 30, 2027
Retirement: TIAA

Overview

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) seeks a skilled and collaborative Program Evaluator to lead evaluation efforts for the DCBS Bridge Training Program. This role is critical in assessing the quality, effectiveness, and outcomes of training programs designed for Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) personnel, in partnership with three Kentucky universities.

The evaluator will design and implement evaluation strategies, interpret complex data, and deliver actionable insights to improve training initiatives, meet federal and state compliance standards, address changing workforce needs, and drive continuous quality improvement. This position requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work effectively with internal leadership, external stakeholders, and university partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage evaluation frameworks for onboarding, certification, and professional development training initiatives.
• Establish performance indicators and outcome measures aligned with CPE objectives, DCBS workforce needs, and federal guidelines (e.g., Title IV-E).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from learning management systems (LMS), surveys, and program records.
• Create quarterly and annual performance reports summarizing key findings, trends, and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with CPE leadership, DCBS officials, and university partners to review evaluation findings and recommend enhancements.
• Support external audits and federal reporting requirements by providing documented evaluation results.
• Facilitate feedback loops by conducting focus groups, interviews, and needs assessments as necessary.
• Maintain strict data confidentiality, integrity, and compliance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Evaluation Research, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in program evaluation, research, or applied data analysis.
• Proficiency in survey design, evaluation planning, and statistical analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, R, SAS, or similar).
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex findings into accessible reports and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and external partners.
• Independent judgment, strong project management skills, and high attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Program Evaluation, Public Policy, Research Methodology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of child welfare, human services training programs, and federal compliance standards (e.g., Title IV-E, TANF).
• Experience working with learning management system (LMS) data and training analytics.
• Expertise in data visualization platforms (e.g. Power BI, Tableau).

Application Information

Applicants must submit the following application materials to CPE.HR@Ky.gov:

• Cover letter describing interest in and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
• Names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references