Los Angeles Community College District

Conducts complex and difficult research studies related to educational programs, planning, and development and supervises the activities of a small research unit.

Conducts the more difficult research studies related but not limited to 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.

Makes recommendations for policies, procedures, and systems based on analysis of current and proposed programs and practices.

Designs, implements, and directs the maintenance of specialized data bases and information systems to facilitate research and planning activities.

Evaluates problems to determine whether they are amenable to statistical inquiry and formulates the investigative processes and procedures to be followed.

Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of and provides training to assigned staff of a small research unit.

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

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

Collects, compiles, describes, organizes, analyzes, interprets, and presents data and information related to matters under study.

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.

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

Prepares complex 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.

Analyzes research data and findings of other agencies and translates their implications and limitations as they pertain to the District.

Explains research methodology and findings to interested parties.

Effectively utilizes the capabilities of standard and specialized software programs in the production of management information and reports.

Directs the maintenance of research records.

Acts as a technical resource to college research staff.

May act for supervisor in his/her absence.

Performs related duties as assigned.

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.

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.

An Assistant Research Analyst performs professional-level research assignments of moderate complexity related to 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. Immediate supervision is exercised over assigned lower-level analysts and 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

Principles of management, organization, and administrative analysis

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of survey construction, sampling, administration, and reporting

Principles of supervision and training

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

Methods of preparation of research reports

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

Technical writing and data presentation

New trends in the field of research in higher education

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of data base design

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

Procedures for access to state and national student level information

Principles, theories, techniques, and methods of data warehousing and distribution of information across the institution

Organization and management of records

Skill in:

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

Using interactive programming languages such as SPSS, SAS or other advanced data access and distribution tools

Ability to:

Plan, conduct, and evaluate complex research studies

Apply conventional and original techniques in research methodology

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

Analyze complex data and interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, and principles

Determine and evaluate sources of data

Prepare clear, comprehensive and concise reports

Exercise creativity and critical judgment

Deal with novel and difficult problems

Independently complete complex assignments

Instruct others in research principles and methods

Select, motivate, train, and supervise assigned staff

Establish and maintain the cooperation of others in providing information, data, and assistance for the research program

Write comprehensive technical reports and explain information and data in its most meaningful and understandable form

Establish effective inter-personal communications and secure the cooperation of administrators in the implementation of District procedures

Deal effectively and tactfully with all levels of District staff, representatives of public and private agencies, and the general public

Present complex and difficult technical information effectively, both orally and in writing

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

Learn new techniques and procedures in college accreditation, institutional accountability and effectiveness, and higher education policy and planning

Learn specialized computer applications

Education and Experience:

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

Special: 

A valid Class “C” California driver's license is required.

Travel to locations throughout the District is required..

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.