Researcher

Organization

California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy is a nonpartisan policy and research organization focused on identifying solutions to the state’s most critical challenges at the intersection of higher education, equity, and the economy. Established in 2011, our mission is to help transform the state’s higher education system into an engine of economic opportunity that empowers all Californians, particularly those from underserved communities, to achieve their full potential. California Competes benefits from the expertise of our highly respected, bipartisan Board of Directors, which comprises current and former public officials, business executives, and community leaders from across the state. Our diverse staff brings decades of experience in higher education and public policy.

We work statewide and travel across the country to research and advocate for a higher education system that provides opportunities for all Californians. For more information, please visit californiacompetes.org.

Position

California Competes seeks a Researcher to conduct rigorous applied policy research and manage a multi-year, multi-stakeholder research and advocacy initiative (called Higher Education Research Informing Solutions for Excellence, or Higher Ed RISE for short). This is an ideal opportunity for an early-career researcher who combines strong research credentials with exceptional organizational and project management skills, thrives in collaborative environments, and effectively manages complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Reporting to the Senior Researcher, the Researcher is an integral part of the research team and supports the wide range of California Competes’s research projects. The Researcher will serve as the day-to-day lead for the Higher Ed RISE project, overseeing all activities including coordinating the proposal review process, tracking timelines and deliverables, and serving as the primary point of contact for external researchers and advocates. As such, the successful candidate must have rigorous research methods training and the ability to juggle multiple work streams, meet deadlines, excel at building relationships and working collaboratively, think analytically, communicate effectively, and be passionate about advancing equity and student success. The Researcher may oversee key external consultants and student researchers, as needed. Specific duties are described below.

Research (55%):

With oversight and support from senior research colleagues, independently and collaboratively conduct research analysis, such as:

• Designing and leading qualitative research projects, including:
  • Identifying appropriate research methods to address specific research questions
  • Developing and administering surveys
  • Creating focus group and interview protocols
  • Recruiting research participants
• Executing qualitative research and analysis, including:
  • Conducting fieldwork such as focus groups and interviews
  • Rigorously analyzing qualitative data, including survey responses, interview and focus group transcripts, and primary and secondary documents
  • Collecting, cleaning, and analyzing quantitative data to support research findings and project goals
• Crafting clear, influential, written publications, such as reports, briefs, and blogs
• Managing the planning and execution of webinars and other events related to research publications.

Project Management (45%):

• Serve as the primary liaison between California Competes, external researchers, policy advocacy partners, and consultants, building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships
• Project manage a multi-year, multi-stakeholder research and policy initiative, including developing project timelines, tracking deliverables, and ensuring deadlines are met
• Manage the intake, coordination, and quality control of work from external partners, ensuring deliverables are ready for review and approval
• Work closely with the Senior Researcher to plan and execute Higher Ed RISE convenings and events, including content and theme development, venue selection, logistical planning, scheduling, and post-event follow-up, as well as providing research meeting and event support such as drafting agendas, preparing materials and PowerPoint slides, taking notes, and managing follow-up.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including scopes of work, budgets, agreements, schedules, and consolidated progress reports for leadership and funders
• Collaborate with the operations staff to manage contracts and payments, serving as the primary point of contact for external researchers, consultants, and contractors

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, intellectually curious researcher who excels at managing complex projects and building collaborative relationships. This person should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-standards environment that centers equity and occasionally requires rapid response to emergent needs.

Required qualifications

• Doctorate in education, public policy, public administration, sociology, political science, or a closely related field with strong research training
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to track multiple external projects simultaneously
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for working effectively with diverse partners including researchers, policymakers, consultants, and community partners
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with initiative
• Openness to feedback and willingness to offer your perspective
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice
• Proficiency with project management tools (we use Asana), data analysis software, Google Suite, and participating in video meetings

Preferred qualifications

• Publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals and presenting research at academic conferences
• Experience managing research projects, grants, or multi-partner initiatives
• Training and experience conducting rigorous quantitative research, particularly analyses using large-scale survey data
• Demonstrated experience and interest in California’s higher education system
• Experience with event planning and convening facilitation

Compensation

• Job level salary range: $100,000-$125,000 (offers typically fall between the minimum and midpoint, commensurate with experience).
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental benefits; voluntary 403(b) plan and vision benefits.
• A minimum of 10 vacation days (increases with time at organization), plus 14 company-observed holidays and two floating holidays, sick leave, and winter office closure.

Application Process

To apply, please fill out the application using BambooHR and include a résumé, cover letter, and writing sample. Priority review of applications will begin on Monday, November 24, 2025. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

If you have any questions, please contact careers@californiacompetes.org.

California Competes is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.