Research & Planning Coordinator

Research & Planning Coordinator

Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.

SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.

Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Description

Under direction of assigned administrator, perform a variety of highly complex, specialized, and technical duties in support of the activities, services, and functions of the Research and Planning Office including in the areas of strategic planning, program review, and student learning outcomes; provide support to College committees associated with area of assignment; monitor various program activities and ensure adherence to timelines and reporting requirements; prepare, review, and proof a variety of reports, documents, records, evidence, and forms for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; maintain multiple complex databases for assigned areas of responsibility; and perform administrative support duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: an Associate's degree or two (2) years of college level course work in finance, business administration, or a related field AND Five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative support and technical experience in a related area.

• One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
• If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

Knowledge of: Rules, regulations, terminology, and processes applicable to assigned areas of responsibility. Computer programs to access required data and produce reports to support assigned office functions. Practices and procedures of office administration and support including operation of office equipment. Practices and procedures of developing and maintaining records and filing systems. Principles and practices of taking and transcribing meeting minutes. Principles and practices of research and report preparation. Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and diplomacy.

Ability to: Perform specialized, technical, and complex duties that require a high level of independent judgment and personal initiative. Learn, understand, interpret, apply, and explain applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and apply them with good judgment. Understand and apply terminology, and processes applicable to areas of assigned responsibility. Effectively coordinate the work of others to meet established project timelines. Provide complex and responsible administrative support to assigned committees including research and planning-related committee. Work effectively both independently and within a team environment. Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries and requests for information quickly and on short notice. Prioritize tasks and follow through on projects with set deadlines. Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines. Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Duties

Essential duties include:

1. Work with a high level of independence in performing a wide variety of complex, specialized, and responsible administrative and technical duties in support of the Research and Planning Office including in the areas of strategic planning, program review, and student learning outcomes processes.
2. Attend various committee meetings as needed including the Institutional Program Review Committee, Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee, and Planning and Budget Committee; serve as a resource person as needed; assist in developing timelines and tracking due dates; assist in identifying activities required to achieve compliance with relevant accreditation standards; develop and promote information explaining the District's institutional planning, program review, and student learning outcomes processes; provide guidance to faculty, administrators, and other staff on completing activities required by relevant accreditation standards and in support of the College's commitment to continuous improvement.
3. Independently construct and prepare committee agendas; record and transcribe minutes; coordinate the review and approval of agendas/minutes and revise as needed; distribute agendas/minutes; initiate follow-up from committee recommendations; maintain records of committee and group actions; research, evaluate, recommend, and/or complete special project requests.
4. Prepare reports and manuals for publication in support of the College's strategic planning, program review, and student learning outcomes needs; develop timeline for completion and coordinate with other administrative offices and printing vendor; verify the accuracy of information and proof document for proper English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
5. Prepare reports and manuals for committee/council/Governing Board review and approval; research, compile, and analyze a variety of information and data related to strategic planning program review, and student learning outcomes; prepare comprehensive narrative, statistical, and/or analytical reports; determine appropriate format and presentation of reports/documents; inspect documents, forms, records, and other materials for accuracy and completeness; process documents and forms according to established procedures; recommend and implement plans for improving assigned program and/or area of responsibility.
6. Assist in developing and maintaining a master calendar of planning activities for the College; assist in preparing reports regarding annual updates, assessment, and renewal efforts pertaining to the strategic plan and program review.
7. Provide individual and group training on the use of assigned software; provide in-service training to appropriate staff related to area of assignment including research and planning, program review, and student learning outcomes and their relationship with College work, processes, and outcomes.
8. Research and/or complete special projects requested by the Dean; participate in the collection, compilation, and analysis of information from various sources on a variety of specialized topics related to research and planning activities; conduct research and obtain data on assigned topics; participate in the preparation of reports that present and interpret data, identify alternatives, and make and justify recommendations; assist and support research and planning efforts with project tasks as needed.
9. Plan, schedule, perform a variety of secretarial duties to relieve assigned administrator of a variety of clerical, technical, and routine administrative duties; serve as a liaison between the administrator and staff, public and other College personnel; oversee the daily operations of the office.

Supplemental Information

Salary Schedule: Classified Bargaining Unit

Physical Demands and Working Environment: This is a non-telecommuting position. Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time viewing computer monitor; possible exposure to dissatisfied individuals. Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Tentative Timeline: Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.

June 8-21, 2026 - Position advertised; District receives applications.

June 21, 2026 - Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.

June 29-July 9, 2026 - Reviewing of applications.

July 13-23, 2026 - Search Committee interviews candidates

August, 2026 - Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval.