Position SummaryThe Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) within the Department of Community Sustainability is seeking a full-time, fixed-term Evaluation Specialist for the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center (GLM-RFBC). This position is classified as Academic Specialist -- Outreach that includes some research responsibilities.

　　The Evaluation Specialist will lead evaluation and related activities for the new GLM-RFBC, a large, 5-year federally funded project with regional partners that will offer extensive technical assistance and a grant program for food and farm entrepreneurs, prioritizing those who have been historically marginalized.

　　The Evaluation Specialist will provide overall leadership for and conduct evaluation and monitoring activities with the GLM-RFBC, including:

　　Coordinating and implementing needs assessments, landscape and/or gap analyses, and other planning activities and supporting or conducting community listening sessions or related activities, as identified by partners;Developing and implementing evaluation and monitoring tools, protocols, and processes to measure program activities, outcomes, and impacts across the region, including through Salesforce;Maintaining and working with regional partners to implement data sovereignty practices, ensuring shared understanding and equitable, accurate, and effective data collection and management (including cleaning and coding);Developing and implementing capacity building opportunities (virtual and in-person training) to increase skills and knowledge related to evaluation for the GLM-RFBC and its partners, as needed;Regularly communicating and coordinating with, gathering feedback from, and supporting regional partners in evaluation and monitoring activities;Interpreting, synthesizing, and sharing findings through public reports, presentations, and other outreach materials and methods and contributing to project reports, work plans, and other deliverables;Participating in GLM-RFBC meetings as needed, including as part of the CRFS project leadership team and USDA RFBC Evaluation Working Group;Actively developing, managing, and nurturing working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;Regularly communicating activities with GLM-RFBC partners and CRFS and ensuring activities accurately reflect partnerships, goals, and values; andPerforming other duties related to this role not explicitly stated above.

　　Expectations for CRFS academic specialists

　　Contribute to relationship-building and regularly convene and/or collaborate with CRFS staff and state, regional, and national partners virtually and in person;

　　Engage with relevant networks led by CRFS and/or partners and appropriate professional organizations;

　　Provide leadership for outreach, training, technical assistance, evaluation and research, data collection and/or analyses, including through web-based platforms, electronic surveys, etc., and share results;

　　Develop papers, resources, and other creative forms of scholarship in a timely fashion for diverse audiences, including practitioners, stakeholders, the general public, and academics. Publication examples include reports, fact sheets, guides, videos, webinars, and journal articles;

　　Present on outreach, evaluation, research, and/or education projects and findings at conferences, meetings, and other venues, which may include scholarly, government, association, and community audiences;

　　Document and share project work and accomplishments; maintain regular internal and external communication about project activities; develop and report on an annual plan of work;

　　Actively participate in CRFS staff and strategi