Senior Research Analyst

Surrey Schools (School District #36 Surrey); Surrey; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional school district is seeking a Senior Research Analyst to lead research efforts in improving student outcomes. The ideal candidate will have significant expertise in geographic information systems, advanced statistical analysis, and a passion for education. Responsibilities include supporting district initiatives and analyzing diverse data to inform decision-making. This is a term assignment from September 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026 with potential for extension.

Benefits

Accessibility accommodations during the interview

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge and experience using geographic information systems.
• Experience conducting multi-site and multi-stakeholder evaluations.
• Ability to work independently and develop clear, accurate reports.

Responsibilities

• Develop research designs and analysis plans.
• Provide analytical and interpretive recommendations to management.
• Coordinate and perform analysis of complex data sets.

Skills

Geographic information systems (ArcGIS)

Statistical analysis (R, Python, SAS)

Quantitative and qualitative analysis

Data interpretation and reporting

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in community or social planning, measurement and evaluation, education, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerBI

NVivo

SPSS

Job description

Term assignment: September 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026 (potential for extension or join as a permanent employee

Surrey Schools is seeking a skilled researcher with geographic information systems experience to serve as a program evaluator and data analyst. The researcher will have a passion for quality public education and wants to help make a difference for all children and youth. The Senior Research Analyst will serve a critical role in supporting the district’s research and evaluation strategy and its programs and initiatives. Areas of focus include literacy and numeracy development, racial equity, Indigenous student success and reconciliation, grade-to-grade transitions, and social and emotional wellbeing. The Senior Research Analyst in this position will be a research leader capable of providing top-level research and evaluation expertise and insight related to BC’s K – 12 education system.

As a member of the Research and Evaluation Department, the Senior Research Analyst supports and coordinates the collection, composition and study of data to provide an evidence base for reports, documents and projections for use by district management staff. These reports and evidence support decision making related to budget, staffing, facilities and programs. The Senior Research Analyst utilizes significant technical computer expertise together with advanced knowledge of research methodologies to address information and knowledge gaps through the design, planning and operation of multiple projects. The work requires a significant degree of independence and judgement and involves work of a highly specialized nature.

Duties include supporting and coordinating data production, resolving problems of significant complexity to do with the selection, organization and inclusion of data to be used in reports, development of statistical procedures and scripts to serve the needs of a particular analysis, and further suggestions for secondary analysis that will aid in the development of meaningful information.

Central To The Work Of The Senior Research Analyst Is Examining How Research And Evidence-informed Practices Impact Student Learning. This Includes Chronicling And Mapping Students’ Successes And Challenges. Through Analysis Of Qualitative And Quantitative Data – Including Classroom Assessments (observations, Conversations And Products), District Assessments, Provincial Assessments, Surveys And Attendance Patterns – The Senior Research Analyst Will Be Directly Involved In

• Critically examining and analyzing district literacy and numeracy assessment data;
• Tracking students’ intellectual development, human and social development and career development as they transition from grade-to-grade;
• Critically examining indicators of achievement and well-being for Indigenous students and other racialized students; and
• Monitoring district interventions and initiatives that are having the greatest impact on student learning.
  
  

Typical Responsibilities

• Developing research designs and analysis plans to support evidence collection efforts.
• Providing analytical and interpretive recommendations to management.
• Evaluating evidence from multiple sources and gathering insights to support evidence collection efforts.
• Identifying other sources of secondary data analysis that will be of value.
• Ensuring compliance with accepted research and statistical methodologies.
• Coordinating and performing the analysis and processing of complex data sets.
• Producing trend analysis and reports in multiple forms.
• Performing related duties, as required.
  
  

Knowledge, Abilities And Skills

• Advanced knowledge and experience using geographic information systems (e.g., ArcGIS)
• Experience conducting multi-site and multi-stakeholder evaluations of programs to identify strengths, areas for growth, gaps in supports, and recommendations
• Advanced knowledge and experience with diverse program evaluation and research methodologies and methods
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word, and quantitative and qualitative analysis packages (e.g., NVivo, SPSS, R, JASP, or SAS)
• Superior knowledge of office productivity and business intelligence tools (e.g. PowerBI, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Advanced ability to critically examine quantitative data and apply appropriate statistical analyses (correlation, partial correlation, multiple regression)
• Advanced ability to critically examine complex qualitative data, identifying emerging themes from various sources and formats (interviews, observations, blogs, videos, audio tapes, etc.)
• Ability to interpret evidence of learning and document findings in a narrative format, providing educational professionals with information that makes connections between pedagogy and student learning
• Ability to work independently and develop clear, accurate reports (experience with successfully publishing is an asset), with excellent written and oral communications skills.
  
  

Training And Experience

• Advanced degree in community or social planning, measurement and evaluation, education, or related field; experience in coordinating and leading program evaluation and research projects is required. The position further requires superior knowledge of statistical analysis packages (e.g., R, Python, or SAS), geographic information systems (e.g., ArcGIS).
  
  

Qualified applicants can apply by clicking the "apply" button to the right of the posting. The closing date for this position is August 14, 2025 at 4:00pm.

Surrey Schools recognizes the importance of accessibility and supporting the diverse needs of our community. If there is any accommodation you may require for your interview, whether related to accessibility or otherwise, please do not hesitate to advise and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

Note: Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.