Senior Research Analyst

California School Employees Association
Senior Research Analyst - San Jose, CA

DEFINITION
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.

Role of the Research Analyst:
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.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Organizational Research:  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.
• Economic conditions and trends impacting members
• Internal membership surveys
• State and federal education policy impacts
• Priority legislation and legal changes
• Wages and compensation analysis
• Healthcare research
• New member organizing strategies
• Decertification prevention efforts
• Collective bargaining support
• Impasse proceedings analysis
• Arbitration case research
• Unfair labor practice cases
• Employer budget analysis
• Political action and electoral campaigns
• Immigration and citizenship policy
• Issues-based campaigns (retirement security, charter schools, layoffs, AI impacts)

Operational Responsibilities:

• 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Ability to:

• 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

EDUCATION
Equivalent to the possession of a MA/MS in public administration, business administration, public policy, library science, or related major.

EXPERIENCE
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.

Benefits of working at CSEA:

We offer a dynamic career opportunity.   We have an excellent salary and benefits package with:

• 19 paid holidays
• 4 weeks’ vacation 
• Medical, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Pension
• 401k
• Life insurance
• Work/life flexibility…. an opportunity to enjoy the work you do, and find fulfillment through working with like-minded, dedicated professionals committed to this significant social mission 

To Apply:

Go to www.csea.com/careers, upload your resume and a cover letter that explains your qualifications, interest and career goals.  

Questions?  Contact HR at [email protected].  Please do not send resumes or other documents to this email.

CSEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and supporting a diverse workforce.

This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

EOE/AA