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Position Number: CLA22-500

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

Senior Research Analyst

A Full-Time Classified Represented Position

Review Date: Open Until Filled

(First Review Date: July 20, 2023)

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2023-2024 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.

Starting on the first Review Date, applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis and the diversity of the pool will be assessed. The position will remain open until filled.

           

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Senior Research Analyst staff member in the Institutional Research office.  

 

Salary placement will be on Range 59 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($7,769.00 / $8,288.00 / $8,787.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range.

If you hold a confirmed Master’s or Doctorate degree, the salary placement will be on Range 159 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($8,019.00 / $8,538.00 / $9,037.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range. 

Probationary period for new Classified employees is six months. Work year is 12 calendar months. The normal workweek for this position is 40 hours. Paid holiday, discretionary, and sick time are provided. Ten vacation days accrue during the first year of employment. A regular work schedule will be assigned, with the ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule as needed with supervisor approval.

 

 

Who We Are

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018, 2019, and 2021 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County.

Who We Want

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

 

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the supervision of the Director, the Senior Research Analyst independently performs a variety of advanced level professional activities involved in the planning, design, implementation, and dissemination of research and evaluation studies that support the District’s decision-making, strategic plan, program planning processes, and other measures of institutional effectiveness. Performs complex statistical and analytical institutional research connected with guided pathways, equity, persistence, retention, and related student success outcomes. Assists the Director of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness with the coordination of campus research for guided pathways, AB705 implementation, grant funded projects, statewide student success initiatives, and other college research projects and priorities as assigned.  Coordinates with outside agencies to conduct analyses on the District’s student population. Maintains statistical data, interprets data analyses results, writes research and evaluation reports and related components of grants documents, and responds to internal and external requests for information, including responding to mandated reporting. The Senior Research Analyst leads, designs, and conducts all levels of research projects in the Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness office.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

Canyons Hall

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

 

  1. Independently plan, design, coordinate, implement and disseminate complex research and evaluation studies in support of District’s decision-making, program planning processes, other measures of institutional effectiveness, and grants development.
  1. Performs and conducts complex statistical and analytical institutional research connected with guided pathways, AB705/AB1705 implementation, persistence, retention, student success outcomes, strategic plan goals, and other college research projects and priorities.
  1. Monitors evaluation of statewide initiatives, including Student Equity, Guided Pathways, AB705 implementation, Vision for Success, and other student success related projects.
  2. Designs, implements, evaluates survey results, including communication of results to the campus community.
  3. Represents the research office at conferences, research meetings, and committee meetings as needed by the Associate Vice President of Institutional Research, and Director Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.
  4. Assists with the trainings for Data Coaches.
  1. May conduct research and evaluation studies for other instructional and non-instructional programs and services, as needed.
  1. Prepares and conducts presentations.

  2. Works with external agencies to track students and conduct related analyses (e.g., Cal-PASS Plus and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office).

  3. Implements research studies, including coordinating analyses and tabulation of results.
  1. Evaluates data using a variety of appropriate software applications for data analysis, data management, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, and word processing used in social science research (such as Survey Monkey, SPSS, Tableau, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote).

  2. Conducts research and evaluation studies connected with student equity, guided pathways, and related student success, persistence, retention, and other student success outcomes.
  3. Maintains computer-based datasets, information systems, and an indexed archive of information and reports suitable for responding to surveys and questionnaires, efficient collection, analysis, and presentation of data.
  4. Researches and identifies sources of data for assigned projects. Gathers, compiles, verifies, analyzes, and correlates information and presents data in graphic, tabular, written, and oral forms.
  5. Demonstrated ability to perform in-depth statistical analysis.
  6. Communicates professionally, clearly, and effectively with appropriate internal and external users in compilation, analysis, and interpretation of data. Provides technical support regarding research design, survey development, and test validation. Responds to questions or requests for information regarding research-related activities.
  7. Confers with College staff regarding assigned projects and may make recommendations based on findings.
  8. Assists the Associate Vice President, the Director and other research staff in the writing of comprehensive research reports and makes oral presentations explaining research findings, implications, and applicability.
  9. Organizes, prioritizes, and schedules work on a multitude of research related projects. May oversee maintenance of statistical data, records, and files and assist with coordination of research projects and timelines.
  10. Attends a variety of meetings and conferences as assigned by the Director of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.
  11. Cross-trains and performs the essential duties of equal or lower level classifications/positions within the department, as needed.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

Three (3) years of full-time equivalent experience working in an institutional research and planning office applying quantitative or qualitative methods to behavioral, educational, and/or social research or a similar environment that demonstrates the ability to conduct complex analyses.

Education: 

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a specialization involving higher education, social science, social or educational research or a related field is required. Educational coursework shall include at least 6 semester units of educational, social, or behavioral science research design and analysis. Bachelor’s degree in any of the above specializations plus four (4) years of additional related experience may be substituted for Master’s degree.

