Data & Policy Research Lead

Overview

This position is budgeted for $25.00 per hour and is non-negotiable.

This is a part-time, 90-day temporary role with the possibility of an extension.

The Department of Career Services is a unit in the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity. It is an innovative, reputable, and globally recognized leader that supports education, workforce, and economic development. The Career Services Department serves students by supporting their career development journey through the following activities:

• Career exploration
• Professional development
• Employment preparation and experiential learning
• Industry engagement and employment outcomes

The Career Services Department serves industry partners by supporting their talent acquisition and business needs through the following activities:

• Workforce development planning and consulting
• Professional development
• Direct services and resources to support talent acquisition

The purpose of this position is to serve as lead over the design, deployment, and presentation of the department’s data outcomes strategy and to keep the department current on workforce and economic development policy trends. The role involves analyzing student, employer, and stakeholder outcomes and trends and works on integrating evidence based decision making into grant proposals and concepts. This role recommends and utilizes emerging technology and innovative tools to streamline research processes and to enhance reporting capabilities. This role address complex challenges, ensuring the effectiveness and impact of career services programs across the campus community and beyond.

Responsibilities

Data and Policy Trends Research 70%

• Lead comprehensive research on student, employer, and stakeholder outcomes using advanced statistical methods.

• Track and evaluate policies related to workforce development, economic trends, and career development at local, state, and federal levels.

• Analyze economic indicators, such as employment and inflation, to provide insights on labor market trends.

• Utilize technology and data tools to streamline research processes and enhance reporting capabilities.

• Develop and evaluate systems to support program outcomes and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Support the implementation and maintenance of data collection systems within the department.

• Ensure effective data collection and reporting for grants and special projects, meeting all requirements and deadlines.

• Conduct departmental assessments by analyzing large data sets to prepare relevant proposals and analyses.

• Provide expert advice based on data analysis to inform departmental decision-making.

• Design and implement data collection systems and analytical models to assess the impact of career services programs.

Evidence-Based Reporting and Strategic Planning 20%

• Communicate data outcomes through various channels, including detailed reports, updates, news, visualizations, social media, and campus-wide efforts to promote evidence-based practice.
• Collaborate with campus partners to ensure Career Services research aligns with institutional and cross-divisional data and priorities.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure data-driven insights are effectively disseminated and utilized across the university community.
• Independently determine approaches to research projects and priorities, with accountability for delivering high-impact results.
• Participate in high-level planning and development activities, providing expert analysis and recommendations to influence key objectives and long-term goals.
• Develop strategic solutions to complex problems by understanding and applying broad, interactive perspectives on policy and economic trends.

Other Duties as Assigned 10%

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, principles, practices, and techniques applicable to the program and/or administrative specialty to develop conclusions and make recommendations.
• Expertise in investigating and analyzing problems with a broad administrative impact and implications. Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply extensive expertise to complex programs and/or administrative specialties, including pertinent laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in and advanced knowledge of the principles, problems, and methods of public and business administration and operational and fiscal management.
• Expertise in administrative survey techniques, operations and systems analysis, statistical and research methods, and the ability to interpret and evaluate results to develop sound conclusions and recommend new or revised policies.
• Ability to analyze data and make accurate projections using business mathematics and basic statistical techniques.
• Ability to organize and plan work and projects including handling multiple priorities.
• Ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to compile, write, and present reports related to program or administrative specialty.
• Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form.
• Ability to train others on new skills and procedures and provide lead work direction.
• Ability to understand problems from a broad, interactive perspective and discern applicable underlying principles to conceive of and develop strategic solutions.
• Ability to work with representatives from public and private entities and handle potentially sensitive situations. Demonstrated consultative skills in working with internal and external constituent groups.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and concepts in written or presentation format and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework
• OR - Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of coursework

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Strategic planning for data collection, analysis, and presentation.      

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.  

Salary : $25