Research Analyst - Senior

Definition

(ON-SITE - In-Person Position)

Come work with us at Coast Community College District!

Coast Community College District provides generous health and welfare benefits, district paid life insurance, a solid retirement plan, and 21 paid holidays a year which include 10 straight days off during the winter in addition to ample sick, vacation time, and one floating holiday. Employees can also choose to sign up for Long Term Care, Hyatt Legal Plans, and Section 125 compliant flexible spending accounts. The position is supported by various professional development opportunities. The position may have the option of a hybrid work format (some days onsite, some days remote) after the successful completion of the six-month probationary period, and subject to departmental needs and mastery of the job duties and responsibilities.

About the Role

This position at the District Office, in the District Research, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness Department, relies heavily on data management and data science knowledge, skills, and experience in validating data, preparing a wide range of reports, and conducting research and evaluation. The incumbent is the primary functional and technical lead for coordinating, gathering, validating, and submitting various federal and state compliance reporting, including but not limited to the Management Information System (MIS), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and Faculty Obligation Number (FON). This position also supports district-wide research and reporting activities, such as administers district-wide online surveys, responds to Public Records requests, supports District Strategic Planning, and responds to myriad of ad-hoc requests and inquiries. The position needs to be highly conversant with Student Information Systems (SIS), preferably Ellucian / Banner. The position needs to have experience with SQL or other coding languages and enterprise reporting tools or data visualization software products such as Tableau and / or PowerBI, or Argos. Graduate degree(s) reflecting coursework or methodology in research and evaluation as well as experience in conducting research project(s) are desirable.

About CCCD

The Coast Community College District (CCCD) is a public, multi-campus community college district serving Orange County, California. Established in 1947, CCCD has a rich history of providing accessible, high-quality education and training to students from diverse backgrounds. The district encompasses three comprehensive colleges, Coastline Community College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College, and serves over 110,000 students annually through its various programs and services. CCCD is committed to student success and provides students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop their skills, and achieve their goals through a wide range of academic and vocational programs, support services, and co-curricular activities. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, CCCD is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, employees, and members of the community.

Summary

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

Specific duties may vary among departments, divisions and jobs. Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following types of duties, as assigned :

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Creates study and evaluation designs to measure project outcomes to established goals and hypotheses.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Recommends strategies or proposals for grant development and composes proposed program / project objectives, work plans, cost-of-service, and measurable outcomes.

11. 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.

12. Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships / working relationships with all campus constituencies.

13. 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.

14. Provides data for compliance reporting to state and federal agencies, with an emphasis on developing consistent and compliant reporting procedures.

15. Develops and / or facilitates design of assessment tools and measures for program assessment and review, including assessment of student learning.

16. Provides support to strategic and operational planning processes, including training, process management and evaluation, and assisting departments with development of strategies and goals.

17. Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.

18. Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 - Code of Professional Ethics.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

1. The position requires professional specialization in the theories, principles, and practices associated with academic and demographic research planning, design, methodologies, and study / program evaluation.

2. The position requires specialized knowledge of data gathering, analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistical methods used in educational research.

3. Requires in-depth knowledge of data structures and relationships to support data entry, retrieval, and conversion techniques.

4. Requires working knowledge of the structures used and methods for preparing research reports.

5. Requires knowledge of the educational environment, evidence-based curriculum, and blended instruction practices.

6. Requires advanced skills using office productivity applications such as spreadsheets, statistical and simulation applications, and presentation graphics.

7. Requires sufficient language and writing skills to read and understand professional literature, state and federal policies, research, and research instructions.

8. Requires well-developed math skills to conduct tests and analyze statistical data using descriptive and inferential methods.

9. 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

1. Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.

2. Requires ability to perform the functions of the position, including planning, researching, testing, and reporting.

3. Requires the ability to define a problem, develop hypotheses, sequence and adapt the study process, and conduct a complex array of tests.

4. Requires ability to analyze and interpret academic, demographic, and environmental data and statistical methods and conclusions.

5. 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.

6. Requires the ability to direct the work or actively lead and provide technical guidance to other Assistants, Analysts and educators.

7. Requires the ability work collaboratively, follow logical progressions of research, testing, and reporting and to think logically, creatively, and in abstract terms.

8. Requires the ability to employ critical thinking and evaluation techniques when testing significance of research-oriented data.

9. Requires the ability to analyze and solve technical problems under time pressure.

10. Requires the ability to read, interpret and apply complex technical information.

11. Requires the ability to work collaboratively within and among internal and external program, project, and study teams.

12. Requires the ability to plan and organize work to meet timelines and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports expected of this level.

Physical Abilities

1. 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.

2. Essential functions will vary by position.

3. 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.

Education and Experience

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.

Licenses and Certificates

May require a valid driver's license.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist.

This job specification describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job.

Note : D.E.I.A. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism

The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism. The Coast Community College District is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti-Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

Conditions of Employment

Note : Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

This is a general funded, full-time, 12-months per year classified position. The normal hours of work will be Monday through Friday 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm, with the flexibility to occasionally work extended hours and / or weekends, if necessary, to meet the department's needs. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. The District provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents and life insurance for the employee. ( Salary Schedule : EE-123)

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment. The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference : BP / AP 5910 ) The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Pay Philosophy :

Coast Community College District, through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality. In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade. All movement on the salary schedule will occur July 1 of each year for all classified employees.

Application Requirements :

Application materials must be electronically submitted online at http : / / www.cccd.edu / employment to be considered for employment.

Incomplete applications, application materials submitted by mail, and documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered. Please note that the district does not return materials submitted in the application process (copies of original supporting documents are acceptable).

A complete application packet includes :

• A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.
• A Cover Letter highlighting your experiences relevant to this position and addressing the minimum and essential qualifications, including your demonstrated evidence of D.E.I.A. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access). (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).
• A Current Resume of professional and educational background and experience (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).

Submit an application online at :

http : / / www.cccd.edu / employment

Coast Community College District - Human Resources

1370 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA should notify the Human Resources Office for assistance or call 714.438.4716.

Submission of all required application information and materials is the responsibility of the applicant. All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. If you do not know an answer, please indicate so, but do not leave any space blank.

All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Please note : Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

Any documents that you are unable to attach can be emailed to jobs@cccd.edu Emails must clearly indicate the job you are applying to and your full name.

Additional Information

Selection Procedure

Employment Information

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment :

Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators / managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. We are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline College, Golden West College , and Orange Coast College . The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational / technical education, community services, and student support services.

Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to the needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.

Coast Community College District Title IX (For more information on Title IX click here)

https : / / www.cccd.edu / employees / hr / title9 / Pages / Staff-and-Faculty-Resources.aspx

The 2025 Coast Community College District Annual Security and Fire Safety provides the crime statistics for calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024, which were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hard copy can be obtained from one of the Campus Safety Offices. Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions.

Title IX & Sex Discrimination

https : / / www.cccd.edu / employees / hr / title9 / Pages / Staff-and-Faculty-Resources.aspx