Research Associate (EdInsights)

Broad Scope & Function

This position conducts EdInsights’ research and evaluation work, with projects ranging from studies of large-scale community college initiatives to campus-based student success programs. The work leverages qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches including fieldwork, interviews, document and program analyses, policy analysis, case studies, and statistical analysis of large and small data sets. 

Depending on the specific study, the Research Associate may coordinate and manage individual project components, conduct descriptive and statistical analyses, prepare and administer surveys, conduct interviews and focus groups, prepare written reports, and present research findings. The incumbent may also contribute to research and evaluation proposals and represent EdInsights at statewide and national meetings of researchers, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and other similar interest-holders.

Reporting Relationship

The position reports directly to and receives general direction from the Research & Evaluation Director or Research Manager. The position may receive work direction from Research Managers and Senior Research Associates. The position provides work direction to Research Assistants, with support from a Research Manager or Director.

Salary

• Full range: $5,859-$8,729 per month ($70,308-$104,748 per year)
• Anticipated hiring range: $5,859-$7,274 per month ($70,308-$87,288 per year)

Benefits

• UEI contribution to a TIAA retirement plan after one year of service
• Paid Vacation Time – starting at 10 hours accrued/month
• Paid Sick Time – 8 hours accrued/month
• Paid Holidays – 14 paid holidays per year including paid time off the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as the CSUS campus is closed
• Excellent medical benefits – 100% employer-paid medical & dental for employee-only coverage and low cost for family coverage
• Educational Assistance Program for employees and/or dependents
• Discounted membership to The WELL, Sacramento State’s on-campus fitness center
• View a comprehensive list of all of the benefits at https://www.enterprises.csus.edu/wp-content/uploads/UEI_Benefits-At-A-Glance-Brochure_Projects.pdf

Application Instructions

This position is open until filled with a priority review date of November 2, 2026. We will begin application review on this date.

Please include the following with your application:

• Cover letter (Upload as an Applicant Document)
• Resume

If this document is not included, your application materials will not be considered. Please include your employment history in the “Employment Experience” section of your application in addition to submitting your resume.

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States. University Enterprises, Inc. is not a sponsoring agency (i.e. H-1B Visa). 

This is a full-time, exempt from overtime, benefited position with a defined contribution retirement plan through TIAA. (The position is not covered under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.) Continued employment in this position is dependent upon funding and the mutual consent of University Enterprises and the employee, and either University Enterprises or the employee, can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause. Program continuation is contingent upon funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Evaluation

1. Conducts literature reviews and secondary research, including search, review, synthesis, and write-up of relevant existing literature/data.
2. Contributes to the development and administration of logic models, evaluation plans, and data collection tools, such as surveys and interview protocols, by drafting instruments.
3. Administers surveys in Qualtrics.
4. Downloads, cleans, manages, and organizes data.
5. Collects observational data of client events for evaluation projects.
6. Schedules and conducts interviews and focus groups.
7. Analyzes and interprets data, including coding qualitative data and statistical analysis of quantitative data.
8. Contributes to research protocols and practices; documents existing protocols and practices; updates existing protocols and practices to reflect final decisions made by the team.
9. Reads external publications related to postsecondary reform, as relevant to ongoing projects.
10. Cross-trains research assistants and other research associates in areas of established competency.

Project and Client Coordination

1. Assists in the management of assigned project(s), such as coordinating and scheduling of evaluation activities. 
2. Uses project management software to coordinate project components and document component progress.
3. Presents Senior Research Associate/Manager with periodic oral and written reports on the status of project components.
4. Participates in and/or facilitates client and staff meetings and assists in or leads agenda creation and meeting summary.
5. Maintains continuous team and client communication for project components, with Senior Research Associate/Manager support.
6. Supports the development of a cohesive evaluation strategy inclusive of needs, goals, and concerns of various audiences.
7. Participates in center-wide discussions on equity and center strategic direction.

Writing, Reporting, and Dissemination

1. Writes and provides feedback on evaluation and research reports.
2. Provides direction to, collaborates with, and provides feedback to UX Design Analyst to create visuals for reports.
3. Co-presents findings at meetings and conferences.
4. Represents EdInsights at statewide and national meetings of researchers, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and other similar interest-holder groups.

Proposal Development

1. Assists in the development of complex research and evaluation proposals and design. Independently designs components of a larger complex project.
2. Contributes to proposal and design brainstorming sessions.
3. Supports the preparation and submission of research and evaluation grant proposals to foundations and other external grantors.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in public policy/administration, economics, political science, sociology, education, or other field requiring statistical analysis and social science research, or equivalent combination of education and/or work experience.
2. Demonstrated experience with qualitative data collection and analysis methods, such as designing and administering surveys, conducting interviews and focus groups, and coding qualitative data; and/or experience managing, cleaning, and analyzing quantitative data from surveys, administrative records, or other large-scale education datasets.
3. Demonstrated experience with word processing, spreadsheets, internet, and statistical software packages such as Stata, R, SPSS, or SAS.
4. Demonstrated experience balancing multiple projects and priorities and meeting competing deadlines.
5. Strong technical and public (such as for policymakers) writing skills. Experience authoring/co-authoring research manuscripts.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. Ability to work collaboratively.
8. Knowledge of educational equity and familiarity with disproportionate impacts for traditionally underserved communities.
9. Must pass a background check, which may include fingerprinting. Must continue to meet the established standards.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Knowledge of the California Community College system.
2. Experience conducting program evaluation such as identifying program objectives, analyzing processes to meet objectives, and determining/measuring if the program has met the objective.
3. Experience designing and creating data visualizations.
4. Experience working in a highly collaborative environment.

Physical Requirements

With or without a reasonable accommodation: Sit for extended periods; frequent movement; manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, printers, scanners, and fax machines.

Working Conditions

This is a primarily remote position. Work is performed at home and/or in an office environment. The position involves continuous contact with staff, campus community, government agencies, and other organizations. Travel to Sacramento is required for in-person meetings approximately once per quarter and occasional travel is required to other areas for meetings, conferences, and fieldwork. Employees are responsible for covering their own travel expenses for Sacramento-based meetings and events.

Work Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Monday-Friday
• 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• This is a primarily remote position however travel to Sacramento is required for in-person meetings approximately once per quarter and occasional travel is required to other areas for meetings, conferences, and fieldwork. Employees are responsible for covering their own travel expenses for Sacramento-based meetings and events.