Summary:
The Formative Research & Communications Evaluation Specialist IV will lead the design and execution of formative research studies to assess audience needs, preferences, and behaviors related to public health topics.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions:
- Lead the design and execution of formative research studies to assess audience needs, preferences, and behaviors related to public health topics.
- Utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and observational studies, to gather insights that inform communication strategies.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze and interpret research data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for effective health communication.
- Synthesize findings into actionable recommendations that enhance the effectiveness of communication initiatives.
- Development of Evaluation Frameworks: Create comprehensive evaluation frameworks for health communication campaigns, outlining key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, logic models, and methodologies for assessing impact.
- Collaborate with program teams to integrate evaluation plans into communication strategies from the outset.
- Communication Strategy Enhancement: Provide expert guidance on the development and refinement of health communication strategies based on research findings and evaluation results.
- Ensure that communication materials are tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences and are grounded in evidence-based practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including public health professionals, community organizations, and academic partners, to gather insights and foster collaboration on research and evaluation efforts.
- Present research findings and recommendations to stakeholders, facilitating discussions on implications for communication strategies.
- Training and Capacity Building: Develop and deliver training sessions and workshops for CDC staff and partners on formative research methodologies and evaluation practices.
- Create resources and toolkits to support ongoing research and evaluation efforts within the organization.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor the implementation of communication strategies and evaluate their effectiveness through ongoing data collection and analysis.
- Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations summarizing research findings, evaluation outcomes, and recommendations for improvement.
- Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure that all research and evaluation activities comply with ethical standards, CDC guidelines, and relevant regulations.
- Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in health communication research and evaluation, integrating innovative approaches into CDC’s strategies.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with OMB and IRB, including developing approval packages and related tasks.
- Documentation and Knowledge Management: Document all research and evaluation processes, methodologies, and findings to facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the organization.
- Maintain a repository of research and evaluation resources, tools, and best practices for use by CDC staff.
Qualifications
Necessary Skills and Knowledge:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based public health environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in public health, health communications, communications, social sciences, behavioral science, epidemiology, evaluation, research, or a related field.
5+ years of professional experience in formative research, program evaluation, health communications, public health research, social/behavioral science, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing qualitative and quantitative research studies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, observational research, or similar methodologies.
Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a complex professional environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or higher in public health, health communications, communications, epidemiology, behavioral/social sciences, program evaluation, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of experience supporting public health research, health communication, program evaluation, or behavioral/social science initiatives.
- Experience supporting CDC programs, federal public health agencies, or other government health programs.
Experience analyzing and interpreting research and evaluation data and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders, partners, subject matter experts, and community or organizational representatives.
Pay and Benefits
The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 to $110,000.
At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
