HUP Evaluation Assistantship

 

The HUP Evaluation Assistantship (HEA) program provides a paid year-long position for a graduate research assistant (GRA) to develop evaluation tools that help Hennepin County improve its ability to reduce disparities and create an environment where all residents can thrive. 

The county-identified evaluation topics for 2025 is “Assessing and Reducing Data Literacy Gaps of Newer Hennepin County Leaders.” 

Application instructions are available here.

For questions, please email us at [email protected].

Program Overview

The HEA student will help plan and design evaluation frameworks, processes and tools that will build capacity for Hennepin County policymakers to make ongoing and long-term strategic decisions. This work will be done in partnership with county subject matter experts, with additional guidance provided by county mentors and UMN faculty. Throughout the program you will will have a high level of autonomy to lead your own work, similar to an external consultant.

HEA students will lead the evaluation design process from conceptualization to execution. This is divided into three distinct stages: 

  • Spring | Planning and Creating: GRAs will (1) conduct initial background research, (2) develop a project scope that identifies needs, goals, limitations, and resources, and (3) create an evaluation plan.
  • Summer | Executing: GRAs will (1) create evaluation tools (e.g. surveys, focus group/interview questions, etc.), and (2) execute on their evaluation plan.
  • Fall | Reporting/Offboarding: GRAs will (1) compile their results for the county and (2) transition their materials for the county's continued use.

2025 Key Details:

  • Student Application Period: November 6 through November 23.
  • Program Duration: January 9, 2025 - January 7, 2026
  • Hours: Spring = 10 hrs/wk (50% tuition benefit), Summer = 20 hrs/wk (no tuition), Fall = 10 hrs/wk (50% tuition benefit)
  • Hourly Rate: $22.23 (MA level), $25.13 (PhD level)
  • Location: hybrid work + in-person cohort activities

Students will be "re-hired" each semester, contingent on performance. Students who anticipate graduating in May 2025 may apply.

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Eligibility

The UMN requires that GRAs be:

  • Admitted to a graduate school degree program or a post-baccalaureate professional degree program. 
  • Registered for the minimum number of required credits for an assistantship during both Fall and Spring terms (more info)
  • Authorized to work in the United States (International students who work on-campus are eligible) 

In addition to the above eligibility requirements, this program is a good fit for students who:

  • Have an interest in evaluation, and who want to grow and creatively apply these skills and knowledge to community issues
  • Are passionate about working to address racial disparities and other forms of inequity
  • Want to work in an environment with a high level of collaborative teamwork and professional autonomy and responsibility
  • All graduate level students are welcome to apply. This program is a particularly good fit for students who are considering, or currently enrolled in, a PhD program.

How to Apply

Disparity Reduction and Climate Action are emphasized in all county work. We encourage you to review Hennepin County’s Disparity Reduction and Climate Action priorities to familiarize yourself with current efforts. 

Fill out the online application by Sunday, November 24, 11:59pm CST. Use the instructions linked here to complete your application. You will be notified of the final decision by December 20.

Selection Process

After the application closes, HUP staff will review applications and invite applicants to a first-round interview during the first week of December. After first-round interviews, HUP staff will extend an offer for second-round interviews. All applicants will know the result of their application no later than December 20.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • 50%: Ability and motivation to conduct evaluative work with a local government partner. This requires: 
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
    • Strong analytical skills
    • Curiosity, and an ability to observe and question 
    • Ability to lead a project with limited oversight
    • Ability to effectively adapt and work within strong organizational cultures
    • Self-awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses
  • 25%: Transferability of skills, experience, and knowledge to the preselected evaluation topics
  • 25%: How participation in the program will benefit the student in their academic and professional development.

We will use the following sources to evaluate applicants:

  • First- and second-round interviews
  • Short answer responses
  • Resume
  • Class list
  • Reference