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)
Omaha, NE
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
Omaha, NE
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
Omaha, NE
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
Omaha, NE
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
Omaha, NE
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
Omaha, NE
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
Evidence-based practice implementation
Regulatory compliance management
Operational efficiency management
Community engaged research
Cross-sector collaboration
Strategic development
Equity-focused data analysis
Collaborative team management
Analytical problem-solving
Productivity software applications
Data management & visualization
Collaborative team management
Analytical problem-solving
Productivity software applications
Data management & visualization
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