Organization
California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy aims to solve the state’s thorny social and economic problems by conducting rigorous higher education and workforce policy research. Through our research, we guide decision makers in developing and implementing policies that bolster equity so every Californian can engage, contribute, and succeed. We envision a California where our state and regional economies and communities thrive, fueled by equitable and racially just postsecondary and workforce outcomes. California Competes benefits from the expertise of our highly respected, bipartisan Leadership Council, which comprises current and former public officials, business executives, and community leaders from across the state.
Our diverse staff brings decades of experience in higher education and public policy. We work statewide and travel across the country to research and advocate for a higher education system that provides opportunities for all Californians.
With an organizational budget of approximately $1M annually, California Competes is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Partners. For more information, please visit california competes.org.
Position
Reporting to our Executive Director, the Senior Researcher will be one of our in-house research experts, designing and managing research projects, gathering and analyzing data, preparing research reports, developing presentations, and collaborating with partner organizations. The role requires someone whose passion for answering critical research questions using rigorous research methods is matched by a deep interest in higher education and workforce policy. To join our team the successful candidate will need to be wildly curious, self-directed, and a team player.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with Executive Director and other senior researcher to develop and implement the organization’s research agenda
Manage large and often complex research projects that may involve other organizations
Design and lead qualitative research projects, including:
identifying appropriate research method to address research question at hand
managing research teams
developing and administering surveys
developing focus group and interview protocols
recruiting research participants
Conduct qualitative research analysis, including:
conducting fieldwork, including focus groups and interviews
rigorously analyzing qualitative data, including qualitative survey data, interview and focus group transcripts, primary and secondary documents
Develop, in partnership with the team, reports, briefs, presentations, and proposals
Conduct literature reviews and syntheses
Interact with collaborators and project partners to identify research opportunities and to evaluate the policy implications of findings
Develop strong working relationships with institutional researchers for the UC, CSU, and CCC systems
Develop data documentation manuals or other learning materials, as needed
Guide and work collaboratively with the team
Manage and guide work of other staff, contractors, interns, and graduate student researchers,
Other duties as assigned
Position:
Senior Researcher (Qualitative Focus)
Organization:
California Competes
Location:
Oakland, CA
United States
Salary:
Starting salary range is $100,000-130,000, depending on education and experience (Medical, dental, and vision benefits; voluntary 403(b) plan)
Posting Start Date:
5/12/2022
Date Posted:
5/12/2022
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Relevant education, experience, and knowledge
Master’s degree in Sociology, Education, Public Policy, or closely related field with qualitative research training and 10 years of work experience; or PhD in Sociology, Education, Public Policy, or closely related field with qualitative research training.
Demonstrated knowledge of current issues in higher education policy
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presenting complex findings to lay audiences
Research expertise
Demonstrated expertise in designing and leading research projects
Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research analysis
Demonstrated experience in reporting qualitative findings and producing research reports
Racial and social justice orientation
Recognizes ways that race and ethnicity, gender, and other identities intersect in postsecondary access and success
Understands the historical context for racial inequity and its present-day implications, and is driven to make creative and concrete changes through advancing systemic change through strategic communications
Deeply believes that racial equity and social justice are important and is comfortable communicating about race and ethnicity, gender, and other identities in plain (non-euphemistic) and specific terms
Able to hear, reflect, and act on feedback regarding identity and equity with the aim to learn
Work orientation
Creative, intellectually-curious self-starter with a strong work ethic, high standards, integrity, and a commitment to excellence
Demonstrated ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and manage time well
Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work
A team player with a diplomatic, professional manner, and a sense of humor
Additional Desired Qualifications
Ideal candidates will also have knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
Workforce development issues, particularly in employment and training efforts targeted towards underserved populations
Ability to lead or support quantitative research projects
Address:
We currently work remotely. We anticipate returning to an SF East Bay office in late summer where staff will work in-person at least 1 day per week.
Oakland, CA 94612
United States
Email:
hiring@californiacompetes.org
Phone:
(510) 542-9109
Fax:
Contact:
hiring@californiacompetes.org
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