Senior Research Analyst

California School Employees Association; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Pension

401k

Life insurance

Work-life balance

Job summary

California School Employees Association seeks a Senior Research Analyst in San Jose, CA to independently lead complex research projects, prepare reports, and develop strategic campaigns supporting Field Operations. The role requires advanced methodologies, strong writing and presentation skills, and the ability to work with staff executives and rank-and-file members.

The analyst will mentor others, design innovative research approaches on topics like AI and education policy, and produce

Qualifications

• Advanced principles and methods for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Proficiency in report writing and research methodologies including white papers.
• Strong written and verbal communication for staff and leadership audiences.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and leads complex research projects from design to completion.
• Develops reports, charts, and strategic recommendations for field operations.
• Represents the Association externally and supports staff training and publications.
• Mentors junior researchers and coordinates research initiatives across teams.

Skills

Research design

Data analysis

Written communication

Presentation skills

Education

MA/MS in public administration or related

Tools

MS Office 365

Teams

One-Drive

SharePoint

Job description

California School Employees AssociationSenior Research Analyst - San Jose, CADEFINITIONIndependently leads assigned research projects, prepares and issues reports, analyzes external technical studies and research, and develops strategic plans and campaigns to support Field Operations. This position is supervised by and reports to the Director and Assistant Director of Field Operations.Role of the Research Analyst:The Senior Research Analyst plays a critical strategic role in providing the foundational groundwork for tactical initiatives deployed in the field. This unique position supports field staff and Field Operations leadership by delivering essential data and insights that drive the representational work and strategic goals of the organization.The Senior Research Analyst independently conducts the most complex and sensitive research assignments requiring advanced methodologies and policy expertise. A person in this position is expected to independently produce high caliber work product. Included in this definition are white papers, which are reports or guides that inform readers concisely about a complex issue, presenting CSEA’s philosophy on the subject and the impact to CSEA members and the organization as a whole such that the reports and guides support broad understanding of the subject or they solve a problem or they help make high profile and high consequence decisions.This dedicated strategic role is expected to work independently with minimal daily supervision, as well as mentor and collaborate with Research Analysts. The position demands strong technical and organizational skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills when translating findings to both staff executives and rank-and-file members. A comprehensive understanding of current research best practices is essential, and the analyst must be proactive in staying apprised of new tactics in the research field in order to develop actionable, targeted recommendations.The Senior Research Analyst is also responsible for making administrative decisions concerning all non-technical aspects of departmental operations related to their position within general policies established by the department managers.EXAMPLE OF DUTIESOrganizational Research: Manages assigned research projects, which include but are not limited to the following:Anticipates and designs research for emerging issues.Develops innovative approaches to research design and analysis in emerging issue areas such as AI, healthcare reform, and retirement security.Represents the Association externally (coalitions, hearings, presentations).Serves as the subject matter resource for staff and leadership.Economic conditions and trends impacting membersInternal membership surveysState and federal education policy impactsPriority legislation and legal changesWages and compensation analysisHealthcare researchNew member organizing strategiesDecertification prevention effortsCollective bargaining supportImpasse proceedings analysisArbitration case researchUnfair labor practice casesEmployer budget analysisPolitical action and electoral campaignsImmigration and citizenship policyIssues-based campaigns (retirement security, charter schools, layoffs, AI impacts)Operational Responsibilities:Conduct the most complex and sensitive research assignments requiring advanced analysis and policy expertise.Proactively design and implement research initiatives that anticipate emerging issues impacting the Association.Prepare research instruments and draft correspondenceCollect, tabulate, and edit dataDisseminate statistical informationAnswering and responding to assigned information requestsCreate analytical charts, graphs, and tablesDevelop comprehensive reports with clear, actionable recommendationsProvide staff and membership trainingAttend conferences and workshopsWrite and edit departmental publications and white papersAssists in the development of other research tools and softwareProvide leadership, coordination, and guidance to Research Analysts in the development of complex research projectsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBasic knowledge of:Advanced principles, procedures, and practices required for data collection, research design, and report preparationPresenting complex data and synthesizing information for all audiencesAdvanced, high caliber report writing and research methodologies including white papersStatistical methods and proper practices in processing research dataInternet research and navigational methodsCommon office software tools including spreadsheets, graphics, and word processingFederal, state, and local regulations pertaining to school financeSchool district budgetary analysis and accounting principlesDatabase tools related to research information collectionAbility to:Independently conduct and coordinate research projects from inception through completionSynthesize research into actionable, deliverable goals and campaignsTrain Association staff and members on research methods and assigned research projects, and speak effectively in front of large and small audiencesIndependently develop reports on complex subject matter and other statistical dataExercise initiative and sound judgment in the performance of dutiesStay ahead of current trends through a robust monitoring of well-rounded news, social media, and other primary sourcesIndependently identify new research needs or organizational gaps and create plans and goals to implement themUnderstand and deal effectively with people at all levels using both verbal and written communicationLearn Association history, purpose, function and future goalsPerform complex statistical and survey operationsIndependently track and meet key research timelinesConceive and prepare graphic interpretations of statistical dataAdjust to peak workloads and work occasional irregular hoursEDUCATIONEquivalent to the possession of a MA/MS in public administration, business administration, public policy, library science, or related major.EXPERIENCEMinimum two years of recent experience in leading and managing research projects. Proficiency in MS Office 365, Teams, One-Drive and SharePoint. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Flexibility, high initiative, attention to detail.Benefits of working at CSEA:We offer a dynamic career opportunity. We have an excellent salary and benefits package with:19 paid holidays3 weeks’ vacation to start and 5 weeks after 7 yearsMedical, dental and vision benefits for you and your familyPension401kLife insuranceWork/life flexibility…. an opportunity to enjoy the work you do, and find fulfillment through working with like-minded, dedicated professionals committed to this significant social missionTo Apply:Go to www.csea.com/careers, upload your resume and a cover letter that explains your qualifications, interest and career goals.Questions? Contact HR at [e-mail]. Please do not send resumes or other documents to this email.CSEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and supporting a diverse workforce.This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act.EOE/AA