 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Additional years of experience that demonstrates the ability to conduct complex analyses.
  • Previous experience working in a higher educational institution.
  • Experience conducting labor market analyses.
  • Experience building and maintaining data visualizations using tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
  • Experience evaluating disproportionate impact in outcomes for different populations.

 

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Position requires knowledge of: 

  • Institutional research, its literature, organizations and practices.
  • Research and evaluation theory, design, methodology, sampling and analytical techniques.
  • Technical research report writing.
  • Research software applications for data analysis, data management, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, and word processing software applications (such as Survey Monkey, IBM SPSS, visualization tools (e.g, Tableau and Power BI), and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote).
  • California Community College initiatives, including, Student Success and Support Program, Student Equity, and California Adult Education Program (CAEP).
  • Labor market data sources, including O*NET, Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI), Burning Glass, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and California Employment Development Department.
  • Collection and coding of data.
  • Survey sampling, design, and research.
  • Threats to validity of conclusions.
  • Experimental and research design.
  • Qualitative and quantitative data analyses techniques.
  • Inferential and descriptive statistics.

  

Position requires ability to: 

  • Learn, interpret, and apply institutional, state, and federal regulations, legal mandates, policies, rules, and guidelines to a variety of operational procedures.
  • Learn new ideas, procedures, processes, and computer software quickly and independently.
  • Conduct research, collect, compile, assemble and report a variety of data and information used for analysis of institutional planning issues, decision-making, trend monitoring, reports and publications.
  • Operate a computer to input and code data, create queries, extract and manipulate information, generate links to data and produce a variety of computerized data, records and reports.
  • Perform appropriate statistical analyses and interpret results and findings.
  • Review and verify input and output data to assure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Gather, validate, and interpret data from a wide variety of sources, including literature and Internet searches.
  • Establish priorities, plan, and organize a variety of work assignments.
  • Work accurately and independently while meeting schedules and time lines.
  • Establish and maintain comprehensive and accurate files and records, prepare concise and complete reports as required.
  • Provide appropriate information to the students, faculty, staff, and the public in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive and privileged material and information.
  • Take responsibility and use professional judgment based on established guidelines and procedures.
  • Type with speed and accuracy; make arithmetical calculations in like manner.
  • Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high-quality services.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, trainees, and others connected in the performance of duties.
  • Show willingness to participate in cross-training activities; ability to learn quickly and retain new information.
  • Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and the community.

DISTRICT CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Full-time employees are provided with a diversified program that includes medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability and life insurance as well as Section 125 options.  These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development opportunities are provided to all employees.  Educational incentive is available to eligible Classified Represented and Confidential employees. 

RETIREMENT: Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

 

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Sedentary position requires use of a computer and related equipment for extended periods of time; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; work outside on all parts of the campus and in varying weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
  • Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
  • Board of Trustees approval.
  • Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.  The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law  or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT:

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 116 California Community Colleges.

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the fastest-growing colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs.

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution.

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 96 associate degree programs, including 31 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 148 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs.

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $470 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them.

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

 

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178.  Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.  The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

 

  • Online District CLASSIFIED Application.
  • Detailed resume, which includes month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
  • Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties and the abilities section of this announcement.
  • Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
  • Confidential Recruitment Source Information (voluntary survey). This is voluntary and is a part of the online applicant profile, separate from the application.
  • Supplemental Questionnaire. Please answer the following questions as part of your application packet.

 

  1. Do you possess a Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in a specialization involving higher education, social science, social or educational research or a related field? If yes, list your degree(s) and educational coursework of at least 6 semester units of educational, social, or behavioral science research design and analysis. Please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript(s) in your online application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. If not, and you are using additional years of work experience in lieu of a Master’s degree, please clearly indicate how you meet the minimum educational requirement through this additional work experience.
  2. Please describe your previous experience working in an institutional research and planning office applying quantitative or qualitative methods to behavioral, educational, and/or social research or a similar environment that demonstrates the ability to conduct complex analyses. Please include employer names(s), position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (hours per week), your roles and responsibilities and how those responsibilities have increased with each position.  Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience in this field.
  3. Describe your experience working with research software applications such as Survey Monkey and IBM SPSS and visualization tools such as Tableau and Power BI.
  4. Please describe any experience you may have conducting cohort analyses. Please include descriptions of your roles and responsibilities and the statistical techniques you have used in conducting cohort analyses.
  5. Please describe your experience in maintaining a variety of records, files, and databases. Give examples of your spreadsheet and database management experience.
  6. Describe your experience with working in a higher educational institution.
  7. What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how have you demonstrated that commitment in your professional career?
  8. Why do you want to work in this staff position at College of the Canyons?

 

  • Letters of reference are optional.

 

Please note:

  • Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
  • Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
  • “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet.  Details should include the organization, contact name and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed.  Not all unpaid experience may qualify.  Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
  • Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
  • Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s).
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/

 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District.  Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

  • The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews and final interviews on an on-going basis until the position is filled. 
  • Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom. 
  • A flexible remote work schedule (up to two days per week) is available for this position after an initial 3-month onboarding.

 

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled.

This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

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