Associate Director, Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research

Foundation for California Community Colleges

1d • $120,000 - $125,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director of Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research (SPIR) provides strategic leadership, research expertise, and data-driven guidance to support statewide educational attainment goals aligned with Vision 2030. This role sets and oversees the Success Center’s research agenda in partnership with the Chancellor’s Office, leads high-impact initiatives, manages cross-functional collaboration, and ensures the delivery of high-quality research that informs actionable policy and practice improvements. The position requires strong political judgment, strategic thinking, exceptional analytical and communication skills, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Requirements

• Advanced analytical and research skills, including qualitative and quantitative analysis and evaluation methodologies.
• Analyze complex statistical, demographic, and other educational data using Stata, R, or another statistical package (Stata preferred) to draw conclusions, develop policy recommendations, and test research hypotheses, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Extensive experience working with large data sets, preferably in Stata, including cleaning and analyzing data.
• Skilled in conceptualizing, designing, developing, evaluating, and monitoring both qualitative and quantitative research projects and reporting strategies, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of the California Community College system and equitable student success.
• Experience in higher education policy and systems, with demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-functioning research team focused on advancing equitable student success.
• Design and oversee innovative qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, including evaluations, aligned with Vision 2030, Institutional Review Board standards, and systemwide priorities.
• Set and implement the Success Center’s research and policy agenda in partnership with SPIR team leaders, the Chancellor’s Office and Success Center senior leadership.
• Conduct primary and secondary policy research, literature reviews, and best-practice analyses using sophisticated research tools.
• Oversee initiatives and monitor key aspects of contracts and agreements.
• Supervise project staff, contractors, and college representatives.
• Partner with the Senior Director of SPIR to develop, prioritize, implement, and track departmental strategies.
• Interface with Chancellor’s Office leadership to assess and prioritize system research, programmatic, and resource needs.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, generous PTO, holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Wellness offerings
• CalPERS retirement program and optional 403(b) and 457 Retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed