Research Specialist
$4,883 - $7,324 per month + excellent benefits
University Enterprises at Sac State is seeking a Research Specialist for the
Education Insights Center (EdInsights).
View job details & apply online at www.ueijobs.com by 1/26/18.
Position Information
Job Title | Research Specialist |
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Worksite City | Sacramento, California |
Advertised Salary Range | $4,883 - $7,324 |
Temporary | No |
Length of Appointment | N/A |
Hours per week | Regular (full-time) Employee – 40 hours per week (Benefited) |
FLSA | Exempt |
Broad Scope and Function |
This position is responsible for conducting evaluation research in support of the California Community Colleges Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI) evaluation. This will involve qualitative and quantitative data and will require fieldwork, interviews, policy analysis, case studies, statistical analysis of large and small data sets, and other analytical approaches. Depending on the specific study, activities may involve conducting descriptive and statistical analyses of data, coding qualitative data such as open-ended survey responses, performing literature searches, conducting interviews, preparing and analyzing surveys, leading and preparing written reports, and presenting research results. This position will also provide assistance with project management and oversight of team members. The incumbent will also represent EdInsights at statewide and national meetings of researchers, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and other similar stakeholder groups. |
Reporting Relationship |
The position reports directly to and receives direction from IEPI Principal Investigator. The position will provide work direction to graduate and undergraduate student assistants. |
Conditions of Employment |
This is a full-time, exempt from overtime, benefited position with a defined contribution retirement plan through TIAA. (The position is not covered under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System). Continued employment in this position is dependent upon funding and the mutual consent of University Enterprises and the employee, and either University Enterprises or the employee, can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause. Program continuation is contingent upon funding. |
Work Schedule | |
Minimum Qualifications |
1. Masters degree in public policy/administration, economics, political science, sociology, education, or other field requiring statistical analysis and social science research, or equivalent combination of education and/or work experience. 2. Demonstrated extensive experience conducting social science research. 3. Strong technical and public (such as for policymakers) writing skills. 4. Excellent oral and written communication skills. 5. Demonstrated experience with qualitative data collection and analysis methods, such as designing and administering surveys, conducting interviews and focus groups, and coding qualitative data. 6. Experience analyzing quantitative data, such as quantitative survey data. 7. Demonstrated experience with word processing, spreadsheets, internet, and statistical software packages such as SPSS or SAS. 8. Experience leading a project or one or more employees. 9. Must pass a background check, which may include fingerprinting. Must continue to meet the established standards. |
Preferred Qualifications |
1. Doctorate in applicable field, with strong research methods training. 2. Experience conducting program evaluation, such as such as identifying program objectives, analyzing processes to meet objectives, and determining/measuring if the program has met the objective. 3. Experience designing and creating data visualizations (e.g., using Tableau software). 4. Experience with using project management tools (e.g., Trello). 5. Experience working in a highly collaborative environment. 6. Knowledge of the California Community College system. |
Physical Requirements |
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, printers, scanners, and fax machines. |
Working Conditions |
Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with staff, campus community, government agencies, and other organizations; requires local travel to meetings in Sacramento area and out-of-area travel for meetings, conferences, and observation of IEPI activities. Work is highly collaborative. |
Project Description |
The Education Insights Center (EdInsights) is an entirely self-supporting unit of the California State University, Sacramento. Established in 2001 as the Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy and renamed in 2015, EdInsights works to inform and improve policymaking and practice for K-12 education, community colleges, and public universities through three strands: policy research, program evaluation, and capacity building. EdInsights’ location in the state capital provides ready access to policy makers and educators and a unique opportunity to participate in and influence public discourse on education policy and practice. EdInsights receives financial support from philanthropic foundations, the federal government (through competitive grants/contracts processes), postsecondary system offices and institutions, and non-profit organizations. EdInsights’ work has been used in legislative processes and cited widely in policy-oriented publications and the media. With regard to the three strands of work, EdInsights’ recent policy research projects include studies of: the implementation of the Common Core State Standards; policies and practices that enable student transfer between California’s community colleges and California State Universities; state higher education policy development; and cross-system educational partnerships. EdInsights’ program evaluations assess policies and practices that support cycles of continuous improvement and help people understand the effects of public and philanthropic investments on institutional change. Its capacity-building work helps systems, regions, partnerships, and institutions work together effectively, assess the results of their work, and support students as they cross systems. |
Job Duties
Job Duty |
01. Assists the principal investigator in all aspects of the IEPI evaluation project, including assessing and providing feedback on general processes and procedures for specialized training and perceptions about effectiveness related to the three components of IEPI Specialized Training. |
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02. Provides direction in the development and administration of data collection tools such as surveys and interview protocols. |
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03. Analyzes data including coding qualitative data and statistical analysis of quantitative data. |
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04. Writes and provides feedback on evaluation summaries and reports. |
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05. Attends IEPI trainings and workshops. |
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06. Schedules and conducts interviews and focus groups. |
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07. Assists in management of the project, such as coordinating and scheduling of evaluation activities. |
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08. Assists in oversight of project team members and works collaboratively with researchers and staff on all assignments. |
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Job Duty |
09. Represents EdInsights at statewide and national meetings of researchers, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and other similar stakeholder groups. |
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Job Duty |
10. Provides work direction to graduate and undergraduate student assistants. |
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Posting Detail Information
Posting Number | B028F17 |
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Number of Vacancies | 1 |
Position End Date (if temporary) | |
Open Date | 01/12/2018 |
Close Date | 01/26/2018 |
Open Until Filled | No |
Special Instructions Summary |
If you do not include both a cover letter and resume with your application, your application materials will not be considered. Please include your employment history in the “Employment Experience” section of your application in addition to submitting your resume and cover letter.
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