Senior Research Analyst

Definition

Conducts complex and difficult research studies related to educational programs, planning, and development and supervises the activities of a small research unit.

Typical Duties

Conducts the more difficult research studies related but not limited to curricula, enrollment, retention, matriculation, weekly contact hours, staffing patterns, student and faculty characteristics, program vitality and evaluation, program review, community characteristics, student achievement, student learning outcomes, accreditation, and institutional planning and effectiveness.

Makes recommendations for policies, procedures, and systems based on analysis of current and proposed programs and practices.

Designs, implements, and directs the maintenance of specialized data bases and information systems to facilitate research and planning activities.

Evaluates problems to determine whether they are amenable to statistical inquiry and formulates the investigative processes and procedures to be followed.

Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of and provides training to assigned staff of a small research unit.

Analyzes trends in community college education, college and community characteristics, and anticipates planning and information needs.

Selects, adapts, and applies appropriate research and statistical techniques to specific areas of study.

Collects, compiles, describes, organizes, analyzes, interprets, and presents data and information related to matters under study.

Organizes, coordinates, and tracks completion of planning, accreditation, and program review functions and ensures alignment with District mission, goals, objectives, and operating practices.

Coordinates with faculty, staff, and administration on various aspects of planning, accreditation, and program review functions and processes.

Determines sources of data and information and selects the specific units for research sample.

Prepares complex research reports, presentations, and other communications containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content including the preparation of conclusions and forecasts based on data summaries and other findings.

Prepares research and statistical findings in proper technical form for publication.

Analyzes research data and findings of other agencies and translates their implications and limitations as they pertain to the District.

Explains research methodology and findings to interested parties.

Effectively utilizes the capabilities of standard and specialized software programs and / or other applications and digital tools in the production of management information and reports.

Directs the maintenance of research records.

Acts as a technical resource to college research staff.

May act on behalf of a supervisor during their absence.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

A Senior Research Analyst applies an advanced knowledge of research concepts, methodologies, and processes in conducting difficult and complex institutional research studies and in the development and maintenance of research information systems and supervises the activities of a small research unit.

A Research Analyst applies thorough knowledge and skill in research methodology and analysis in independently performing all phases of complex journey-level research studies including problem definition, study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of findings.

An Assistant Research Analyst performs professional-level research assignments of moderate complexity related to District educational programs, planning, and development that are characterized by clear and specific objectives in accordance with conventional research techniques and methodology.

Supervision

General supervision is received from an academic or classified administrator. Immediate supervision is exercised over assigned lower-level analysts and technical and clerical staff.

Class Qualifications

Knowledge of :

Concepts, methodologies, processes, and terminology applicable to higher education research, planning, accreditation, and program review functions

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of statistics

Principles of management, organization, and administrative analysis

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of survey construction, sampling, administration, and reporting

Principles of supervision and training

Management and education functions and procedures as they relate to higher education

Methods of preparation of research reports

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware used in a research unit

Technical writing and data presentation

New trends in the field of research in higher education

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of data base design

Information systems used in higher education and methods of access for research purposes

Procedures for access to state and national student level information

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of data warehousing and distribution of information across the institution

Organization and management of records

Skill in :

Using computer software such as data base management, communications, spreadsheets, graphics, word processing, and desk-top publishing applications

Using data management and analysis tools or other advanced data access or distribution software

Ability to :

Plan, conduct, and evaluate complex research studies

Apply conventional and original techniques in research methodology

Apply statistical theory and methods used in the collection, classification, and evaluation of quantitative facts as a basis for inference

Analyze factual information and recognize significant factors, relationships, and trends

Analyze complex data and interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, and principles

Determine and evaluate sources of data

Prepare clear, comprehensive and concise reports

Exercise creativity and critical judgment

Deal with novel and difficult problems

Independently complete complex assignments

Instruct others in research principles and methods

Select, motivate, train, and supervise assigned staff

Establish and maintain the cooperation of others in providing information, data, and assistance for the research program

Write comprehensive technical reports and explain information and data in its most meaningful and understandable form

Establish effective inter-personal communications and secure the cooperation of administrators in the implementation of District procedures

Deal effectively and tactfully with a diverse pool of District staff at all levels, representatives of public and private agencies, and the general public

Present complex and difficult technical information effectively orally, visually, and in writing

Effectively utilize computer equipment, software, and management information systems in the performance of duties

Learn new techniques and procedures in college accreditation, institutional accountability and effectiveness, and higher education policy and planning

Learn specialized computer applications

Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience :

A. A doctoral degree from a recognized college or university with a specialization in social science research, economics, educational administration, business administration, public administration, organizational analysis, or other research-oriented specialization.

B. A master's degree from a recognized college or university with a major in social science research, economics, public policy, educational administration, business administration, public administration, organizational analysis, information science, or other research-oriented specialization AND two years of full-time, paid, professional-level experience in a research or institutional planning position.

C. A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with a major in social science research, economics, public policy, educational administration, business administration, public administration, organizational analysis, information science, or other research-oriented specialization AND four years of full-time, paid, professional-level experience in a research or institutional planning position.

Special :

A valid Class C California driver's license is required.

Travel to locations throughout the District is required..

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• 19 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District.

Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.

• Other paid time off includes : bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

Selection Process

The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and / or oral interview.