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About the University of California Office of the President
The University of California (UC) stands as a global beacon of discovery, teaching excellence, and public service. With a legacy that includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and groundbreaking research that reshapes societies, UC is more than an institution—it is a vibrant, diverse community of innovators, scholars, and change‑makers. The Office of the President (UCOP) serves as the strategic hub for the ten campuses, six academic medical centers, and three national laboratories, guiding the system’s mission through data‑driven insight, policy leadership, and collaborative partnerships. Joining UCOP means becoming part of a storied tradition while shaping the future of higher education for the next generation of leaders.
Position Overview
The Institutional Research & Planning Analyst – Survey Development & Data Stewardship (Level 3) is a pivotal member of the Institutional Research and Academic Planning (IRAP) unit. Working remotely from anywhere within California, the analyst will design, administer, and analyze a portfolio of high‑impact surveys that inform enrollment planning, student well‑being initiatives, budgeting decisions, and system‑wide policy development. This is a 60 % contract appointment offering a competitive salary and a flexible work environment that balances autonomy with occasional on‑site collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Survey Development & Administration (≈ 40 % of effort)
- Design, pilot, and launch reliable survey instruments using Qualtrics or comparable platforms.
- Conduct environmental scans of national best‑practice surveys to benchmark UC’s instruments against peer institutions.
- Develop comprehensive test plans—including test cases, validation scripts, and simulated responses—to ensure data quality before launch.
- Monitor server performance and real‑time response rates during data collection, troubleshooting technical issues promptly.
- Collaborate with campus survey coordinators and client stakeholders to craft engagement strategies that boost participation, especially among under‑represented student groups.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and security protocols for personally identifiable information (PII), adhering to FERPA, the California Individual Practices Act (IPA), and UC data‑security policies.
Survey Data Analysis & Research Support (≈ 20 % of effort)
- Lead statistical analyses that translate raw survey data into actionable insights on topics such as student experience, basic needs, mental health, campus climate, and cost of attendance.
- Integrate survey data with institutional datasets (e.g., enrollment, finance, faculty data) using SAS, Tableau, or DB Visualizer to construct multi‑dimensional research models.
- Prepare evidence‑based recommendations for policy revisions, program enhancements, and strategic initiatives.
- Produce concise research briefs, executive summaries, and visual storytelling artifacts that resonate with non‑technical audiences.
Reporting & Visualization (≈ 20 % of effort)
- Develop interactive dashboards and data tables in Tableau that present survey findings in clear, user‑friendly formats.
- Write and edit comprehensive reports, topic briefs, and methodological notes that adhere to UC’s standards for transparency and rigor.
- Respond to ad‑hoc data requests from UCOP leadership, campus administrators, and external partners, ensuring timely delivery and high‑quality analysis.
Data Stewardship & Quality Assurance (≈ 15 % of effort)
- Prepare and validate final survey data files and accompanying codebooks for internal and external dissemination.
- Implement continuous‑improvement processes for data validation, including automation of routine checks and error‑resolution workflows.
- Foster collaborative relationships with IRAP content experts, campus data providers, and IT teams to maintain the integrity of the Digital Commons data warehouse.
Professional Development & Community Engagement (≈ 5 % of effort)
- Participate in professional conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay current on emerging survey methodologies, data privacy regulations, and higher‑education analytics.
- Serve on university‑wide committees or task forces that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the UC system.
- Share knowledge through internal training sessions, mentoring junior analysts, and contributing to UCOP’s collective expertise.
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in survey design, administration, and analysis, or an equivalent combination of graduate work and relevant practice.
- Demonstrated mastery of survey methodology—including question construction, validity testing, reliability assessment, and respondent‑engagement tactics.
- Proficiency with leading survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics) and data‑analysis tools such as SAS, Tableau, DB Visualizer, or comparable software.
