Research and Planning Analyst - District Office

Research and Planning Analyst - District Office Salary: $81,295.00 - $99,982.00 Annually Location: SCCCD District Office - Fresno, CA Job Type: Permanent Division: DO Educational Services & Institutional Effectiveness Job Number: 2026034 Closing: 6/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific General Purpose Under general supervision, performs quantitative and qualitative research studies, surveys and other analyses; prepares research papers, reports, visual displays and recommendations in order to communicate data for others to understand outcomes and make decisions; participates in presentations of research findings with a broad variety of constituents; participates in the design of research studies; and performs related duties as assigned. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Works with faculty, administrators and other researchers to define research objectives and questions and to identify required data sets and data sources to complete research; ensures compliance with Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements regarding the use and protection or student data; identifies appropriate research methodologies, statistical analysis techniques and data resources and plans study methods to achieve research objectives; extracts, collects, analyzes and reconciles data and information related to accreditation, academic programs, grants, enrollment and curriculum management, student demographics and learning outcomes, student retention and persistence and other relevant data; conducts literature reviews. Develops complex queries and other tools to generate and format data requested by faculty and staff to enhance evidence‑based decision making for program planning and review and research on educational outcomes; validates data interpretation and extraction methods; formats data from college databases and other sources for submission to state and local entities to meet reporting requirements; generates data sets required for grant applications and reporting; populates data for dashboards and other visual display interfaces. Analyzes data for trends and performs statistical analyses; prepares action‑based interpretations of patterns and analyses in the form of written reports, oral presentations, graphics, handouts and committee reports; collaborates with various campus constituencies to communicate, interpret, refine and use research findings in decision‑making processes and in the implementation of new and modified programs, policies, practices and systems to effect desired change in outcomes. Performs data queries using Structured Query Language (SQL) and other tools and creates reports from college databases using a variety of computer languages and query tools; participates in documenting best practices for conducting data queries ensuring valid, reproducible data; populates and updates data for dashboards and other visual data interfaces. Serves as a resource for faculty, staff and administration groups engaged in systemic review and evaluation of current District practices. Serves as a functional expert for statistical software programs and modules and college databases; tests and reviews systems upgrades; transfers and reconciles data between software programs; uploads data to the State Chancellor's Office, the California Community College System Office, accrediting bodies and other organizations as needed. Participates with other Institutional Research and Information Technology staff and provides input and assistance in developing a data warehouse, data warehouse features, agreed upon data definitions and data sources for purposes of research and reporting on educational outcomes. Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of historically minoritized groups and participates in professional development activities to increase cultural competency to enhance equity‑minded practices within the District. Other Duties Troubleshoots and/or validates accuracy of coding for data extractions performed by employees in other departments. Takes meeting notes and minutes, updates relevant document management sites, and assists with other departmental administrative support duties. May provide work guidance and direction to student workers assisting with research and data extraction. May assist and provide administrative support to a Director in coordinating with college and district committees and ad hoc groups involved in planning, accreditation, program review and other functions; may conduct training sessions and workshops on data acquisition, usage and reporting. May represent the department on college committees and ad hoc groups. Performs related duties as assigned. Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Methods and techniques of institutional, social science and other quantitative research. Professionally accepted research practices applicable to research methodology development/selection, data analysis and interpretation and reporting. Principles and practices of survey development, design and dissemination, including use of creation and distribution software such as Qualtrics. Theories, principles, methods and techniques of statistical analysis. Data preparation and statistical analysis software packages such as R, Python, Tableau Prep and/or SPSS. Data extraction and query tools such as SQL at a level required for assigned responsibilities. Concepts, methods and techniques for the creation of data dashboards, including visual data display software such as Tableau or Power BI. Principles, practices and methods of administrative, organizational and management analysis. Federal and state laws and regulations applicable to the work including Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and relevant sections of the California Education Code. Database management principles and methods. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including computers and applicable software programs. Practices and techniques of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation. College and District organization, Board policies, administrative rules and procedures applicable to departmental and division operations. Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the assignment. Uses and operations of scanners, phone systems, computers, standard business software, and database and spreadsheet applications. Skills and Abilities to: Consultatively provide information and guidance to College faculty and staff on research data sources and extraction methods and tools, analysis best practices, techniques and appropriate analytical and display software. Identify, investigate and define research questions, issues and problems and locate sources of reliable and reproducible data to meet research needs and requirements, as appropriate to assigned scope of responsibility. Understand, interpret, explain and apply standard research methodologies and techniques. Develop and use complex queries and other data extraction tools to generate reliable and reproducible data for use in conducting research and analysis for a variety of student outcome and other college planning, accreditation, reporting and other purposes. Use interactive statistical analysis, visual display and other software, packages efficiently. Operate computers and make advanced functional use of standard business software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics and database applications. Use specialized software to create and disseminate survey instruments. Work collaboratively with a variety of faculty and staff in carrying out research and reporting functions. Effectively engage and support historically minoritized groups by addressing issues of equity and improving culturally responsive service‑oriented practices. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Present research and data analysis findings clearly, logically and in a meaningful and understandable form, using a wide variety of modalities, to a variety of audiences. Maintain the confidentiality of information. Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work. Education and Experience A bachelor's degree in social science, political science, psychology, educational psychology, sociology, criminology, geography, anthropology, economics, education, leadership, statistics, biology, chemistry, physics, business administration including data analytics and/or cognitive science from an accredited college or university, and at least three years of progressively responsible experience performing quantitative and/or qualitative research, including responsibility for research design, methodology development and statistical analysis; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a social science or institutional research environment is preferred. Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements Certain assignments may require a California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program. Physical and Mental Demands The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are frequently required to walk and stand; and lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work; work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work with frequent interruptions; work under intensive deadlines; and interact with District managers, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work. Working Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet. The employee may be required to travel to locations other than assigned work site and to adjust to work schedule changes and requirements to work overtime. Equal Opportunity Statement SCCCD is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering innovation and inclusivity. We respond proactively to the diverse needs of the community and welcome individuals excited to join our District's purpose to support student success. #J-18808-Ljbffr