Senior Research Analyst

Working Title: Senior Research Analyst

Classification Title: Institutional Research Analyst IV

Posting Details

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): February 15, 2026 @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

The Senior Research Analyst serves as a technical expert supporting Institutional Research & University Reporting by designing, developing, managing, and implementing research and analytical projects that inform institutional planning, effectiveness, accreditation, and compliance. The position is responsible for conducting complex analyses, building dashboards, managing institutional datasets, and ensuring the timely submission of reports to internal and external stakeholders.

In addition to reports and dashboards for campus use, the incumbent also contributes to the preparation and dissemination of research findings for professional presentations, conferences, and other scholarly or systemwide venues, representing Sacramento State as a subject matter expert ensuring research efforts are visible and aligned with CSU and national best practices.

This role contributes to advancing a culture of evidence-based decision-making by producing strategic data-informed insights, promoting data literacy, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across campus.

FLSA: Exempt (not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $8,256 per month (Step 14) - $9,297 per month (Step 20)

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,382 per month (Step 1) - $9,297 per month (Step 20)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range: 1

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Pay Plan: 12 months

Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; other hours as required.

Telecommuting Options

Hybrid work flexibility is available, on an opt-in basis.

Please visit the following webpage for more information on the CSU Telecommuting Program: https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/telecommuting-program.html

Department Information

Who is IRT?

Information Resources & Technology (IRT) partners with faculty, staff, and students to provide essential information technology services that support mission critical activities and innovative technology solutions that facilitate the accomplishment of strategic campus goals at Sacramento State.

www.csus.edu/irt

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and implementing research and analytical projects of significant scope and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience generating and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, including statistical and data science skills.
• Demonstrated experience in institutional research, assessment and/or data analytics/business intelligence offices
• Experience with compliance and accreditation-related reporting (e.g., ERS, IPEDS, CSU, or equivalent).
• Ability to design and apply predictive, inferential, and scenario modeling techniques to support decision-making, enrollment planning, program evaluation, and institutional effectiveness.
• Proficiency in data visualization and dashboard development (e.g., Tableau, QuickSight, Cognos).
• Experience with database management and query tools (e.g., SQL, PeopleSoft, Campus Data Warehouse).
• Proficiency with statistical software (SPSS, SAS, Stata, and/or R) and ability to apply descriptive and inferential methods (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression).
• Knowledge of survey and evaluation research methods and ability to design, administer, and analyze surveys to assess institutional and program effectiveness.
• Expert written and oral communication skills, including ability to present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to document research and analysis processes for replication, troubleshooting, and continuity.
• Collaborative approach to projects; ability to provide cross-training and promote data literacy among colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in data practices.

Condition of Employment

• Ability to complete the background check process

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social science, education, public policy, statistics, data science/data analytics, or a related field.
• Five or more years of professional experience in higher education research, data analysis, or institutional effectiveness.
• Experience managing complex datasets and automating tasks through programming/scripting.
• Experience supporting accreditation processes, compliance, and mandated reporting.
• Knowledge of enrollment management analytics, scheduling, and course demand modeling.
• Strong project management skills including planning, scheduling, and coordination.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

For full posting details, please visit the direct link to apply.