Research Analyst



Research Analyst

Salary

$66,380.00 - $89,493.00 Annually

Location

Huntington Beach, CA

Job Type

Classified Staff

Job Number

G-019-19 & G-016-20

Division

Golden West College

Department

Executive/Research

Opening Date

04/23/2019

Closing Date

5/27/2019 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition

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. 

Physical Abilities:
Requires the ability to function indoors in an office environment engaged in work of a sedentary nature.  Requires the ability to perform repetitive data entry and transfer for intermittent periods of time.  Requires the ability to retrieve work materials within reach.  Requires the near visual acuity to write and to read written materials and data appearing on computer screens.  Requires arm-hand-finger dexterity to use a keyboard and pointing device for operating a computer. Requires the ability to use hearing and speech for personal and telephone conversations, hear sound prompts from equipment, and to facilitate discussions with small groups of team members.

Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist.

Conditions of Employment

This is a regular, full-time, 12-month per year, classified position. The normal hours of work will be scheduled between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; with some flexibility required to meet the needs of the department. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor.

  • 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.

Additional Information

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  To be considered for employment you must submit a COMPLETE application packet. A complete application packet includes:

  1. A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application
  2. A current resume (as a separate attachment - PDF recommended)
  3. A cover letter outlining your education and experience relevant to this position (as a separate attachment - PDF recommended)
  4. Answers to all Supplemental Questions (clear, detailed responses recommended for evaluation purposes)
 
Submission of all required application information and materials is the responsibility of the applicant.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Applications must be received no later than the posted closing date. There are NO EXCEPTIONS.  Electronic applications may be completed by visiting www.cccd.edu/employment.  Once you have completed an electronic application, you may apply to open positions within the Coast Community College District by submitting the application and all other required materials. Required materials differ for each open position and must be complete when submitted for a specific posting. Instructions for completing applications and applying to posted positions are available online or by calling Applicant Processing at (714) 438-4714.

All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. Information for TDD users is available by calling (714) 438-4755.

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. For questions which may not apply, indicate "n/a" (not applicable). 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.

Any documents that you are unable to attach can be faxed to (714) 782-6065. Faxes must clearly indicate your name and the job to which you are applying.

Disability Accommodations:  If you require accommodations in the Application or Examination Process, please notify Human Resources by calling (714) 438-4714 OR (714) 438-4716.

SELECTION PROCEDURES:
  1. All online applications and required materials received by the deadline date will be screened to determine which applicant(s) meet(s) the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.
  2. Applicants who meet the required qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest degree of desirable qualifications will be invited to discuss their qualifications in an interview with the College/District. Therefore, it is highly recommended that applicants submit clear, detailed responses to all supplemental questions in order to demonstrate his/her qualifications as related to the position.
  3. If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in-person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense.

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community CollegeGolden West College, and Orange Coast College.  The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services and student support services.  Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast Colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs. 
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 needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.
 
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. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide 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.

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision
We know that the health of our employees and their families is a priority. That's why we offer extensive health care benefits to benefits-eligible employees. We offer the District's PPO plan as well as two HMO's, United Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. We also provide District-paid dental and vision insurance. 

Benefits are available to regular permanent employees working 20 or more hours per week.  Benefits are not available to temporary or short term employees.

District-paid Life Insurance
The District provides Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance benefits, underwritten by ING. This District-paid benefit is equal to one time your annual salary and remains in effect until age 70.

District-paid Disability Benefits
Coast provides both short and long term disability benefits for eligible employees unable to work because of disability due to illness, injury, or maternity.

Voluntary Plans
A variety of voluntary plans are offered through the District to benefits-eligible employees such as Long Term Care, Hyatt Legal, and Section 125 compliant flexible spending accounts.

Enrich Your Profession
Professional Development Programs
The District offers a variety of Professional Development programs for faculty and classified staff that encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework and conferences. We encourage lifelong learning that maintains and improves professional competencies, enhances career progression, and keeps our employees on the cutting edge of their profession.

Sabbatical Leaves
Faculty members are encouraged to pursue professional growth leading to the development of increased competence and the improvement of instruction and/or redirection in their current teaching discipline. The District's sabbatical leave program is designed to assist in this pursuit and is available on a semester basis after completing six consecutive years of service.

Academic Senate
The Academic Senate is the governing body at each of our colleges for making recommendations to administration and to our Board of Trustees with respect to academic and professional matters. The Senate consists of elected faculty and has the responsibility for matters related to curriculum and general academic policy.

Time to Refuel
Vacation
Classified, contract staff earn vacation days commensurate with years of service. Classified Management and Administrators earn 22 days vacation per year.

Sick Leave
All contract employees earn sick leave as outlined in the CA Education Code. Sick leave may be carried over from year-to-year and, upon retirement, unused sick leave may contribute to your PERS and STRS retiree benefit.

Holidays
The District observes 21 paid holidays per year.

Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military Leave
Coast grants contract employees called to jury duty a leave of absence, without loss of pay, for the entire length of required service. Other available leaves include bereavement from 3-5 days and military leaves of absence in accordance with applicable state laws.

Great Expectations
Pension Plans
The District participates in the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for contract employees. Non-contract employees participate in Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) plan for the first 1,000 hours of their employment.
Additionally, it is the policy of the Coast Community College District that contract employees who retire from the District with ten or more years of service be afforded the same group insurance benefits until 70 years of age. A Medicare Supplement or GAP plan  is available to retirees and their spouses after age 70.

Annuities
The District maintains a program whereby qualified employees may request through Payroll to have a portion of his or her salary deposited under a tax sheltered annuity plan or an approved deferred compensation plan.

Schools First Federal Credit Union

The Schools First Federal Credit Union is a federally insured, full service, financial cooperative that is a not-for-profit organization. Earnings are used to benefit all members to provide a full range of financial services and offerings.


01
Describe your experience in formulating research questions, designing research protocols, conducting data analyses, and presenting results. Highlight (with specific examples) your roles, some of the challenges you encountered, and how you resolved them.
02
Describe your experience and level of proficiency with large relational databases or data warehouses (e.g. Oracle), production report writing (e.g. Argos or Crystal), and statistical software (SPSS or SAS). Highlight any training or experience you may have with programming languages, such as SQL and ASP.
03
Describe your training and experience with the assessment of student learning outcomes. If you do not have experience specifically with student learning outcomes, discuss your related experience with identifying and assessing other types of outcome measures (e.g., process outcomes, satisfaction outcomes, job analysis, assessment of critical incidence, etc.).
04
Describe a critical issue or trend facing California Community Colleges. Highlight your view of the role institutional research might play in addressing it.
05
I understand that a COMPLETE application packet is required for consideration, which includes the following: 1. A completed Coast Community College District Online Employment Application 2. A current resume (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 3. A cover letter (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 4. Responses to supplemental questions (clear and detailed responses required as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume", or "N/A" or leave blank)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
Coast Community College District
Address
1370 Adams Avenue

Costa Mesa, California, 92626
Phone
714-438-4668
714-438-4714