- Hands‑on experience handling highly sensitive data, including PII and social security numbers, with a solid understanding of FERPA and California IPA compliance.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex statistical results into clear, actionable narratives for diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational acumen, capable of juggling multiple high‑priority projects while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Statistics, Sociology, Education, Public Policy) or equivalent professional training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Broad knowledge of institutional research functions within higher‑education ecosystems, especially within large, multi‑campus systems.
- Familiarity with UC‑specific policies, data governance structures, and the operational context of academic planning.
- Experience conducting large‑scale, system‑wide surveys such as the Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES), Graduate Career Pathways Survey, or Food Security surveys.
- Advanced coursework or certifications in advanced statistics, psychometrics, or data science.
- Prior involvement in equity‑focused research projects that address student basic needs, mental health, or campus climate.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex datasets, identify patterns, and draw evidence‑based conclusions.
- Technical Proficiency: Expertise in Qualtrics, SAS, Tableau, and relational database concepts.
- Data Integrity Stewardship: Commitment to confidentiality, data security, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Collaborative Mindset: Proven track record of partnering with cross‑functional teams, campus leaders, and external stakeholders.
- Communication Excellence: Skillful storyteller who can tailor messages for executive, technical, and public audiences.
- Project Management: Experience managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables for multi‑phase survey cycles.
- Innovation & Initiative: Proactive in identifying process improvements, automation opportunities, and emerging trends in higher‑education research.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
UCOP invests heavily in the professional development of its staff. As a member of the IRAP team, you will have access to:
- Tuition remission for graduate coursework or professional certifications relevant to institutional research.
- Mentorship programs that pair you with senior analysts and university leaders.
- Funding to attend national conferences such as the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) or the Association for Institutional Research (AIR).
- Opportunities to lead or co‑lead flagship survey projects, positioning you as a subject‑matter expert across the UC system.
- Clear pathways to higher‑level analyst or managerial roles within IRAP or other UCOP units, based on demonstrated impact and leadership.
Work Environment & Culture
The Institutional Research & Planning unit embodies UC’s core values of inclusion, integrity, and curiosity. Our culture celebrates:
- Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to equitable research practices that amplify under‑represented voices.
- Flexibility: A remote‑first work model that supports work‑life balance while encouraging periodic in‑person collaboration at UCOP headquarters in Oakland.
- Collaboration: Cross‑campus teamwork that brings together scholars, administrators, and policymakers to solve complex institutional challenges.
- Innovation: An environment that encourages experimentation with new data‑visualization tools, automated validation pipelines, and cutting‑edge survey techniques.
- Community Impact: Direct contribution to policies that affect thousands of students, faculty, and staff across California and beyond.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
While the exact salary will reflect the candidate’s experience and qualifications, the advertised range for this 60 % appointment is $66,000 – $67,800 per year (equivalent to $100,000 – $113,000 on a full‑time basis). In addition to competitive pay, UCOP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
- Retirement savings via the UC Retirement Plan with employer contributions.
- Generous paid time off, holidays, and wellness days.
- Professional development allowances for training, conferences, and certifications.
- Access to UC’s extensive library resources, online learning platforms, and campus facilities.
- Employee assistance programs focusing on mental health, financial counseling, and work‑life integration.
- A smoke‑free campus environment and compliance with UC’s vaccination policies to safeguard community health.
How to Apply
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please prepare the following documents:
- A tailored cover letter that highlights your experience with survey development, data stewardship, and higher‑education research.
- An updated resume that showcases relevant technical skills, project achievements, and any professional certifications.
- Optional: Samples of reports, dashboards, or survey instruments you have created (ensure no confidential data is disclosed).
Submit your application through the UCOP Careers portal at the link below. The first review of applications begins on 15 November 2024. The position will remain open until filled, so we encourage you to apply early.
Apply Now
Closing Statement
If you are passionate about turning data into insight, eager to influence policy at one of the world’s most prestigious university systems, and thrive in a collaborative, remote‑first workplace, we want to hear from you. Join UCOP’s Institutional Research & Planning team and help shape the future of higher education for millions of learners. Apply today and become a catalyst for evidence‑based transformation at the University of California.
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