South Orange County Community College District logo

Research and Planning Analyst, Categorical

  • $7,931–$11,214 Per Year

Highlights

Effective July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2026, bargaining unit members who retire from the District and the California Public Employees Retirement System ("CalPERS")/California State Teachers' Retirement System ("CalSTRS") concurrently at sixty (60) years of age or older who have been employed by the District for at least ten (10) consecutive years, during which they were health benefit eligible under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement immediately prior to retirement, shall receive the same District contribution as provided active bargaining unit members under the collective bargaining agreement, toward health benefits specified under the collective bargaining agreement, excluding long term disability and life insurance, the legal assistance program and long term care insurance, until age sixty-five (65) or until the bargaining unit member becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever is sooner. Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Numbers & Facts

LocationIrvine, CA
IndustryEducation
Salary$7,931–$11,214 Per Year
Company Size2,500 to 4,999 employees
Year Founded1967
Websitehttps://www.socccd.edu/

Description

Research and Planning Analyst, Categorical

Salary

$7,931.00 - $11,214.00 Monthly

Location

Irvine Valley College - Irvine, CA

Job Type

IVC - Staff (Full-Time)

Job Number

202400790

Office, Division, or School

IVC - Research, Planning, and Accreditation

Opening Date

08/04/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Culture of Care:

At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect.

Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact. We are seeking collaborative professionals committed to supporting students, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive workplace. Every employee helps shape a Caring District-one where students, colleagues, and the broader community feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you are passionate about service and making a positive difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our team.

Application Instructions:

  • Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents - incomplete applications may not be considered.
  • Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.
  • Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.
  • For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.
  • For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.

Description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction from an appropriate level manager or administrator, plans, conducts, and presents research and analysis of institutional data related to the development and assessment of College programs, services, activities, and enrollment patterns; and provides a variety of complex decision-making and planning support to the President of the College or designee.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assist with the implementation of program reviews, College planning activities, accreditation processes, and decision-making processes related to student success and institutional effectiveness.

Coordinate procedures for College enrollment tracking, measurement, and planning; provide research support, including data acquisition and analysis for enrollment management and planning.

Participate in Program Reviews; develop surveys for the College's annual mandatory Program Review process; plan and implement survey schedules; collect, input, and process data from surveys; provide research and technical assistance to programs for the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data in their final reports.

Participate in the analysis, report preparation, and dissemination of information/results related to statistical, demographic, and empirical studies used in College programs and services; consult with College administrators regarding research needs, current studies, results of research, and related matters; edit and review College statistical information for accuracy and conformity to standards.

Develop and implement effective and sound survey instruments as determined by the administration, faculty, or staff for both required and investigative data trends analysis; collect and process data; analyze data and present results in comprehensive reports; assist College leadership in accessing student demographic data as well as with data analysis for additional planning purposes.

Participate in the preparation of a variety of reports and external surveys; write or provide technical and editorial assistance in the writing and publishing of special reports and publications; complete surveys as requested/required by external private or public agencies.

Provide the necessary research support to existing grants as required; provide research support for grant applications.

Coordinate with District Information Technology and District Research and Planning Office staff for the development and implementation of an accurate, effective, and useful District information management system.

Coordinate with College leadership for a campus-wide research agenda; edit and review College-related statistical information for accuracy and conformity to standards; assist College leadership with other specific research requirements, including those for accreditation.

Operate computer and peripheral equipment, including the technical aspects of current spreadsheet and database management software; utilize query programs to access mainframe data; download and transfer data as required for various projects.

Create, design, and maintain assigned office website; publish the latest research information on site.

Maintain communication with various external research and planning agencies to ensure the College remains current with the latest trends in research and data acquisition for the community college system.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Standard statistical procedures and research methods, including those related to sampling, projections, significance, and distributions.

Principles and practices used in the development and implementation of survey instruments and techniques.

Data collection and coding methods.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment, including the operating characteristics of personal and mainframe computers, peripherals, and a variety of software applications, including statistical, word processing, advanced spreadsheet, and database management applications.

Principles and procedures of complex data management and reporting.

Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative report preparation.

Principles of business letter writing.

Oral and written communication skills.

Principles, practices, and procedures of record keeping.

Principles and practices used to establish and maintain files and information retrieval systems.

Work organization principles and practices.

English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Methods and techniques used in public relations.

Ability to:

Perform statistical research and analysis work of a specialized nature involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.

Analyze current and historical statistical data and develop sound, logical conclusions and recommendations.

Assist in planning, organizing, and directing complex projects requiring multiple tasks and input from a variety of sources.

Develop and implement a comprehensive research design and methods with specific timelines.

Access, download, consolidate, and analyze data from District information systems.

Compile data and prepare and present administrative, analytical, and technical reports and recommendations.

Understand the organization and operation of the assigned program area as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

Understand, interpret, and apply administrative and office policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.

Operate office equipment, including personal and mainframe computers, peripherals, and supporting applications, including advanced spreadsheet and database management systems used in data analysis, maintenance, and report preparation.

Utilize sophisticated survey development and data processing equipment and software.

Develop and implement online survey tools.

Adapt to changing technologies and learn the functionality of new equipment and systems.

Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.

Work well in team situations and collaborate effectively with diverse groups of people.

Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, academic, socioeconomic, and disability backgrounds of community college students.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, economics, sociology, statistics, or a related field. A master's degree is desirable.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the collection, analysis, reporting, and presentation of research data.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Duties are typically performed at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person and on the telephone with staff and others. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to ensure health and comfort.

Physical:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental Information

Range 138 of the CSEA Salary Schedule

Work schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) - Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the departments needs.

