Senior Housing Development Finance Data Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 3%salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 5hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.

Until Filled Cut off dates for application review:

• 5/28/26
• 6/4/26
• 6/11/26
• 6/18/26

This position is located in Sacramento.

At HCD, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. If you’re interested in promoting safe, affordable, sustainable communities for all Californians, HCD is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while working along passionate professionals.

The Research Data Specialist II (RDS II) serves as a prime resource and subject matter expert to create, design, implement, evaluate, and report on highly complex and sensitive research projects, activities, and/or strategies that significantly impact housing policy across a spectrum of priority areas. The RDS II performs complex quantitative data analysis, high-level research, and creates new data models and visualizations to ensure information needs are met. The RDS II independently or with a team identifies data needs and trends, develops strategies, and uses the results to frame policy-making discussions. Strong communication and analytical skills and Excel or similar software expertise are essential. The RDS II serves as a subject matter expert resource to branch management and the Department (Agency as of July 1, 2026), working collaboratively in the unit and performing the essential functions as directed.

The position plays a leading role in designing and implementing Housing Development Finance Committee’s (HDFC) integrated multifamily housing finance programs in collaboration with other State agencies. The position requires the ability to develop and deliver independent analysis and recommendations on housing development finance policy, legislation, statute, industry-related matters, programs, data collection and storage. The role requires an understanding of affordable multifamily housing development finance. Collaboration with other HDFC staff and leaders, as well as with other HDFC member groups is critical in this role.

Up to 10% overnight travel throughout the state may be required.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.

Under California Government Code Section 14200, this position is eligible for hybrid telework and may be eligible for full-time remote work in some circumstances and/or time-periods, at the sole discretion of the Department. Telework-eligible applicants must reside in California. Headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location. This is subject to change if HCD's criteria is met.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Confidentiality

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Employment Application (STD.678)

It is a requirement to submit work experience, dates, and hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 will not be considered.

HCD Disclosure Requirements

Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by a Conflict of Interest Code that apply to HCD employees, which may require filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

HCD conducts pre-employment background checks on all new to HCD or returning to HCD candidates. This position requires a background check to be  conducted in California and  cleared prior to being hired.

HCD utilizes the federal E-Verify system to verify employment authorization in the United States. For additional information, please visit the E-Verify website.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to apply various research methodologies to develop topical content and dashboards.
• Experience conducting complex quantitative research and data analysis related to housing, community development, demographics, economics, or finance.
• Proficiency with statistical and data-analysis tools such as Excel (including advanced formulas and VBA automation), SQL, R, Python, Stata, or similar programs.
• Demonstrated ability to design and build data models, forecasting tools, dashboards, and visualizations to support policy, program evaluation, and strategic decision-making.
• Experience evaluating program performance, development pipelines, cost trends, or production outcomes using large datasets from multiple sources.
• Experience with project management or leading teams and special projects.
• Ability to disseminate technical information to audiences with varying expertise.

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

• Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family
• 401k program
• Flexible Schedules
• Hybrid telework
• Alternate Work Week Schedule options
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Investment in your training and development

HCD’s Sacramento Headquarters’ building also offers:

• Convenient transportation options, including light-rail and pre-tax parking
• Free On-site Gym
• On-site Childcare
• On-site Café, Deli, and Grill
• On-site ATM

For more details about employee benefits, visit the

Statement of Qualifications

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ. When completing the SOQ, number your responses, include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly.  Your SOQ should not excee d two pages, single-spaced, Arial 12-point font and address the following:

1. Explain some key data points to track when developing a funding pipeline of affordable multifamily housing finance projects in California. In your response, describe:

• How you might collect this data.
• The points in the development process that you should collect the data.

2.  Provide at least one idea to further improve the State’s affordable housing finance system.

Note:  Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process.

Visit th e SO Q Checklist for Candidates for tip s on completing a Statement of Qualifications.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications section below for additional requirements.