RESEARCH SCIENTIST MANAGER

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California's Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission seeks a Deputy Director (Research Scientist Manager) to lead statewide research efforts, evaluations, and data analysis guiding policy for California's behavioral health system. The RSM reports to the Chief Deputy Director and directs staff within the Research and Evaluation Division.

The position, based in Sacramento with hybrid telework, offers a monthly salary of $13,288.00 to $15,603.00, and requires

Job description

Job Posting: Deputy Director

Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (BHSOAC)

JC-532921 - Deputy Director RESEARCH SCIENTIST MANAGER

$13,288.00 - $15,603.00 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: 10/2/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the broad administrative direction of the Chief Deputy Director (CEA) of Administration and Performance Management and indirectly to the Executive Director, the Research Scientist Manager (RSM) serves as the Deputy Director of the Research and Evaluation Division. The RSM uses research, evaluation, and related expertise to lead efforts in measuring, assessing, and understanding the impact of California’s behavioral health system in meeting the behavioral health needs of California’s residents. The incumbent is the research leader for the Commission and is responsible for providing guidance and leadership in directing complex and relevant research studies of the statewide impact of these politically and socially sensitive programs. The RSM will lead critical statewide research efforts – including evaluations, data analysis and efforts to communicate findings to a range of decision-makers – to ensure that the public mental health system is well understood, and that Commissioners and other policymakers have relevant knowledge to inform their decision-making. The RSM will work with behavioral health consumers, family members, state and local agency leaders, behavioral health experts, and other stakeholders in advising the executive leadership of the Commission and Commissioners in determining data analytic, research and evaluation priorities. The RSM will be responsible for the supervision of designated staff.

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill identical vacancies which occur with 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin.

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

Working Conditions

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction. This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with BHSOAC’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-532921
• Position #(s): 475-550-5662-XXX
• Working Title: Deputy Director
• Classification: RESEARCH SCIENTIST MANAGER
• Salary: $13,288.00 - $15,603.00
• # of Positions: 1
• Work Location: Sacramento County
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Commission for Behavioral Health champions wellbeing for all Californians, especially those most in need, through behavioral health prevention and intervention, including mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma-related disorders. By working with the community, experts, and civic partners, we help to increase public understanding, catalyze best practices, and inspire innovation. Our goal: accelerating transformational change in California’s behavioral health system.

Department Website: http://www.bhsoac.ca.gov

Benefits

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

Contact Information

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

Department Website: http://www.bhsoac.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:

• Human Resources
• [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:
• Annie Palmero
• [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.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

Submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) evaluating your experience for this role. The SOQ must be 2 pages max, use 12-point Arial font, and provide specific examples for the following:

• 1.) Leadership: Describe your experience leading complex research, program evaluations, and data analysis projects. Include examples of supervising research staff, managing large-scale projects from start to finish, and collaborating with executive leadership to align research with organizational goals.
• 2.) Data Communication: Describe creating data communication strategies for diverse audiences (varying data literacy and linguistic backgrounds). Provide examples of translating complex findings into culturally relevant, actionable information for diverse communities, CBOs, and policymakers to drive equitable change.
• 3.) Stakeholder Engagement: Detail your collaboration with diverse stakeholders (e.g., government, academia, community). Discuss how you centered the voices of consumers, families, and racially/ethnically diverse communities. Provide examples of offering expert consultation to inform policy, improve programs, or build capacity.
• 4.) Behavioral Health Systems: Explain your understanding of public behavioral health systems and your experience using data to improve service delivery and inform policy. Specifically mention your experience with programs and data related to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA).

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.