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter and Code Sample

Prompt for Code Sample:

Please provide a sample code file from one of your past projects which you believe highlights your skill level in data management, statistical analysis, or institutional reporting. The code sample can be from any software or language package such as R, Stata, Python, SQL, or other related tools. Pick a sample you can speak to in depth, not necessarily your most polished project.

Project Context & AI Disclosure: At the beginning of your code file (or as a header block in your submission), please include a brief (under 300 words) commentary providing:

  • Project Context: The purpose or goal of the code; the key analytical decisions you made and why; any data quality issues or edge cases you had to handle.
  • AI Disclosure: A brief note on how Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) were utilized in producing or refining this code (e.g., written entirely from scratch without AI, brainstorming the overall approach with AI, written by AI with refinements by you, using AI for debugging specific functions or errors, using AI to build code at each step).

Applications missing the required documents will not be considered.

Hours Per Week: 40

Months: 12

Employment in this position is contingent upon funding by SEA (Student Equity and Achievement)

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access:

The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024.

Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidates values will align with SOCCCD's goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is compliant and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants are evaluated for employment without regard to ethnicity or race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, veteran status, political or organizational affiliation, or any other protected characteristic in compliance with federal and California law.

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

General Information:

For general information about benefits, including eligibility requirements, please visit the benefits webpage on the South Orange County Community College District ("District") website.

Link: https://www.socccd.edu/departments/business-services/employee-benefits

Retiree Benefits:

Faculty (Full-Time)

Present medical, vision, and dental benefits for those retirees who were employed full-time by the District for ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of retirement and who have reached the age of fifty-five (55), and who meet the eligibility requirements described in the collective bargaining agreement, and for the dependents of eligible retirees, shall continue until the retiree reaches the age of Medicare eligibility. The retiree may be eligible for continued benefits after reaching the age of Medicare eligibility.

For more information about retiree benefits, including eligibility requirements, please refer to the applicable collective bargaining agreement on the District website.

Link: https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/contracts-and-salary-schedules

Staff (California School Employees Association ("CSEA"))

Effective July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2026, bargaining unit members who retire from the District and the California Public Employees Retirement System ("CalPERS")/California State Teachers' Retirement System ("CalSTRS") concurrently at sixty (60) years of age or older who have been employed by the District for at least ten (10) consecutive years, during which they were health benefit eligible under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement immediately prior to retirement, shall receive the same District contribution as provided active bargaining unit members under the collective bargaining agreement, toward health benefits specified under the collective bargaining agreement, excluding long term disability and life insurance, the legal assistance program and long term care insurance, until age sixty-five (65) or until the bargaining unit member becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever is sooner.

OR

Effective July 1, 2026, bargaining unit members will receive the District offered medical, vision, and dental benefits for those retirees who retire July 1, 2026, or thereafter, who were employed full-time by the District for ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of retirement and who have reached the age of fifty-five (55), and who meet the requirements described in the collective bargaining agreement. The retiree may be eligible for continued benefits after reaching the age of Medicare eligibility.

For more information about retiree benefits, including eligibility requirements, please refer to the applicable collective bargaining agreement on the District website.

Link: https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/contracts-and-salary-schedules

Management

Medical, dental, and vision benefits in effect in the District at the time of retirement of a management team member shall continue in effect upon the employees retirement for those employees who have been actively employed full-time and receiving full-time benefits by the District for ten (10) consecutive years immediately preceding the date of retirement and who concurrently retire from either CalSTRS and/or CalPERS. The retiree may be eligible for continued benefits after reaching the age of Medicare eligibility.

For more information about retiree benefits, including eligibility requirements, please refer to the applicable board policy and/or administrative regulation on the District website.

Link: https://www.socccd.edu/board-trustees/board-policies

01

Please describe how you have supported diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in your work, and how you anticipate continuing to support these principles in this role.

02

Describe which primary statistical software do you use most frequently (e.g.: R, Stata, SAS, SPSS, Python, None). You can describe multiple software if you have experience with more than one. Briefly rate your experience in your top tools: Standard: I can create summary statistics, tables and graphs. I can perform and interpret standard statistical models (e.g. OLS regressions). Intermediate: I design and execute complex research methodologies such as propensity score matching, time-series forecasting, or multi-level modeling, including checking diagnostics, assumptions, and handling missing data. Advanced: I write complex functions, utilize/debug base code from published packages, or contribute or publish packages (e.g. on GitHub, CRAN, SSC). Example Answer: R - Standard; SAS - Advanced.

03

Describe which primary data management tool do you use most frequently (e.g.: SQL, R, Stata, SAS, SPSS, Python, Other, None). Briefly rate your experience in your top tools: Standard: I can import files or query existing tables; clean and format individual files/tables for analysis. I can construct datasets using drop-down tools (e.g. Argos, MS Access, Data Cubes, Tableau Prep). Intermediate: I can write scripts to clean and combine multiple files or tables, I can write SQL queries in relational databases. Advanced: I routinely build complex data pipelines, handle messy transactional data, write ETL scripts to keep data sources up to date, and optimize query performance. Example Answer: SQL-Intermediate, R-Standard.

Required Question

Employer South Orange County Community College District

Address 28000 Marguerite Parkway

Mission Viejo, California, 92692

Phone (949) 582-4850

Website https://www.socccd.edu/

About Company

South Orange County Community College District encompasses 382 square miles in south Orange County serving over 909,000 residents in 26 communities. We know that higher education is directly linked to quality of life and economic vitality. We have helped generations of families achieve their educational and career goals since 1967.

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