Population Health Evaluation Specialist
Institution: South Dakota State University
Working Title: Population Health Evaluation Specialist
Posting Number: NFE03235P
Department: SDSU-Graduate Nursing
Physical Location of Position (City): Brookings
Join a team dedicated to improving population health outcomes. The Population Health Evaluation Center (PHEC) within the College of Nursing is looking for a Population Health Evaluation Specialist to lead funded projects, analyze data, communicate findings, and support proposal development — all contributing to evidence-based improvements in public health programs. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
This an internal only position and is open to all current, permanent, full-time employees within the College of Nursing.
The College of Nursing has a proud history of excellence and innovation, recognized as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. With fully accredited Healthcare Simulation Centers across four sites, the college is dedicated to providing high-quality, hands-on learning experiences for all students. The college is also home to the Population Health Evaluation Center (PHEC), which partners with organizations to evaluate programs, analyze outcomes, and improve health and well-being across communities.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Evaluation Specialist will lead funded evaluation and assessment projects within the Population Health Evaluation Center (PHEC), including oversight of project activities and procedures; conducting data analysis; authoring project reports and other contract deliverables; presenting of findings at local and/or regional events; assist with development of contract proposals and amendments, budgets, and project procedures.
BENEFITS:
SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree with 2 plus years of experience in program monitoring, evaluation, assessment and learning or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years’ experience in program monitoring, evaluation, assessment and learning required completed by start date;
- At least three years of experience in project management;
- Proficiency with computer software, data management, and data analysis;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Demonstrated experience in independently designing and implementing project procedures;
- Ability to collaborate between departments and agencies and with other project staff to achieve project completion; and
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education or experience in public health, chronic disease management principles, and/or other social science.
- Experience with survey software (Qualtrics and/or REDCap).
- Experience with data analysis software (SPSS and/or SAS).
- Experience with IRB submissions.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
Posting Date: 11/05/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Advertised Salary: The starting salary for this position is $67,000, commensurate with experience.
Duration of the Term: 12 months
Appointment Percent: 100
Appointment Type: Regular
Faculty Status: No
Scope of Search: Internal
If internal, define scope of search: Current, permanent, full-time employees of the College of Nursing.
This position requires: Travel, Valid Drivers License
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact the hiring manager, Jenna Cowan, at Jenna.Cowan@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4513.
Working Conditions
Cognitive Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication
Protective Clothing/Equipment
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If other protection is used please identify
Physical Requirements
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Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting light, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)
Describe any of the conditions selected
Sensory Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
Working Conditions & Exposures
Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
Working Environment
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Office Environment
If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
- Reference List
