Golden West College

Research Analyst

Job# G-019-19

Salary: $66,380.00 - $89,493.00 Annually

Deadline: 05/12/19

Full job description and OFFICIAL application available ONLY at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cccd/jobs/2369866/research-analyst?page=3&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Summary

Organizes and conducts tests, data analysis and validation, and other research steps following predetermined or standardized testing/research methodologies.  Organizes and coordinates tests of research work and data provided by others, verifies significance and quality of data, and participates in preparation of validation reports. 

Distinguishing Career Features

The Research Associate is the second level in a career path for education data collection, research, and test validation.  The Research Associate will learn and apply clearly defined program and research design procedures, conduct surveys, design data structures, and analyze statistical information.   Research Analyst requires at least three years of experience at the equivalent to an Analyst, expanded knowledge of 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. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties may vary among departments and jobs.  Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following kinds of duties:

The Research Associate learns and applies best practices in program design, data management, statistical analysis, research, test validation, and survey environments although will likely be assigned to one area. 

Provides support to education research studies in subjects such as curricula, enrollment, retention, matriculation, staffing patterns and ratios, community and student demographics, and instructional characteristics.  

Participates in 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.  

Performs standardized testing protocols.  Sets up tests of predetermined design to analyze research results and data performed and documented by others.  Sequences the steps for setting up tests of academic and demographic facts. 

Develops data collection instruments and procedures. Provides technical support to district staff on data collection and recording methods. 

Modifies existing and/or develops integrated spreadsheet and database templates for accumulating, formatting, and organizing program data. 

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. 

Participates in, and may assist in preparing certain segments of manuscripts and validation reports.  

Conducts research of best practices and evident-based practices used in education and related industries. 

Researches grant opportunities.  Provides technical support to grant development, such as composing and proofreading text, preparing cost-of-service proposals, and providing input on measurable outcomes.

Initiates surveys of school districts to gather academic, demographic, and other institutional information for use in district initiated analytics.

Participates in preparing survey summaries and other documentation. 

Sets up 'evaluation' routines to assess work-in-progress and outcomes of grant funded and other programs and projects.  Prepares and reviews reports with project leaders. 

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

Qualifications and Physical Demands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and Skills:

The position requires working knowledge of principles and practices associated with academic and demographic research and research program evaluation.  The position requires working knowledge of data gathering, analysis, and statistical methods used in educational research.  Requires knowledge of data structures and relationships to support data entry, retrieval, and conversion techniques.   Requires knowledge of the educational environment, of vertical subject matter articulation, evidence-based curriculum, and blended instruction practices.  Requires well-developed skills using office productivity applications such as spreadsheets, statistical applications, and presentation graphics.  Requires sufficient language and writing skill to read, and understand professional literature, research, and research instructions.  Requires well-developed math skills to conduct tests and analyze statistical data.  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 ability to perform the functions of the position, including planning, researching, testing, and reporting.  Requires ability to analyze and interpret 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 other education oversight agencies for information retrieval, storage, analysis, and processing.  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.

Education and Experience:

The position typically requires a Bachelor of Arts/Science Degree in education or a research-oriented discipline such as math, psychology, speech language therapy or equivalent discipline and three years of experience, which can be concurrent, in a research or data management environment.  Alternatively, an Associate's Degree and 6-8 years of data management and research support may be accepted.

Licenses and Certificates:

May require a valid driver license. 

THE COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: