Research Specialist, Strategic Policy, Innovation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Assist in the planning, design, and execution of research and evaluation projects aimed at enhancing student success, equity, and strategic priorities.

• Gather, clean, validate, analyze, and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data from various internal and external sources.

• Perform quantitative analysis utilizing Stata.

• Aid in the development and examination of large datasets, including COMIS, IPEDS, Census, and other publicly accessible data, through SQL and Stata.

• Prepare and evaluate qualitative data employing Atlas.ti.

• Conduct literature reviews, background policy analysis, and secondary research.

• Create research briefs, reports, data visualizations, figures, tables, and presentations.

• Translate intricate findings into practical policy and practice recommendations.

• Offer research and data expertise to SPIR and various Success Center teams.

• Collaborate with external partners on research and evaluation projects.

• Develop and sustain project plans.

• Monitor deliverables, milestones, and outcomes using tools such as Asana.

• Organize project meetings, activities, and deliverables across internal teams and external partners.

• Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Some travel may be necessary.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience in research, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and/or project management.

• Experience within higher education systems and structures, including collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Proven experience in conducting research, authoring in-depth reports in a professional context, and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.

• Preferred: Background in higher education reform, systems change, or nonprofit/public sector environments.

• Demonstrated research and evaluation capabilities, with proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

• Competence in designing, implementing, and overseeing research projects and reporting strategies.

• Strong analytical abilities.

• Capacity to clean, analyze, and interpret extensive, complex datasets.

• Familiarity with Stata, R, SQL, and/or Atlas.ti.

• Working knowledge of the California Community Colleges system and the higher education landscape, including policies, programs, data, and emerging issues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to produce clear, professional, and audience-appropriate reports, briefs, proposals, and presentations.

• Residency in California is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation.

• Generous paid time off (PTO).

• Holidays.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Wellness offerings.

• CalPERS retirement program.

• Optional 403(b) and 457 retirement plans.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Certified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

• Remote-first philosophy.

• Fully remote positions available throughout California.

• Commitment to professional development.

• Opportunities for shared leadership.