Research Analyst - Senior

Senior Research Analyst

Organizes, designs, and leads comprehensive research processes, program sequences, and studies. Designs and conducts tests, advanced analysis, and validation from various unique sources, and other sequenced research steps using accepted-to-novel study designs and testing/research methodologies. Organizes and coordinates tests of research work and data provided by peers, verifies significance and quality of data, and prepares validation reports.

Distinguishing Career Features The Senior Research Analyst is the third professional level in a career path for education data collection, research, and test validation. Research Analysts begin the career path and will learn and apply clearly defined program and research design procedures, conduct surveys, design data structures, and analyze statistical information. Senior Research Analyst requires at least two years of experience at the equivalent to a Research Analyst in addition to one-year at the Research Assistant level, expanded knowledge of project and study design, research procedures, the ability to design and coordinate program steps to meet standards and outcomes, ability to perform difficult academic assessments using statistical inferences and research literature prepared by others, and coordinate preparation of data driven reports. The Senior Research Analyst requires a Master's degree and expanded ability to perform program or study design, and used advanced research, statistical, and survey methods and procedures. Senior Research Analysts are capable of and will generally administer research or data management projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates, conducts, and participates in education institutional research studies (with minimal supervision) in support of institutional effectiveness and decision-making. Research studies include but not limited to student achievement, outcomes, demographics and institutional characteristics.
• Participates in, and may coordinate, viability studies for programs and outcomes grants and other funding. Researches funding and resource availability. Participates in developing strategies and proposals to access funding for programs and initiatives.
• Creates study and evaluation designs to measure project outcomes to established goals and hypotheses.
• Designs and develops data collection tools and measurement instruments and procedures including tests, surveys, rating scales, observation recordings, and structured interview worksheets in a variety of formats (e.g., online, paper). Trains and provides technical support to faculty, staff, and management on data collection, recording methods, and measurement of outcomes.
• Designs and develops custom, integrated spreadsheet and database templates for inputting, accumulating, formatting, and organizing program data. Develops web-based portals to enter, edit, and transmit information.
• Oversees and prepares data analysis, merging and transforming files and data, and identification of outliers for further study. Performs routine statistical tests as required for the assigned project, program, or study, and to answer questions.
• Performs quality assurance of research and empirical data such as its source, sampling techniques, format, and accuracy of data transmittal. Conducts statistical inquiry and may develop research investigative procedures.
• Writes research reports containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content. Describes, organizes, analyzes, and presents academic assessment data and evaluations using descriptive inferential statistics and deductive and inductive reasoning.
• Conducts research of best and evidence-based practices used in education and related industries. Researches and analyzes external report findings, trends in education, community characteristics, and translates implications to current work.
• Recommends strategies or proposals for grant development and composes proposed program/project objectives, work plans, cost-of-service, and measurable outcomes.
• Sets up 'evaluation' procedures for both formative and summative assessment of programs, services, and projects to evaluate their effectiveness. Prepares and reviews reports with project leaders.
• Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships/working relationships with all campus constituencies.
• Using established enterprise reporting tools, develops queries for data extraction, reporting, and analysis, with an emphasis on automation. May include identification of data structures and sources, validation of data, and/or original programming using SQL or other programming languages.
• Provides data for compliance reporting to state and federal agencies, with an emphasis on developing consistent and compliant reporting procedures.
• Develops and/or facilitates design of assessment tools and measures for program assessment and review, including assessment of student learning.
• Provides support to strategic and operational planning processes, including training, process management and evaluation, and assisting departments with development of strategies and goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
• Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 Code of Professional Ethics.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Knowledge and Skills

• The position requires professional specialization in the theories, principles, and practices associated with academic and demographic research planning, design, methodologies, and study/program evaluation.
• The position requires specialized knowledge of data gathering, analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistical methods used in educational research.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of data structures and relationships to support data entry, retrieval, and conversion techniques.
• Requires working knowledge of the structures used and methods for preparing research reports.
• Requires knowledge of the educational environment, evidence-based curriculum, and blended instruction practices.
• Requires advanced skills using office productivity applications such as spreadsheets, statistical and simulation applications, and presentation graphics.
• Requires sufficient language and writing skills to read and understand professional literature, state and federal policies, research, and research instructions.
• Requires well-developed math skills to conduct tests and analyze statistical data using descriptive and inferential methods.
• Requires sufficient human relations skills to convey technical concepts and consult with internal contacts for purposes of conducting interviews, facilitating focus groups, and for testing, conversion of data, and problem-solving.

Abilities

• Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
• Requires ability to perform the functions of the position, including planning, researching, testing, and reporting.
• Requires the ability to define a problem, develop hypotheses, sequence and adapt the study process, and conduct a complex array of tests.
• Requires ability to analyze and interpret academic, demographic, and environmental data and statistical methods and conclusions.
• Requires the ability to use the computers, operating systems, peripherals, and other equipment used by the District and education oversight agencies for information querying, retrieval, storage, analysis, and processing.
• Requires the ability to direct the work or actively lead and provide technical guidance to other Assistants, Analysts and educators.
• Requires the ability work collaboratively, follow logical progressions of research, testing, and reporting and to think logically, creatively, and in abstract terms.
• Requires the ability to employ critical thinking and evaluation techniques when testing significance of research-oriented data.
• Requires the ability to analyze and solve technical problems under time pressure.
• Requires the ability to read, interpret and apply complex technical information.
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively within and among internal and external program, project, and study teams.
• Requires the ability to plan and organize work to meet timelines and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports expected of this level.

Physical Abilities

• The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.
• Essential functions will vary by position.
• As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), the District shall engage in a timely, good faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Minimum Qualifications: Education, Experience, D.E.I.A

The position requires a Master's degree in a research-oriented or data science related discipline and three years of experience in a applied research or data management environment or equivalent. Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.

AND

Demonstrated evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity within the community college student population, including students with different ability statuses (e.g., physical and/or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom and campus

Licenses and Certificates

May require a valid driver license.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist. This job specification describes the general nature