Child Care Policy Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3)

Initial Posting Date: 08/20/2026Application Deadline:09/07/2026Agency:Department of Early Learning and CareSalary Range:$5,193 - $7,968Position Type:EmployeePosition Title:Child Care Policy Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3)Job Description:The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to announce a permanent opening for a Child Care Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3). Now is your chance to turn data collection into action that will make a difference for Oregon’s children and families. As a Child Care Research Analyst, you will combine data engineering, research, and storytelling to help shape child care policy and improve access, affordability, and quality across Oregon. This position will work a hybrid schedule of working both in the office (Salem) and at an alternate location (home). In office work is anticipated as once per month, or as needed. About the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC): At DELC, we are dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. As the state agency responsible for early learning programs, child care licensing, and family support services, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten. We administer state-funded early learning programs, including home visiting and site-based infant, toddler, and preschool services. We also develop coordinated systems through Early Learning Hubs and collaborate with Child Care Resource and Referral organizations to provide training, coaching, and quality improvement opportunities for early learning providers. With over 275,000 young children in Oregon, we have a unique opportunity to transform early childhood support systems, creating a brighter future for families across the state. Research shows that investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits, and now is your chance to be part of an agency making a lasting impact for generations to come. Why Join Our Team? We are passionate about equity in early childhood education. At DELC, we value dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive. We challenge ourselves to lead with courage, refine practices, and drive meaningful change for children and families statewide. What We Offer: Comprehensive Benefits: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family, plus optional benefits like life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts. Work-Life Balance: 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 1 special day, monthly sick leave, and vacation accruals that increase every 5 years. Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential federal loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments. Inclusive Culture: A diverse, welcoming workplace committed to equity and continuous improvement. Click on the following link to learn more about what it’s like to work at DELC. Our Commitment to Equity: Equity is at the heart of our mission. We strive to remove barriers, foster inclusiveness, and create meaningful change for underrepresented communities. Our goal is to ensure all DELC employees, child care providers and the children and families we support thrive. If you are ready to make a difference and help shape Oregon’s future, we would love to have you on our team! What you will do: As a Child Care Research Analyst, you will use data, research, and technology to help inform Oregon’s child care policies and programs. You will design and maintain data pipelines and analytical datasets, conduct research and statistical analysis, develop Power BI dashboards and reports, and ensure the quality, security, and appropriate use of child care data. This position also collaborates with state agencies, research partners, and internal program teams to collect and transform data, translate findings into actionable policy recommendations, and communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. To view a complete job description, click here What we are looking for (minimum qualifications): A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline that included six-quarter units in statistics or quantitative analysis methods and procedures, and one year experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports; OR Four years of research experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports. In addition, we are looking for applicants that have the following Desired Attributes (requested skills): Experience designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and transformation workflows, including experience with Snowflake, SQL, Git/version control, or equivalent data environments. Experience analyzing complex datasets and using quantitative and qualitative methods to identify trends, patterns, relationships, and findings that answer program, research, or policy questions. Experience applying data and research findings to inform policy recommendations, program decisions, regulations, requirements, or improvements, particularly in complex public-sector environments. Experience designing, building, and documenting dashboards, reports, and graphical representations of data using Power BI, Excel, Visio, or equivalent tools. Experience validating data, identifying and resolving data quality issues, and developing and documenting workflows, procedures, data processes, and methodologies. Experience communicating professionally and effectively, orally and in writing, with a variety of audiences; explaining complex information; answering questions; and appropriately handling confidential or sensitive information. Experience working effectively with technical and program staff, external partners, other agencies, or organizations to coordinate data, resolve issues, and achieve shared objectives. Experience managing multiple projects, competing priorities, technical deliverables, and external policy-driven deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as bilingual/multicultural individuals, are encouraged to apply. To Apply: The screening of candidates will be based on a review of an attached resume (limit to two pages). While a cover letter is not required, it is highly encouraged. If you submit a cover letter, please tailor it to the position and address your experience with the desired attributes listed above. Candidates whose backgrounds most closely match the desired attributes and experience section as outlined in this announcement will be invited to interview. For helpful tips on putting together your application materials and interviewing, visit our Resources for Job Seekers page. Please do not attach transcripts or letters of recommendation to your application, only a resume and cover letter will be reviewed. If additional information is needed, we will follow up. Additional Information: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This position is subject to both a Child Protective Services and Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) check, including FBI fingerprinting, and will be required to enroll in the Central Background Registry. Both of these checks must be completed and approved prior to starting with the agency. The results can take 1-3 weeks to get back. Adverse background data will be grounds for immediate disqualification. This position will require occasional travel to field offices and for meetings, therefore, a valid driver license and acceptable driving record is required, unless the successful applicant can provide a satisfactory alternate mode of transportation. Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard Servicemembers who meet the qualifications will be given Veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Department is an E-Verify employer. The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process. External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting. The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice. Want to be notified of our latest openings, subscribe here Not from Oregon? Learn more about our beautiful state here Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process. For assistance regarding reasonable accommodation requests, please contact the agency recruitment team at View email address on click.appcast.io The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our desired attributes listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.   SummaryLocation: Salem | DELC | Summer StreetType: Full time