Principal Data Analytics Specialist

CalPERS; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

CalPERS is seeking an experienced Information Technology Specialist III, Principal Data Analytics Specialist, to advance its data platform and analytics capabilities. The role demands hands-on data engineering, enterprise data governance, and collaboration with analytics, architecture, and IT teams to deliver scalable solutions that support data-driven decisions.

Reporting to the Head of TIBA, you will guide data strategy, mentor staff, and contribute to cross-functional initiatives across

Qualifications

• All MQs should be included in your application package.
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) required with specific prompts included in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, governance, and data delivery tasks for CalPERS data platform.
• Collaborate with IT infrastructure, analytics, and enterprise architecture teams to drive data acumen.
• Provide mentorship and direction to a team of data professionals.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-536856

Position #(s): 275-815-1415-001

Working Title: Principal Data Analytics Specialist

Classification: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

$9,507.00 - $12,740.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation’s largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we’re committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.

If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website ! To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video .

Job Description And Duties

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of November 11, 2026.

Our Technology, Information, and Business Advancement (TIBA) section is seeking an experienced candidate for an Information Technology Specialist III (IT Spec III), Principal Data Analytics Specialist position. The right candidate will have deep, hands‑on experience in the data/information, programming, business analysis, enterprise architecture, and software design domains and help drive our California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) mission through achieving pervasive data acumen for all CalPERS team members.

The Principal Data Analytics Specialist works under the direction of the Head of TIBA and with our information management, enterprise analytics, data reporting, and enterprise architecture units. This role collaborates with Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and application development teams, internal business data users, senior leadership, and participates in the CalPERS Enterprise Data Management effort.

The incumbent serves as one of two senior‑most data analytics professionals on a team of experienced data professionals and is responsible for various strategic, planning, architecture, governance, technology, business support, and data delivery tasks. We are seeking a perpetual learner and coach who can assist the team with direction and hands‑on work.

Help us bring the highly successful CalPERS data platform to the next level.

Telework Information

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

Effective July 1, 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications

Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below will not be considered.

The SOQ must be typed, titled “Statement of Qualifications,” and each response must list all relevant experience, education, and training, including duties performed. The SOQ must not exceed one page in length.

• In your response, begin with the phrase “SOQ-ARCH-01” and describe one specific project where you served as a lead architect or senior technical contributor for a data, analytics, or business intelligence platform. Include the current‑state challenge, the future‑state design you recommended, the technologies or tools involved, and one measurable result. Also identify one decision you personally made that you would not delegate to a junior team member.


• In your response, begin with the phrase “SOQ-PROC-02” and describe one example where you improved how a data, reporting, or BI team delivered work. Include at least two of the following in your example: version control, work tracking, release management, documentation, monitoring, change control, or mentoring. Close your response by naming one process artifact, template, or guide you created or improved and how it was used by the team.

Minimum Qualifications

All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under “Minimum Requirements.”

Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR’s CalCareers website.

Need help with your state application, resume, Statement of Qualifications, or interview preparation? The CalPERS Career Services & Outreach team provides comprehensive support throughout the CalPERS hiring process. Our services include one‑on‑one online consultations for application assistance, Statement of Qualification review, and interview preparation. To schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance from our team, please use the following booking link: CalPERS Career Services Consultations.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.