• Direct quantitative and qualitative data collection from program staff and partners, the retrieval of data from public and private sources, and analysis and use to inform programmatic enhancements and refinements to strategic direction, collaborating with colleagues and partners to increase our understanding of our work and those we serve, and enhance the positive impact we can have through our efforts.• Perform comprehensive program evaluations and support collaborative program design, guiding the development of theories of change, the creation and execution of evaluation frameworks, and initiation of program enhancements, leading to incrementally improved programmatic outcomes and impacts.• Developed a detailed compendium of publicly available data on the University’s South Side focus communities; identifying, collecting, and analyzing data across 68 community vibrancy indicators; supporting resource development, program design, impact measurement, and strategic planning.• Co-led annual goal setting process in alignment with three-year OCE strategic framework; collaborating with teams to develop and track progress towards 80 unique fiscal year goals; consulting on six-month benchmarks and measures of success; and tracking progress and sharing concise updates with leadership.• Led departmental “Learn & Work” series for program practitioners, co-creating with participants a welcoming learning environment focused on strengthening OCE’s learning culture and building skills in the areas of theory of change, data collection and systems, and data analysis and use.• Manage OCE’s fundraising across work areas such as civic leadership, economic development, nonprofit capacity building, college and career access and readiness; developing strategy with program leads, generating funding LOIs and proposals, and engaging in all stages of the fundraising life cycle with philanthropic partners.

• Advanced campus-wide community engagement, translating strategy into implementation planning and execution; conducting impactful research and analysis to guide key initiatives; and building networks to collaborate toward shared goals. • Performed comprehensive research and landscape surveys, monitored trends, and engaged in outreach to peer institutions and subject-matter experts, guiding University initiatives in such areas as nonprofit capacity building and community investment strategies. • Designed, developed, and launched skills-based nonprofit capacity-building and volunteer program for University staff, scoping projects with community organizations and enabling employees from different functional areas of the University to provide volunteer services to South Side nonprofits.• Developed and instituted programmatic and operational processes and workflows, including development of progress/data tracking infrastructure to advance key University initiatives (e.g., COVID-19 Community Support Initiative in coordination with business service organizations).• Crafted compelling written summaries and analyses for senior OCE and University leadership, including co-directing University application for Carnegie Classification on Community Engagement, engaging with 200+ individuals to collect and synthesize data and narrative content.

Providing high-level project management and general support to the major functions of the operations team. Support OCE in the development of new programs and large-scale projects that bring together faculty, staff, and student resources to improve the quality of life on the South Side and across the city. Act as a liaison between the OCE and various offices and departments within the University community, as well as external agencies, organizations, and institutions.

Planned and executed citywide and statewide policy-relevant research initiatives from conception to completion, including engagement and convening of advisory teams/committees. Communicated with elected officials on the local, state, and federal levels to expand knowledge about the value and contributions of the arts to the economy, workforce, and community vitality, and secure meaningful policy wins for the sector. Contributed substantially to grant writing and fundraising for the organization, including management of several relationships with funders and consultants. Cultivated strong external relationships with arts advocates, key sector stakeholders, and government agencies.• Completed complex, multi-faceted data and research initiatives that advanced the organizational goals of the Alliance, through close collaboration with peers, partner organizations, and agencies, and directed Alliance’s research department support staff and interns. • Analyzed and aggregated research and data, developing clear, attractive, and effective communications pieces illustrating the status, condition, and contributions of the arts and cultural sector on local, state, and national levels.• Supported launch and execution with several partners of the Culture Counts campaign to promote public participation in City of Chicago’s cultural planning process, resulting in 85+ organizations joining, 5,700+ citizens signing the petition, 250+ citizens voicing their support, and all campaign recommendations included in 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan.

Directed statewide data collection and aggregation for Arts & Economic Prosperity IV, a series of economic impact studies on the nonprofit arts and cultural sector in Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and state of Illinois, facilitating the most extensive data collection and level of partner participation in the nation.

Directed first-ever Local Arts Index data project, a brand new annual measure of the health and vitality of the arts across 100 communities, for the city of Chicago and on behalf of Arts Alliance Illinois and the national advocacy group Americans for the Arts. Led project planning and coordinated data-gathering efforts to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the arts and culture sector in Chicago for use by local and national partners, and policymakers both citywide and statewide. Performed comparison of key indicators from both National Arts Index and Local Arts Index, two indices for arts performance, determining reliability and usefulness of expected data.

Developed political project and campaign research plans, aligning processes and procedures to match client needs. Oversaw policy, opposition, and vulnerability research projects and organizational redevelopment, delegating processes and ensuring timely project completion. Gathered and assessed national, state, and district-level legislative data, including candidate voting patterns, biographical information, campaign finance records, and policy positions. Implemented and executed internal process improvements, including the restructure and organization of in-house data sets, increasing team efficiency and productivity. • Analyzed contexts and trends related to national, state, and district-level elections and polling.• Provided rapid-response media analysis and reporting, apprising clients of emerging press and web activity. • Tracked and reported candidate relationships with interest groups, labor unions, and advocacy organizations. • Facilitated public record research and data collection, via FOIA requests and public records database monitoring.• Wrote, drafted, edited, proofed, and delivered in-depth research reports to clients.