Nicki Murphy, MSW
Equity-Focused Program & Evaluation Analyst
Portland,OR
Summary
MSW-trained leader with a proven track record of transforming underperforming programs into high-impact initiatives through data-driven decision-making and innovative, community-focused solutions. Expertise in strategic vision, systems design, evidence-based program development, operational management, and equity-centered program evaluation.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Research & Evaluation
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP)
01.2023 - Current
- Built and directed agency-wide programs from the ground up—establishing systems for design, management, and evaluation—that elevated a historically underperforming agency to deliver high-impact services for 6,500 low-income individuals.
- Collaborated closely with the executive team to define a three-year strategic vision and develop a comprehensive plan to achieve key objectives.
- Strengthened compliance infrastructure as liaison to grant oversight bodies, ensuring full alignment with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Secured $1.3M in collaborative grants and directed the full lifecycle of a matched savings initiative, doubling participants’ financial resiliency, generating $16K in unrestricted savings and building trust in banking institutions.
- Redesigned senior programming by integrating evidence-based fall prevention initiatives, overseeing adaptation, delivery, and evaluation, resulting in 98% improved fitness and decreased social isolation six months post-graduation.
- Advanced equity by centering participant voice and disaggregating data in evaluations, collaboratively shaping recommendations that improved programs and evaluation processes.
Program Design & Evaluation Manager
ENCAP
10.2018 - 01.2023
- Developed a theory of change-driven framework for needs assessments, program evaluations, and client input surveys, embedding data-driven decision-making and enhancing agency-wide responsiveness.
- Designed, evaluated, and managed the Hardship Assistance program, encompassing a $346K COVID-19 response project and a $137K disaster relief initiative preventing homelessness for 1,712 people and re-housing 160 displaced families.
- Developed a sustainable client database tracking system with custom dashboards to accurately monitor compliance across funding sources.
- Analyzed existing operational processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies, developed and supervised implementation of a program manual that elevated performance with clear systems and streamlined service-delivery.
- Led participatory research on transportation barriers, co-creating community-driven solutions that secured funding for a pilot expanding education access for system-involved youth and informing local policy discussions.
- Led a culturally appropriate food security project reaching over 900 BIPOC and homebound residents and filling a critical gap in underserved zip codes.
- Supported evaluation planning and fidelity monitoring for the Generation Xchange program, improving academic and behavioral outcomes for K–3rd graders in an under-resourced school.
Program Analyst
ENCAP
10.2017 - 10.2018
- Spearheaded development of agency-wide action plans, strengthened quality assurance systems, and led training for 15+ staff, increasing data accuracy and consistency across reporting systems.
- Guided program managers in aligning action plans with national performance indicators, building capacity for long-term compliance and sustainability.
- Developed performance measurement plans and program logic models, equipping managers to use data for decision-making and storytelling.
Social Work Intern
ENCAP
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Created and implemented trauma-informed policies and culturally responsive practices, increasing federal performance standards compliance by 18%.
- Collaborated with a cross-sector response team to identify and address service gaps for housing-insecure families, providing crisis assistance and case management that led to stabilization.
- Evaluated workforce development initiatives by centering the perspectives of racially marginalized youth, uncovering systemic barriers and recommending targeted solutions to strengthen program impact.
Community Support Coordinator
Catholic Charities
10.2012 - 02.2017
- Developed and implemented a program serving 20 youth with co-occurring disorders, increasing engagement in employment, education, and community re-entry support.
Family Partnership Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity/AmeriCorps State and National
08.2011 - 09.2012
- Guided 30+ low-income refugee families through the homeownership process, driving process improvements that streamlined applicant screening and improved transparency.
Education
Master of Social Work - Administrative & Community Practice
University of Nebraska At Omaha
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art
Millikin University
Decatur, IL 05.2001 -
Skills
Program planning and evaluation
Timeline
Director of Research & Evaluation
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP)
01.2023 - Current
Program Design & Evaluation Manager
ENCAP
10.2018 - 01.2023
Program Analyst
ENCAP
10.2017 - 10.2018
Social Work Intern
ENCAP
05.2017 - 08.2017
Community Support Coordinator
Catholic Charities
10.2012 - 02.2017
Family Partnership Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity/AmeriCorps State and National
08.2011 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art
Millikin University
05.2001 -
Master of Social Work - Administrative & Community Practice
University of Nebraska At Omaha
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Community-Involved Research, 2025
Adult Mental Health First Aid, 2024
Honoring Culture and Equity in Evaluative Practice, 2024
DEI in the Workplace, 2022 - 2024
Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA), 2019
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Youth Outreach Committee, North Omaha Community Council, 2023 - 2025
- Homeless Coordination Planning Team, Threshold CoC, 2024
- Douglas County Health Equity Advisory Committee, 2022 - 2024
- National Community Action Convention Presenter, 2023
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
- Community Involvement in Research, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, 2025
- Adult Mental Health First Aid, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 2024
- Honoring Culture & Equity in Evaluation, American Evaluation Association, 2024
- Results Oriented Management & Accountability, Office of Community Services, 2019
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