Child Care Policy Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3)

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

2d•$5,193 - $7,968•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to announce a permanent opening for a Child Care Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3). Now is your chance to turn data collection into action that will make a difference for Oregon’s children and families. As a Child Care Research Analyst, you will combine data engineering, research, and storytelling to help shape child care policy and improve access, affordability, and quality across Oregon. This position will work a hybrid schedule of working both in the office (Salem) and at an alternate location (home). In office work is anticipated as once per month, or as needed. About the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC): At DELC, we are dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. As the state agency responsible for early learning programs, child care licensing, and family support services, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten. We administer state-funded early learning programs, including home visiting and site-based infant, toddler, and preschool services. We also develop coordinated systems through Early Learning Hubs and collaborate with Child Care Resource and Referral organizations to provide training, coaching, and quality improvement opportunities for early learning providers. With over 275,000 young children in Oregon, we have a unique opportunity to transform early childhood support systems, creating a brighter future for families across the state. Research shows that investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits, and now is your chance to be part of an agency making a lasting impact for generations to come. Why Join Our Team? We are passionate about equity in early childhood education. At DELC, we value dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive. We challenge ourselves to lead with courage, refine practices, and drive meaningful change for children and families statewide.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline that included six-quarter units in statistics or quantitative analysis methods and procedures, and one year experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports; OR Four years of research experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and transformation workflows, including experience with Snowflake, SQL, Git/version control, or equivalent data environments.
Experience analyzing complex datasets and using quantitative and qualitative methods to identify trends, patterns, relationships, and findings that answer program, research, or policy questions.
Experience applying data and research findings to inform policy recommendations, program decisions, regulations, requirements, or improvements, particularly in complex public-sector environments.
Experience designing, building, and documenting dashboards, reports, and graphical representations of data using Power BI, Excel, Visio, or equivalent tools.
Experience validating data, identifying and resolving data quality issues, and developing and documenting workflows, procedures, data processes, and methodologies.
Experience communicating professionally and effectively, orally and in writing, with a variety of audiences; explaining complex information; answering questions; and appropriately handling confidential or sensitive information.
Experience working effectively with technical and program staff, external partners, other agencies, or organizations to coordinate data, resolve issues, and achieve shared objectives.
Experience managing multiple projects, competing priorities, technical deliverables, and external policy-driven deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.

Responsibilities

Design and maintain data pipelines and analytical datasets.
Conduct research and statistical analysis.
Develop Power BI dashboards and reports.
Ensure the quality, security, and appropriate use of child care data.
Collaborate with state agencies, research partners, and internal program teams to collect and transform data.
Translate findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.