"Research & Planning Analyst"

Job Description

Salary: $50.44 - $55.61 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Kentfield - In Person, CA

PRIORITY SCREENING DATE: March 2, 2026

Open Until Filled

To Apply: Research & Planning Analyst

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general direction, performs a variety of specialized activities involved in planning, conducting and presenting research and data analysis related to institutional planning, effectiveness, accreditation, student success and other areas; prepares research papers, ad-hoc and standard reports, data visualizations and data-based recommendations to communicate data for others to understand outcomes and make decisions; participates in the design and execution of complex research studies; provides technical assistance to District staff in the areas of program evaluation, assessment and analysis; and performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Defines research objectives and questions to identify required data sets and data sources to complete research and data analysis related to institutional planning, effectiveness, accreditation, student success, placement tests and other areas required by outside organizations and used by staff, faculty and administrators for projects and decision making.
• Identifies appropriate research methodologies, statistical analysis techniques, data resources and study plans to achieve research objectives; extracts, collects, analyzes and reconciles data and information related to accreditation, academic programs, grants, enrollment and curriculum management, student demographics and learning outcomes, student retention and persistence, and other relevant data; conducts literature reviews.
• Conducts specialized research and compiles, assembles, evaluates and prepares a variety of educational data for use in reports and institutional planning activities; assists in monitoring and analyzing District programs for educational effectiveness; provides input concerning the development and implementation of policies and programs to enhance educational effectiveness.
• Develops queries and uses other data extraction tools to generate and format data requested by management, faculty and staff to enhance evidence-based decision making and review and research on educational and program outcomes; validates data interpretation and extraction methods; merges data from various sources to create datasets for analysis; formats data from District databases and other sources.
• Participates in a variety of surveys, focus groups and related research and data analysis activities; analyzes data for trends and performs qualitative and statistical analyses; prepares actionable interpretations of patterns and analyses; reviews, analyzes, arranges and reports data according to project, survey and study specifications, needs, requests and requirement.
• Produces a variety of highly specialized written reports, data visualizations, oral presentations, graphics and handouts. Conducts and assists with training sessions and workshops on data acquisition, usage and reporting.
• Tracks and catalogs evidence in support of District planning and accreditation.
• Coordinates and prepares mandated reports required by the Chancellor's Office and other entities; inputs and verifies uploaded data concerning institutional characteristics, degrees and certificates awarded, and personnel and financial data; works with the Information Technology department on data requirements and upload formatting.
• Participates in quality assurance procedures to ensure the validity and reliability of institutional research data; validates data and identifies errors and discrepancies; makes corrections, additions and modifications as needed based on standard definitions and protocols.
• Represents the District and/or department on internal and external committees; communicates with District personnel and various outside agencies to exchange information and resolve data-related issues or concerns.
• With other PRIE and Information Technology staff, provides input and assistance in development, maintenance and operation of data warehouse including data warehouse features, data definitions and data sources for purposes of research, reporting and decision making; assists with definition and development of data dashboards, standard reports and other end-user data tools.
• Prepares, distributes and responds to a variety of correspondence related to assigned projects, studies and activities.
• Stays current on trends, innovations in technology, institutional research, planning, data analysis, visualization and reporting; participates in listservs, conferences and other external professional development activities to stay abreast of current Chancellor's Office policies, legislation and other issues affecting the California Community College system.
• Fosters an environment that embraces equity-minded practices, integrity, trust and respect. Supports, implements and promotes compliance with the District's Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Plan in all aspects of employment and education.

Requirements

Education and Experience: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be a bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, business administration or a related field, and two years of experience involving statistical research and analysis, including work with computer databases and software applications; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

Desired Qualifications

• A master's degree in statistics, computer science or a social science with an emphasis on research.
• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and statistical procedures, the use of reporting/visualization tools, and hands-on data analysis and reporting.
• An understanding of and previous experience analyzing labor market and occupational trends including labor market supply and demand analysis.
• Previous experience working with faculty and administrators in a community college setting.
• A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Bilingual skills in a designated second language.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Detailed list omitted for brevity, includes principles of research, statistical analysis, data tools like SQL, Tableau, etc.)

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter (cover letter) describing your interest in the position, including how you meet the minimum requirements and are qualified to perform the essential functions as listed in this job posting.
2. Resume (resume)
3. Transcript conferring Bachelor's degree showing whatever coursework you have completed and are using as the basis for your application as described in the Requirements above, if applicable. (transcript)
4. Statement - Please respond to the following prompt in your own words, without using AI tools-we're interested in your authentic voice and perspective. College of Marin's commitment to educational excellence is rooted in providing equitable opportunities and fostering success for all members of our diverse community. Practices and outcomes related to diversity and inclusion are vital measures of institutional excellence. Please submit a brief statement describing how you have applied DEIA principles in your research, data analysis, or planning work; how you use data to identify and address equity gaps; and how you will support equitable, evidence-based decision-making in this role.