Los Angeles Community College District

Conducts a variety of complex journey-level professional research and technical studies relating to educational programs, planning, and development.

Conducts complex research and technical studies by collecting, analyzing, and compiling data related but not limited to such matters as curricula, enrollment, retention, matriculation, weekly contact hours, staffing patterns, student and faculty characteristics, program vitality and evaluation, program review, community characteristics, student achievement, student learning outcomes, accreditation, and institutional planning and effectiveness; prepares reports and recommendations based on findings.

Selects, adapts, and applies appropriate research and statistical techniques to specific areas of study.

Collects, compiles, describes, organizes, analyzes, interprets, and presents data and prepares reports in graphic, pictorial, tabular, written, and oral forms.

Analyzes trends in community college education, college and community characteristics, and anticipates planning and information needs.

Participates in the design, implementation, and maintenance of specialized data bases and information systems to facilitate research and planning activities.

Determines sources of data and information and selects the specific units for the research sample.

Formulates procedures and techniques for computer or hand processing of survey data.

Organizes data and information in such form that analysis is facilitated and their significance may be appreciated.

Prepares research reports, presentations, and other communications containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content including the preparation of conclusions and forecasts based on data summaries and other findings.

Prepares research and statistical findings in proper technical form for publication.

Organizes, coordinates, and tracks completion of planning, accreditation, and program review functions and ensures alignment with District mission, goals, objectives, and operating practices.

Coordinates with faculty, staff, and administration on various aspects of planning, accreditation, and program review functions and processes.

Effectively utilizes the capabilities and functions of standard office software applications such as data management, spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing in completing assigned projects.

Uses interactive data management and statistical programs and/or other specialized applications or digital tools used in social science and data science research.

Examines research data gathered by other agencies and translates their implications and limitations as they pertain to the Los Angeles Community College District.

May supervise lower-level analysts and technical and clerical support staff.

Performs related duties as assigned.

A Research Analyst applies thorough knowledge and skill in research methodology and analysis in independently performing all phases of complex journey-level research studies including problem definition, study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of findings. Employees in this class work at a journey-level and are expected to work independently and without immediate supervision.

A Senior Research Analyst applies an advanced knowledge of research concepts, methodologies, and processes in conducting difficult and complex institutional research studies and in the development and maintenance of research information systems and supervises the activities of a small research unit.

An Assistant Research Analyst performs professional-level research assignments of moderate complexity related to the District educational programs, planning, and development that are characterized by clear and specific objectives in accordance with conventional research techniques and methodology.

General supervision is received from an academic or classified administrator or supervisor. Functional supervision may be exercised over assigned professional, technical, and clerical staff.

Knowledge of:

Concepts, methodologies, processes, and terminology applicable to higher education research, planning, accreditation, and program review functions

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of statistics

Management and education functions and procedures as they relate to higher education

Methods of preparation of research reports

Techniques of data collection and analysis, including the use of database querying tools

Information systems used in higher education and methods of access for research purposes

Technical writing and data presentation

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware used in a research unit

Principles of training

Organization and management of records

Skill in:

Using computer software such as database management, communications, spreadsheets, graphics, word processing, and desk-top publishing applications

Using data management and analysis tools and other advanced data access or distribution software

Ability to:

Collect, analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex data, make recommendations, and conduct studies and surveys to support functions such as research, planning, accreditation, and program review

Exercise creativity and critical judgment

Apply conventional techniques in research methodology

Define a problem so that it leads itself to quantitative and qualitative analysis

Interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures

Obtain the cooperation of others in providing information and data in its most meaningful and understandable form

Deal with novel and difficult problems

Acquire valid data of measurable accuracy

Apply statistical theory and methods used in the collection, classification, and evaluation of quantitative facts as a basis for inference

Analyze factual information and recognize significant factors, relationships, and trends

Determine and evaluate sources of data

Present complex technical information and issues in understandable terms orally, visually, and in writing

Establish effective inter-personal communication and secure the cooperation of administrators in the implementation of District policies

Deal effectively with District staff and representative from private and public agencies

Write clear, comprehensive, and concise reports

Plan and organize work to meet deadlines

Effectively utilize computer equipment, software, and management information systems in the performance of duties

Learn specialized computer applications

Education and Experience:

A.  A doctoral degree from a recognized college or university with a specialization in social science research, economics, public policy, educational administration, business administration, public administration, organizational analysis, or other research-oriented specialization.

OR

B. A master's degree from a recognized college or university with a major in social science research, economics, public policy, educational administration, business administration, public administration, organizational analysis, information science, or other research-oriented specialization AND one year of full-time, paid, professional-level experience in a research or institutional planning position.

OR

C. A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university, preferably with a major in social science research, economics, public policy, educational administration, business administration, public administration, organizational analysis, information science, or other research-oriented specialization AND three years of full-time, paid, professional-level experience in a research or institutional planning position.

Special:

A valid Class “C” California driver's license may be required for some positions.

Travel to locations throughout the District may be required for some positions.

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about his or her ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, he or she should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.