Research Data Specialist

Job Description and Duties

California’s long-awaited statewide Cradle-to-Career Data System has launched. You can help build a statewide system that brings together existing data with an aim of addressing barriers to opportunity from early learning, through K-12, college, and career. 

We are hiring a Research Data Specialist III to support the development of the C2C Data System and its tools that help students and individuals achieve their goals. The position will serve as the Career Passport Design Lead to provide technical capacity for the development and scaling of practical tools including the Career Passport.

We are looking for a leader who is excited to build something new with a small, entrepreneurial team. Our ideal candidate is passionate about working collaboratively and contributing to work that can improve the lives of many.

About the Role

As the Research Data Specialist, you will play a key role on the Data Programs team to support the data system’s user centered design, accuracy, and tools. This includes:

• Leading complex projects and facilitating meetings with senior leaders
• Facilitating stakeholder engagement and project management to develop the Career Passport as a shared tool
• Leading design and requirement input sessions
• Developing and maintaining data dashboards
• Generating insights from community engagement and research that lead to actionable changes to user experience, design, and planning processes
• Working with partners to advance our organizational goals and bring practical tools to scale

Your work will be challenging, fun, and focused on enabling Californians to build a more equitable future. 

About You

The following captures your approach:

• You have innovative ideas for informing stakeholder collaboration and research with values like equity, transparency, collaboration, accountability, and curiosity
• You have a passion for improving the lives of young people, including empowering students, community members, researchers, and policy makers with actionable information and data systems 
• You have practical experience in user research design and implementation, project planning, and stakeholder management
• You have experience using tools and languages such as but not limited to R, Python, Stata, Structured Query Language (SQL), Tableau and Geographic Information System (GIS) software
• You are highly organized and skilled at project managing multiple workstreams at the same time
• You have a track record of effective leadership and working collaboratively within an organization and across organizations

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check (see Education Code 10873).

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

1. Please describe how your knowledge and experience make you qualified for this position. Indicate the number of years for each experience and highlight any tools and technologies used.

2. Describe your experience leading and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, including your process for delegation, communication, facilitation, and generating buy-in.

3. Provide examples of how you were able to navigate uncertainty in complex research projects and manage towards success.

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

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:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience with project management and leadership
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis including programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL
• Experience with data visualization tools
• Experience working with large administrative data set
• Understanding of open science best practices
• Experience collaborating with both technical and non-technical teams
• Extensive knowledge of Learning and Employment Records, Skills-Based Hiring, and California education data
• The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check (see Education Code 10873)

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Application Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

• Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
• U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
• Other - If you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications of the classification, please include your unofficial transcripts. If you are not using education, please bypass this requirement.