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Position Number: CLA22-491

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for a 

Research Analyst

A Full-Time Classified Represented Position

Review Date: April 24, 2023

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2022-2023 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended. 

           

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Research Analyst in the Institutional Development division.    

 

If you possess a Bachelor’s degree that aligns to this position’s MQs, salary placement will be on Range 40 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($5,729.00 / $6,072.00 / $6,420.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range. 

If you possess a Master’s degree that aligns to this position’s MQs, salary placement will be on Range 140 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($5,854.00 / $6,197.00 / $6,545.00 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, Institutional Research, the Research Analyst assists in the planning, design, analysis, implementation, and dissemination of research and evaluation studies that support the District’s decision-making, program planning processes, and grants development. Performs statistical and analytical institutional research connected with institutional outcomes related to student success, persistence, retention, state-mandated reports, and compliance regulations and requirements.  Extracts and manages data, conducts analyses, interprets results, writes research and evaluation reports and related components of grants documents. Responds to internal and external requests for information. 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. Assists the team and Director, Institutional Research in the planning, design, implementation, and dissemination of research and evaluation studies in support of District’s decision-making, program planning processes, and grants development.
  2. Performs and conducts extensive statistical and technical research and evaluation duties. Designs, maintains, manipulates, and queries specialized databases and information systems to support research.
  3. Implements research studies, including coordinating analyses and tabulation of results. Evaluates data using a variety of appropriate software applications for data analyses, 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).
  4. Conducts research and evaluation studies connected with various existing programs established to increase student success, persistence, retention, and other student success outcomes. Additionally, conduct research and evaluation studies for instructional and non-instructional programs and services, as needed.
  5. Organizes and presents research-based information, analyses, and interpretation clearly and effectively, in narrative, tabular, graphical and oral modes.
  6. Learn and apply creative ways to communicate data and research in a variety of formats (i.e., written, verbal, visual) to engage various audiences utilizing tools such as Tableau, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  7. Prepares data for and builds front-end data visualizations using Tableau as well as other data tools for the wider campus audience.
  8. Performs tasks associated with maintaining data dashboards and visualizations including the preparation of data files.
  9. Maintains datasets, information systems, and an indexed archive of information and reports suitable for responding to surveys and questionnaires, efficient collection, analyses, and presentation of data.
  10. Develop and maintain a comprehensive repertoire of queries, jobs, syntax, and project notes in a secure manner to ensure that cyclical research requests can be completed in a consistent and highly efficient manner. 
  11. Identify and extract a variety of requested data; inspect and code data in preparation for analysis; create project documentation and databases, including.  correlating information and presentation of data in graphic, tabular, written, and oral forms.
  12. Coordinates with external agencies including, but not limited to California Partnership for Achieving Student Success (Cal-PASS) and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to coordinate data downloads, obtain information on definitions and methodologies of external data sources in order to conduct necessary analyses.
  13. Communicates with appropriate internal and external users, including requesters in analysis, compilation, 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.
  14. Assists the Director in the writing of comprehensive research reports and makes oral presentations explaining research findings, implications, and applicability.
  15. Receives training from the Director, Institutional Research in the use of advanced research techniques and method
  16. Oversees multiple projects from start to completion; Organizes, prioritizes, and schedules work on a multitude of research related projects.
  17. Attends a variety of College meetings and conferences as assigned by the Director. Prepares, conducts, and delivers presentations, as needed.
  18. Participates in various regional and state forums and organizations dealing with research in community colleges as assigned by the Director.
  19. Cross-trains and performs the essential duties of equal or lower level classifications/positions within the department, as needed.
  20. Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

One (1) year 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 a 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.
  • Master’s degree.

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.
  • Information systems, or platforms (e.g. Banner, Colleague) Research software applications for data analyses, data management, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, and word processing software applications (such as IBM SPSS, and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote).
  • Survey Administration software (e.g. Survey Monkey).
  • Survey sampling, design, and research.
  • Collection and coding of data.
  • Threats to validity of conclusions.
  • Qualitative and quantitative research design, and data analyses techniques related to 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 analyses of institutional planning issues, decision-making, trend monitoring, reports and publications.
  • Operate software to code data, create queries, extract and manipulate information, generate links to data and produce a variety of data, records and reports.
  • Perform appropriate statistical analyses and interpret results and findings.
  • Perform data extraction, manipulation, calculation and basic-level analysis following standards of research practice. Review and verify data with efficiency, thoughtfulness and accuracy.
  • Establish and maintain comprehensive and accurate files and records, prepare concise and complete reports as required.
  • Gather, validate, and interpret data from a wide variety of sources, including literature and Internet searches.
  • Manage multiple assignments and projects by establish priorities for, planning, and organizing a variety of tasks. Utilize and maintain project details in project management system.
  • Work accurately and independently while meeting schedules and timelines.
  • Exhibit a strong understanding of ethical, compliance, privacy and security issues; apply relevant policies and procedures related to access, security, and delivery of data and research.
  • 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 various forms of technology (hardware/software) utilized in providing high-quality services.
  • Provide appropriate information to the students, faculty, staff, and the public in a professional manner.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Establish and maintain strong professional working relationships with campus academic and administrative offices, departments and programs, to ensure the quality and accuracy of data provided by those offices.
  • 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:

Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time plus frequent periods of standing and walking, which may include climbing staircases; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and related equipment; stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting/turning, bending at the waist, and reaching in awkward positions; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push or pull or otherwise move objects; hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor; handling and working with various materials and objects; and travel from site-to-site.

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, with at least six semester units of educational, social, or behavioral science research design and analysis? If so, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript in your application packet, which clearly shows your coursework and your degree(s) earned. (Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts.) If you do not possess a Master’s degree but do possess a Bachelor’s degree in a specialization involving higher education, social science, social or educational research or a related field, and are using additional years of work experience in lieu of semester units, please clearly indicate how you meet the minimum educational requirement through this additional work experience.
  1. Please describe your experience working in a 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. How many full-time years of experience do you have in this field? Include employer name(s), your position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (% of time or number of hours worked per week), and your roles and responsibilities.
  1. Please describe your experience utilizing research and survey software applications, such as Survey Monkey and IBM SPSS.
  1. Please describe your experience in maintaining a variety of records, files, and databases. Please give examples of your spreadsheet and database management experience.  
  1. Please describe your ability to work successfully in a multicultural, diverse environment.
  1. 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 between the weeks of May 22, 2023 and May 29, 2023 and conduct final interviews between the weeks of May 29, 2023 and June 5, 2023. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change.

 

** 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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