Formative Research & Communications Evaluation Specialist IV

Goldbelt Quantum Solutions specializes in providing expert resources for Public Health missions including scientific, technical, and administrative support from junior staff to high-level subject matter experts. Research and data driven, Goldbelt Quantum Solutions experts create solutions customized to the client’s needs. 

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.

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.

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.