RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

State of California; California; On-site; USD 78,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of California's California Student Aid Commission seeks a Research Data Specialist I (RDSI) to conduct research and quantitative analysis, support Workforce Pell program data requests, and model legislative impacts on program administration and agency resources. This 12-month limited term role offers hybrid work options and a salary of $6,955.00 - $8,706.00 per month.

The position is based in Rancho Cordova with potential reporting to Sacramento; residency in California required,

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and quantitative analysis.
• Serve as the point of contact for analysis of Workforce Pell program data.
• Respond to internal and external data requests regarding the Workforce Pell program.
• Assess proposed legislative changes and model impacts to program administration and agency resources.
• Provide technical guidance and data to support development of new programs and policies.

Job description

Research Data Specialist I

$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/26/2026

12‑month limited term position, may be extended up to 24 months, possibility of becoming permanent.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is seeking a Research Data Specialist I (RDSI). In this role, you will help CSAC and its stakeholders to use data to improve financial aid for California students.

As a RDSI on the Data, Analysis and Research Team, you will conduct research and quantitative analysis. You will also serve as the point of contact for the analysis of program‑level data for the Workforce Pell program and respond to both internal and external data requests regarding the Workforce Pell program. You will assess proposed legislative changes and model impacts to program administration and agency resources and will interact directly with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will use your expertise to provide technical guidance and to answer questions with data to support the development of new programs and policies.

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

Working Conditions

This position is presently headquartered at 11120 International Drive, Suite 100 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. This position may also be expected to report to the Downtown Sacramento location at 1102 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

• Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
• Work in a climate‑controlled office environment, open office space with artificial lighting.
• Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel to off‑site locations.
• Current residency in the State of California is required. This position’s location is designated in Rancho Cordova, CA and may be eligible for hybrid teleworking. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on the CSAC’s current telework policy. While CSAC supports telework, regular in‑person attendance will be required at CSAC’s Rancho Cordova location based on operational needs. Teleworking from outside the State of California is strictly prohibited.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Hybrid

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross‑functional teams.

The Research, Analysis, Program Innovation Division (RAPID) is responsible for leveraging actionable data for program implementation, evaluation and innovation.

Within RAPID, the Data, Analysis, and Research Team (DART) is responsible for data management and reporting, research and special studies, Cal Grant projections, statistical analysis, and legislatively mandated reports. The staff is annually responsible for the development of the Cal Grant projections, income and asset ceilings, and Student Expense Budgets. The Specialized Programs Unit exists to support the Commission’s stakeholders through customer service and operations. The Specialized Programs Unit focuses on the service of internal and external customers through training, operations, customer service, and project work around institution issues and specialized programs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CSAC

Diversity Statement: Here at CSAC, we want all of our employees to feel respected, valued, appreciated, and equipped to thrive. CSAC encourages employees to work together to fuel the creativity and innovation process necessary to serve our customers well. This commitment fosters an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are honored as we join in a common cause to make college affordable for all California students.

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.