Research Program Specialist - School of Social Work

Violence Prevention Research Lab

School of Social Work

University of Illionis at Urbana-Champaign

Located in Urbana, IL

Job Summary

For the Violence Prevention Research Lab within the University of Illinois' School of Social Work, works on a team that conducts evaluations of projects targeting community and school-based violence prevention programs and provides technical assistance and training to violence prevention providers throughout the state. Develops and implements an evaluation plan; manages data collection; has ongoing contact with violence prevention providers to provide assistance and support; provides technical assistance and training to contractors and funders; and prepares reports to funding agencies. Activities include conducting annual reviews of violence prevention evidence-based programs, providing technical assistance and training to providers, developing manuals, and collaborating on enhancements to data collection systems.

Develop, Implement, and Manage Evaluation Plans

* Develops materials for evaluating violence prevention programs.

* Conducts annual reviews of evidence-based violence prevention programs.

* Collaborates with team members to develop dissemination reports or presentations of annual reviews of evidence-based violence prevention plans.

* Develops and monitors project timelines for meeting deliverables.

Data Collection, Review, and Analysis

* Uses REDCap or a similar data collection management system to manage and track data collection among violence prevention program providers.

* Facilitate data collection efforts (e.g., focus groups, interviews) with violence prevention program providers.

* Reviews and interprets data analysis results and communicates data findings to a variety of target audiences.

* Forms mutually beneficial partnerships with funders and state-level administrators around issues related to data collection, interpretation, and utilization of findings.

* Manages Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols for research projects related to violence prevention evaluation or prevention planning efforts.

Provide Technical Assistance and Training

* Forms mutually beneficial partnerships with violence prevention providers around the issues related to evaluation design, data collection, and interpretation and utilization of evaluation findings.

* Develops documentation and manuals for using REDCap or other data collection management systems.

* Ongoing contact with violence prevention providers to provide technical assistance on data collection and evaluation activities.

* Develops and delivers adult professional development activities to promote practical collection and use of data collection and evaluation materials using adult education and theories underlying instructional design.

Collaboration with Team
Members
* Collaborates with team members to meet
research goals, including supervising research assistants and interns.
* Works collaboratively with other team
members.
* Partners with team members to achieve
project goals and objectives.
* Other duties and responsibilities as
appropriate.

Master's degree in social work, community psychology, sociology, human development, health services research, epidemiology, education, public health or related field. Two (2) or more years of experience working in the violence prevention field.

Experience with data collection and analysis as well as experience in applied research, program evaluation, training, consultation and technical assistance.

Basic knowledge of violence prevention programs. Excellent communication skills. Ability to work in a team environment. Knowledgeable about working with a variety of populations and cultures (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender). Good judgment (e.g., working within contracted role, responding appropriately to requests, verifying information) when representing VPRL externally via trainings, presentations, and site visits. Knowledgeable about working in an applied research setting. Excellent interpersonal, time management, organizational and solution focused skills. Advanced writing skills for proofing and editing documents. Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, as well as REDCap and SPSS.

This is a 100% full-time
Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected
start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. Hybrid work
options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site as
needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not
eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. The budgeted
salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000. Salary is
competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also
considering internal equity.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 4, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and
contact information for three professional references. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037998

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu