Evaluation Consultants

Evaluation consultants provide their expertise in evaluation and applied research on a temporary basis to a wide range of organizations. They assess program effectiveness and efficiency, answer policy questions, provide advice, and support organizational change. They design and implement tools to collect relevant information; review, analyze, and synthesize that information; and make judgments, report findings, and provide recommendations to improve organizational performance. As contractors, not employees, they have no authority to implement the changes they recommend.

[Page 629]Of course, they must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies required of any evaluator, as James Altschuld suggests, including knowledge about ethics; performance measurement; systems theory; history, theories, models, and types of evaluation; research design; sampling and measurement; capacity building; communications; and both interpersonal and project management.

To gain these skills, they should have a master’s degree in their discipline of choice; in some research-oriented fields, such as health care, credibility can be enhanced through doctoral studies. Specific evaluation training is also available through specialized postsecondary programs or training opportunities offered by professional evaluation organizations such as the American Evaluation Association. Ultimately, extensive field experience is the best trainer.

As independent practitioners, evaluation consultants need strong business skills to select an appropriate ownership structure, understand price-setting methods, track and manage time, calculate fees and expenses, and manage accounts payable and receivable. Managing their cash flow issues is critical to their survival.

They need to obtain appropriate insurance for risk management. They must understand and manage contracting processes so that expectations and timelines are clear and potential pitfalls are avoided. To work on larger, more challenging projects, they can hire subcontractors or associates on a short-term basis, but team work requires additional management and supervision skills.

While addressing these many demands, consultants must continue to search for their next evaluation project. Proven marketing techniques include subscribing to government bidding services, registering on vendor lists, creating a presence on social media, offering webinars and workshops, and networking informally. Once a potential project is identified, the consultant prepares a proposal and must win the contract before the cycle begins again.

This independent role requires a number of personal strengths—self-confidence, negotiation skills, an ability to multitask, reflexivity, resilience, and enough financial stability to sustain themselves between projects. Consultants must model ethical business and research practice because their livelihood depends upon the reputations they build.

See also American Evaluation Association; Educational Researchers, Training of; Ethical Issues in Evaluation