Elk Grove, California
Posted: 24-May-23
Location: Elk Grove, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $73,579 - $96,261
Categories:
ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLASS TITLE: RESEARCH STRATEGIST
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Director – Research and Evaluation or Research Project Manager, plan, coordinate, design, conduct or oversee research and evaluation activities; provide training and information to site and District personnel to facilitate informed decision-making regarding use of data for the improvement of district programs and school site delivery of instruction and other services provided to students; plan, coordinate and conduct activities related to assigned State and District assessment and testing programs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Research Strategist operates more independently with responsibility for the design and implementation of assigned research projects. The Research Strategist serves as a technical resource for district leadership and site staff and leads research projects with considerable independence. The Research Analyst develops and implements programs and research methodology under direction, working closely with supervisory and lead personnel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Conceptualize, design, and implement methodologies to conduct large and small-scale quantitative research and evaluation studies; design measures of implementation, design data collection and survey instruments, manage data collection, develop quality control protocols for data processing and manipulations, perform complex statistical analyses, interpret findings, and make recommendations.
Independently query, merge, clean, manipulate, and analyze data from large relational databases; accurately produce and interpret findings; develop summary reports for various audiences, and for state, federal, or grant reporting purposes.
Assist in the training of less-experienced data analysts and technicians. Conduct training or informational seminars on research, reports, or data systems to inform decision making. Conduct training classes for system users on new or changed procedures.
Lead discussions on the interpretation and presentation of findings to a variety of audiences including school personnel, parents, District administrators, and the Board of Education.
Provide technical assistance and consultation services to District and site administrators regarding design and implementation of research and evaluation projects including overall project conceptualization, logic modeling, program implementation measures, survey/forms design, sample selection, data collection and analysis, hypothesis testing, reporting and interpretation of results, presentation methods and graphics, and use of data to inform instructional practices and decision making.
Provide technical assistance and consultation services to District and school administrators on the development of logic models and use of input, output, and outcome data including resources, program implementation, and various student outcome measures.
Communicate with staff in other District departments/divisions and from outside organizations to facilitate and coordinate grant requirements and research activities.
RESEARCH STRATEGIST - continued Page 2
Respond to requests for research or evaluation services from other District departments/divisions and school site administrators.
Maintain knowledge of national, regional, and local educational data sources; maintain an awareness of the major professional educational journals and current research; maintain an awareness of State- level governmental agencies producing and disseminating educational data; serve as a liaison with the major local and State-wide data providers.
Formulate policies and procedures relevant to program areas based on information of a conceptual nature from varied and complex sources.
Proactively track and monitor developing or potential legislative changes, obtain input from district staff to submit comments on education code changes, develop recommendations for creation or adjustments of District board policies, administrative regulations, and district procedures, as needed.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and specialized software including statistical packages, charts and graphics, word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing.
Perform related duties as assigned.
DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
SAS, R, STATA, or other programming for data manipulation and social science research.
Science of statistics, including statistical theory, techniques, and methods encompassing such areas as sampling ratios and proportions, measures of dispersion and central tendency, reliability, validity, correlations, time series, trends, index numbers, and forecasting.
Significance of various statistical measures.
Methods of statistical applications.
Theory and practice related to program evaluation, educational measurement, and student learning. Methodology used in educational research design and statistical analysis.
Research and evaluation, data collection, processing, analysis and reporting.
Statistical and mathematical computations and measurements.
Computer software applications relevant to social science research and assessment development. Database systems and data management.
Computer capabilities and data processing applications.
Educational testing principles and practices.
Planning, organization, and direction of student assessment activities.
Survey design.
Oral and written communication skills.
RESEARCH STRATEGIST - continued Page 3
Operation of a computer and assigned software including desktop publishing, charts and graphics, word processing and spreadsheets.
Public speaking techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
ABILITY TO:
Translate complex technical, statistical, legislative, and legal language and ideas into understandable and appropriate communications and presentations for a variety of audiences.
Plan, coordinate, design, and conduct activities related to research and evaluation.
Accurately analyze and interpret assessment, research, and evaluation results and provide clear and concise narrative and graphic explanations of data and trends.
Prepare and perform a variety of oral presentations.
Serve as a trainer and technical resource for data analysis and reporting results.
Plan and analyze work to utilize the capabilities of available equipment and software. Make accurate mathematical and statistical computations.
Maintain current knowledge of trends and advances in the field.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
Monitor, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Meet schedules and time lines.
Work independently with little direction.
Complete assignments successfully with minimal direction and supervision.
Plan and organize work.
Maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.
Hear and speak to exchange information and make presentations.
Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Move hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
See to read a variety of materials.
Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Any combination equivalent to: bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of experience in data analysis, test development, educational research, or related field; or Master’s degree in related field.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT: Office environment.