Senior Research Specialist – Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research

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

📋 Description

• Oversee the design and implementation of research and evaluation initiatives.

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses independently and integrate findings.

• Create evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice.

• Direct and manage research activities throughout project scoping, data collection, analysis, interpretation, dissemination, and reporting.

• Analyze extensive and intricate datasets, including COMIS, IPEDS, and Census data.

• Produce research reports, papers, policy briefs, presentations, data visualizations, dashboards, and other outputs.

• Convert complex research findings into actionable recommendations for policy and practice.

• Integrate evidence into strategies that aid decision-making for college leaders, policymakers, practitioners, funders, and stakeholders.

• Steer research and evaluation projects through planning, coordination, execution, risk management, stakeholder engagement, timeline oversight, and reporting.

• Offer research and data guidance along with technical expertise.

• Represent the Success Center at state, regional, and national meetings, conferences, convenings, and workgroups.

• Travel as necessary.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must be a resident of California.

• At least five years of progressive professional or educational experience in research, evaluation, and innovative project execution.

• Minimum of three years of experience providing project leadership through planning, coordination, and reporting.

• Proven experience in engaging senior leadership, policymakers, or executive stakeholders to advance organizational or system-wide objectives.

• Exceptional research, evaluation, and analytical capabilities.

• Proficient in advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

• Skilled in cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting large, complex datasets.

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

• Extensive understanding of the California Community Colleges system and the higher education landscape.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Capable of producing clear, professional, and audience-appropriate reports, briefs, and presentations.

• Demonstrated project management skills to independently plan, coordinate, and deliver multiple complex initiatives timely.

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

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation.

• Generous paid time off (PTO).

• Paid holidays.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Wellness programs.

• CalPERS retirement plan.

• Optional 403(b) and 457 retirement plans.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Recognized employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Fully remote positions available throughout California.