Research Data Specialist

HBCUvc; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 7,000 - 8,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework Schedule Options

Tuition Reimbursement up to $1500

Discounted Public Transit

LifeMart discounts

Job summary

The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office in Sacramento, CA, seeks a Research Data Specialist I to support design and analysis of research assignments and annual accountability reporting. This hybrid role blends data work with liaison activities across departments.

You will analyze student access, success, completion, and post‑completion outcomes, acting as a junior data analyst and contributing to institutional effectiveness metrics within a state-level education system.

Qualifications

• Experience using data analysis tools such as SQL, R, Python, Tableau, Power BI or similar platforms.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders who do not have a data or technical background and communicate complex concepts clearly.
• Experience developing metrics, indicators, or measurement frameworks and considering key design factors.

Responsibilities

• Support design and analysis of research assignments and projects for statewide accountability reporting.
• Assist in organizing and analyzing data on student access, success, completion, and outcomes.
• Serve as a junior analyst and data resource for institutional data and information needs.

Skills

SQL

R

Python

Tableau

Power BI

Tools

SAS

STATA

R

Job description

Research Data Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the Director of Research, the Research Data Specialist I (RDS I) supports the design and analysis of research assignments and projects with varying levels of complexity, including, but not limited to policy and literature reviews as well as the organization and analysis needed to support annual reporting of statewide accountability and institutional effectiveness measures for the California Community Colleges. The RDS I will act as a junior analyst and resource of student and institutional data and information around student access, success, completion, post-completion outcomes, and other relevant system operations.

Interested Candidates may establish eligibility by taking the experience and education exam here: CalCareers

How did you hear about this position? Tell us in a brief survey.

Employees must reside in CA for a job appointment.

The Chancellor’s Office supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to the headquarters office in Sacramento if an urgent need arises. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on the Chancellor’s Office’s evolving telework policy.

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

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work setting provided.
• Ability to use standard computer and/or office machines for an extended period of time.
• Communicate in a clear and concise manner.
• Work in a climate-controlled, open office environment under artificial lighting.
• Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
• Public speaking and/or presentations may be required, both in person and virtually.
• Ability to effectively telework within the state of CA.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement
• Position Details

Job Details

• Job Code #: JC-536691
• Position #(s): 364-550-5742-001
• Working Title: Research Data Specialist
• Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
• $6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
• 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
• Work Shift: Hybrid Work Setting in CA
• Work Week: Full-Time, Monday - Friday

Department Information

Vision 2030 | California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (cccco.edu)

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, with 2.1 million students attending 116 colleges. Our colleges provide students with the knowledge and background necessary to compete in today’s economy. With a wide range of educational offerings, the colleges provide workforce training, basic courses in English and math, certificate and degree programs and preparation for transfer to four-year institutions.

The mission of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the Chancellor's Office is to empower the community colleges through leadership, advocacy and support.

The Chancellor’s Office values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We share responsibility for creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive community and we see these values as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our staff and the students we serve. View the CO Strategic Plan.

For more information, see http://www.cccco.edu/

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how your education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify you for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ must be no more than a maximum of two pages typed, single-spaced, in 12 pt. Arial font.

Indicate your name, the position number and 'Statement of Qualifications' at the top of the page. The SOQ must be organized and numbered in the order of the desirable qualifications.

1. Describe your experience using data analysis tools such as SQL, R, Python, Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms to solve complex problems, automate workflows, or produce actionable insights.
2. Describe your experience collaborating with stakeholders who do not have a data or technical background. Explain your approach to communicating complex concepts, ensuring understanding, gathering requirements, and supporting decision-making.
3. Describe your experience developing metrics, indicators, or measurement frameworks. What are some key considerations to your approach?

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) provides detailed information about your experiences and allows the hiring manager to better assess your qualifications for this position. The SOQ demonstrates your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.
• Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for specific SOQ requirements.
• Other: You must provide a copy of your degree or transcripts if you’re basing eligibility on education.
• 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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Attention to detail and documentation of methodological decision-making and work-flow processes.
• Knowledge of database structure and ability to query/utilize complex data systems
• Coursework and/or work experience in quantitative or qualitative methods for use in social science or educational research.
• Demonstrated skills in creating, combining, analyzing and presenting data using SQL, SAS, STATA, R and/or other programming languages and statistical packages.
• Experience conveying quantitative and qualitative research findings in oral, written, tabular, graphical, and other visual formats.
• Knowledge of research and planning issues relevant to postsecondary institutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with moderate direction.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Chancellor's Office team members are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most team members.

Telework Schedule Options

Tuition Reimbursement up to $1500 for eligible employees

Transfer, Training and Advancement Opportunities

Discounted Public Transit

Numerous Discounts for CA State employees through LifeMart

Please see the California Department of Human Resources benefits website: http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx for further information.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Human Resources Contact: Recruitment Team, [phone], [e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact: Patty Sanders, [phone], [e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact: Human Resources Office, [phone], [e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

Please do NOT add any confidential information to your application or supporting documentation such as: Social Security number, Date of Birth, Disability information, LEAP status, examination scores, pictures, etc.

Resumes and cover letters will not be considered a substitute for the required SOQ.

Applications submitted without a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) and a resume will be considered not interested in this position.

Applications without a clearly identified SOQ or a SOQ that does not address the topics requested will be considered not interested in this position. Resumes and cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ.

Education Verification

When you are applying for a classification with an educational requirement that you are basing your eligibility on, you MUST provide a copy of your degree or transcripts as proof of meeting the education requirement from the classification specification (link on the right side of the screen under 'Additional Documentation').

Example: if you are applying for the Research Data Specialist position and are using your bachelor’s degree to meet Minimum Qualifications, you must attach a copy of your degree or transcript showing the degree you obtained. Applicants who fail to provide this information may be disqualified.

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.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Final Filing Date

11/15/2026