"Research Associate"

About the Position

Please Note: Review of applications will begin on December 3, 2025.

The Institutional Effectiveness & Research office serves the University as the principal source of analysis and reporting on a broad array of institutional topics to fulfill Cal State East Bay's commitment to student success. The incumbent will work to help build and sustain a campus culture of inquiry and data-informed decision making. As integral thought partners with campus colleagues, the Research Associate strengthens our campus' capacity to collect, interpret, and act on data to inform strategic planning and institutional effectiveness.

In collaboration with staff at the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Research, the incumbent has responsibility for data quality assurance, addressing data requests, complex analysis and research of institutional and survey data, and reporting. The Research Associate will interpret, monitor, and analyze data regarding policies, procedures, demographics, and operational outcomes yielding actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging areas. The Research Associate collaborates closely with colleagues across the university to analyze and determine meaning behind the data and meets the needs of campus stakeholders. This role serves as a key campus resource in advancing institutional effectiveness by integrating diverse data sources, ensuring data integrity, and translating analyses into strategic insights for senior leadership.

Responsibilities

Data Integrity and Quality

• Ensures that institutional and survey data (historical and current) are managed and maintained with integrity and quality.
• Plans, develops and implements new methods and systems for data collection, validation, and management.
• Develops and implements data governance procedures and automated validation protocols to ensure consistency and accuracy across institutional databases.
• Advises on data definitions and standards to align institutional data practices with CSU system requirements.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

• Collects, analyzes, interprets, and reports on institutional and survey data for projections, planning, and evaluation to inform conversations and planning of institutional initiatives.
• Responds to requests for data and analyses from both internal (CSUEB) and external agencies including WSCUC and the CSU Chancellor’s Office, as well as higher ed-related surveys.
• Conducts analyses to identify trends in student enrollment patterns, student experiences, and student success.
• Designs and executes research studies using advanced statistical and predictive modeling techniques to inform decision-making on enrollment management, student outcomes, and academic program performance.
• Synthesizes complex findings into actionable recommendations for senior administrators, incorporating contextual interpretation and policy implications.
• Ensures analytical methodologies and interpretations adhere to institutional and CSU data governance policies.

Dashboard and Data Resource Design

• Designs data resources and dashboards to enhance user accessibility and understanding of data for campus colleagues.
• Preparation of major administrative and analytical dashboards in support of student success in student retention and graduation, implementation and assessment of high impact practices, curriculum offerings including freshman year programs, and information needed for university initiatives.
• Leads the conceptualization and development of interactive data dashboards, collaborating with IT and campus partners to enhance usability, accessibility, and data literacy across units.
• Implements visualization best practices to ensure clarity, transparency, and effective communication of key performance indicators.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough and advanced knowledge of research methodologies, statistical analysis, and data visualization techniques.
• Ability to develop and validate assessment instruments (e.g., for surveys, focus groups, interviews), and administration strategies, (e.g., sampling, timing, incentives).
• Advanced project planning and organizational skills to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Advanced communications and interpersonal skills to build partnerships and communicate effectively in a diverse environment.
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills in order to evaluate and interpret data to develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Advanced technical skills with proficiency in using statistical software and data visualization tools.
• Advanced skills in survey design, administration, and analysis.
• Thorough knowledge of higher education policies, accreditation processes, and data privacy regulations. Demonstrated competence in independently applying advanced judgment to solve difficult and complex problems and issues.
• Ability to effectively lead or mentor the work of others.

Experience and Education

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience.
• Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

Required Qualifications

• Four years of professional experience conducting analyses and research, data quality management, and reporting, preferably in a university setting or relevant technical field experience solving analytical problems using quantitative approaches.
• Evidence of experience in statistical analyses and research methodologies with large complex datasets on a statistical software package (SPSS, STATA, R, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possesses interpersonal and communication skills to positively convey findings to senior leadership and faculty and general audience.
• Exemplary critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Interest and/or ability to work in a multicultural/multiethnic environment.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Masters/Doctoral degree in related fields focusing on quantitative analysis.
• Demonstrated experience using SQL to query, analyze, and summarize large data sets.
• Experience developing reports and dashboards using Tableau visualization software.
• Experience with institutional research and assessment experience in higher education.
• Knowledge and understanding of key concepts in higher education highly desired.

Salary and Benefits

PLEASE NOTE: The starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $5,797.00 per month to $7,207.00 per month (Step 1 - Step 12).

Cal State East Bay offers a broad range of benefits that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement (CalPERS), 401k, 457, 403(b), dependent and health care reimbursement accounts, life insurance, vacation and sick, 14 paid holidays, one personal holiday and tuition fee waiver.

For more information on the benefits program, please visit our benefits website. The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of our benefits package.

This position may be eligible to participate in the Cal State East Bay hybrid telecommute program subject to management approval.

Classification

Institutional Research Analyst III