Senior Research Analyst

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION•San Jose, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Independently leads assigned research projects, prepares and issues reports, analyzes external technical studies and research, and develops strategic plans and campaigns to support Field Operations. This position is supervised by and reports to the Director and Assistant Director of Field Operations. The Senior Research Analyst plays a critical strategic role in providing the foundational groundwork for tactical initiatives deployed in the field. This unique position supports field staff and Field Operations leadership by delivering essential data and insights that drive the representational work and strategic goals of the organization. The Senior Research Analyst independently conducts the most complex and sensitive research assignments requiring advanced methodologies and policy expertise. A person in this position is expected to independently produce high caliber work product. Included in this definition are white papers, which are reports or guides that inform readers concisely about a complex issue, presenting CSEA’s philosophy on the subject and the impact to CSEA members and the organization as a whole such that the reports and guides support broad understanding of the subject or they solve a problem or they help make high profile and high consequence decisions. This dedicated strategic role is expected to work independently with minimal daily supervision, as well as mentor and collaborate with Research Analysts. The position demands strong technical and organizational skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills when translating findings to both staff executives and rank-and-file members. A comprehensive understanding of current research best practices is essential, and the analyst must be proactive in staying apprised of new tactics in the research field in order to develop actionable, targeted recommendations. The Senior Research Analyst is also responsible for making administrative decisions concerning all non-technical aspects of departmental operations related to their position within general policies established by the department managers.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of: Advanced principles, procedures, and practices required for data collection, research design, and report preparation
Presenting complex data and synthesizing information for all audiences
Advanced, high caliber report writing and research methodologies including white papers
Statistical methods and proper practices in processing research data
Internet research and navigational methods
Common office software tools including spreadsheets, graphics, and word processing
Federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to school finance
School district budgetary analysis and accounting principles
Database tools related to research information collection
Independently conduct and coordinate research projects from inception through completion
Synthesize research into actionable, deliverable goals and campaigns
Train Association staff and members on research methods and assigned research projects, and speak effectively in front of large and small audiences
Independently develop reports on complex subject matter and other statistical data
Exercise initiative and sound judgment in the performance of duties
Stay ahead of current trends through a robust monitoring of well-rounded news, social media, and other primary sources
Independently identify new research needs or organizational gaps and create plans and goals to implement them
Understand and deal effectively with people at all levels using both verbal and written communication
Learn Association history, purpose, function and future goals
Perform complex statistical and survey operations
Independently track and meet key research timelines
Conceive and prepare graphic interpretations of statistical data
Adjust to peak workloads and work occasional irregular hours
Minimum two years of recent experience in leading and managing research projects.
Proficiency in MS Office 365, Teams, One-Drive and SharePoint.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Flexibility, high initiative, attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Manages assigned research projects, which include but are not limited to the following:
Anticipates and designs research for emerging issues.
Develops innovative approaches to research design and analysis in emerging issue areas such as AI, healthcare reform, and retirement security.
Represents the Association externally (coalitions, hearings, presentations).
Serves as the subject matter resource for staff and leadership.
Conduct the most complex and sensitive research assignments requiring advanced analysis and policy expertise.
Proactively design and implement research initiatives that anticipate emerging issues impacting the Association.
Prepare research instruments and draft correspondence
Collect, tabulate, and edit data
Disseminate statistical information
Answering and responding to assigned information requests
Create analytical charts, graphs, and tables
Develop comprehensive reports with clear, actionable recommendations
Provide staff and membership training
Attend conferences and workshops
Write and edit departmental publications and white papers
Assists in the development of other research tools and software
Provide leadership, coordination, and guidance to Research Analysts in the development of complex research projects