Intermediate Program Evaluator
Help shape public policies and programs that have an impact on
Minnesotans’ lives. The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) is
looking for curious, motivated, critical thinkers interested in
applying their analytical skills to improve state government programs
and processes.
OLA conducts nonpartisan research on a wide variety of public
policies, programs, and state agencies. In this position, you will
work in a small team under the direction of a supervisor to conduct
evaluations, communicate research results to the public, and make
recommendations to state agencies and the Legislature. We offer
flexible schedules, great benefits, and opportunities for ongoing
professional development and career advancement.
Job Duties
The Intermediate Program Evaluator will assist in:
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Developing research plans to analyze policies and evaluate programs.
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Conducting evaluations, which may include:
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Conducting interviews, site visits, and document reviews, and
analyzing their results.
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Analyzing existing research reports and state and federal laws.
- Designing, administering, and analyzing surveys.
- Managing, cleaning, and analyzing data.
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Writing reports and preparing presentations summarizing evaluation
results.
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Creating tables, figures, and other graphics to communicate research
results.
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Verifying the accuracy of analysis performed by other evaluators.
The salary range is from $35.98 to $55.24 per hour, the equivalent of
$75,126 to $115,341 per year. The Legislative Auditor will determine
the starting salary (within the above salary range) based on a
successful applicant’s qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered, a candidate
must submit a cover letter and must have:
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A graduate degree in the social sciences, public policy, public
health, applied economics, or another relevant field. Degree must
be completed by start date.
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Strong writing skills, including experience analyzing complex
information and summarizing it simply and clearly in writing.
- Demonstrated attention to detail.
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Training or experience in one or more research methods, such as:
- Data organization and quantitative analysis
- Interviews
- Surveys
- Focus groups
- Literature reviews
- Proficiency in Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experience working independently and as part of a team.
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The ability to work effectively with people who have a diverse range
of perspectives.
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The ability to conduct objective, nonpartisan research on
complicated and sometimes controversial topics.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate
will also have one or more of the following:
- Proficiency in writing reports on public policy topics.
- Program evaluation training or experience.
- Proficiency in multiple research methods.
- Proficiency using NVivo or similar content analysis software.
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Proficiency using SNAP survey or similar survey design software.
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Proficiency using Stata, SPSS, or similar statistical analysis
software.
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Training or experience cleaning and critically analyzing large
demographic, economic, and/or financial data sets.
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Training or experience utilizing sampling techniques, geographic
information systems, or other specialized research methods.
- Training or experience conducting legal research.
Additional Requirements/Hiring Process
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We will review cover letters and resumes to identify applicants
meeting minimum and preferred qualifications. Selected applicants
will go through an interview process and will be required to submit
a writing sample, education transcripts, and employment references.
At the time of the interview, we may ask applicants to respond to a
writing prompt. We plan to contact applicants to schedule interviews
the week of August 4, 2025.
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We will conduct background checks prior to any employment offer.
Violations relevant to being an evaluator at OLA may disqualify an
applicant.
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Due to the nonpartisan nature of our office, applicants with
extensive prior partisan work experience may be disqualified.
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Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
without needing sponsorship for an employment visa (e.g., H1B
status).
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This position will have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.
The incumbent must live in Minnesota and is expected to work in the
office as required.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must
submit a cover letter with their resume through the
state’s
Careers website. You may do
this by uploading the documents as a single file attachment, or
uploading the cover letter separately from the resume. If you have
questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at
651-259-3637 or e-mail
careers@state.mn.us.
Intermediate Program Evaluator – Job ID 87372 (Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. on July 30, 2025.)
Contact for More Information
If you have job-specific questions, contact Caitlin Badger at
Caitlin.Badger@state.mn.us
or 651-296-1230. For benefits-related
questions, contact Penny Gomez at
Penny.Gomez@state.mn.us.
Why Work for Us
Meaningful work. OLA helps to improve state government by
promoting good management in state agencies and enhancing program
effectiveness.
Great benefits. OLA, as part of the State of Minnesota, offers
excellent
health and retirement benefits, as well
as a strong commitment to work-life balance to help you thrive both at
work and in your personal life.
OLA values the unique contributions that candidates with diverse
experiences, knowledge, and backgrounds can bring to our work.
