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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Senior Research and Data Analyst - RA4

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Salem, Oregon, us, 97308

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Initial Posting Date:

01/07/2026

Application Deadline:

01/20/2026

Agency:

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

Salary Range:

$6,121 - $9,368

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Senior Research and Data Analyst - RA4

Job Description:

Senior Research and Data Analyst

Research Analyst 4 – RA4

FT/Perm

Office of Research & Data

Salem, Oregon

REQ - 193359

Do you enjoy leading data analyses and research studies? Join the Oregon Longitudinal Data Collaborative, an inter‑agency state longitudinal data system, as a Research Analyst 4.

Why Join Us The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) envisions a future where all people benefit from the economic, civic, and cultural impact of high-quality postsecondary education, training, and workforce development. Come work with a team that values equity, collaboration and empathy within beautiful Salem, Oregon!

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference… for a lifetime!

Benefits

Competitive medical, vision and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members.

Opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation savings program.

A fabulous retirement program. Click here to visit our full benefits website.

Work‑life balance!

11 paid holidays per year.

3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year.

8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month.

Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 10 hours per month, with increases every 5 years.

Hybrid remote work options.

What You Will Be Doing You will primarily be responsible for leading data analyses and research for the Oregon Longitudinal Data Collaborative (OLDC), an inter‑agency state longitudinal data system. This includes the collection and governance of data, the validation and rigorous analysis of data, the design and production of objective research based on data, and the development of new processes for data collection, validation, and analysis. The position has two main roles. First, design and complete research and reporting, both ad‑hoc and long‑term, by analyzing data and preparing research studies and products (e.g., dashboards) for the OLDC Executive Governance Committee, data partner agencies, the Legislature, other state and federal agencies, postsecondary institutions, and other external partners. Second, in partnership with the OLDC director, collaborate with external and internal partners, including other members of the OLDC team, to develop new policies and new products that expand and improve OLDC’s research and data across educational and workforce sectors as the agency adds new collections and reports. This includes coordination with interested parties and presenting to legislature, task forces, and agency staff.

The Work at a Glance

Lead the design and execution of complex research and data analysis projects that inform education and workforce policy.

Develop and apply rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including sampling strategies, statistical modeling, and equity‑centered approaches.

Work with large‑scale administrative datasets from multiple systems, ensuring data integration, validation, and methodological transparency.

Use statistical programming tools (e.g., R, Python, SQL, Stata) to clean, transform, and analyze data for policy‑relevant insights.

Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences, including policymakers, agency leadership, institutions, and the public.

Develop policy briefs, technical reports, presentations, and interactive dashboards that support decision‑making and public understanding.

Build and maintain partnerships with state agencies, institutions, and community organizations to strengthen data access, research quality, and policy relevance.

Consult regularly with agency leadership to identify needs for new research and data products.

Coordinate with other agencies, national data sources, and external groups as necessary to answer research questions.

This is a full‑time, permanent position headquartered at HECC’s Salem Office and is Management Non‑Supervisory. A valid driver’s license or acceptable alternative transportation is required to attend training and meetings. In‑state hybrid work is available, with a one‑day in‑office expectation.

For a complete list of duties and working conditions, please contact the recruiter for the position description.

What We Need (Minimum Qualifications)

A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline that included six‑quarter units in statistics or quantitative analysis methods and procedures, and three years of experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports. Two of the three years must have included coordinating complex research projects.

Five years of research experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports. Two of the five years must have included coordinating complex research projects.

Desired Attributes/Skills

An advanced degree in a field relevant to education or workforce research and policy.

Master’s or PhD in data science, economics, sociology, statistics, or related discipline that provides knowledge about public K‑12 education, postsecondary education, or workforce policies and related research.

Demonstrated experience leading independent research projects related to public policy.

Expertise designing and executing research projects that address complex public policy issues.

Demonstrated experience communicating research findings to diverse audiences.

Experience translating complex data and policy analysis into clear, actionable insights to various audiences including policymakers, community organizations, and the public.

Experience applying equity lens to data and research.

Demonstrated understanding of how research and data systems reflect structural inequities and ability to design research that advances equity and inclusion.

Experience leading and facilitating engagement with external partners.

Ability to independently manage complex research initiatives, coordinate across teams, and build relationships with external participants and interested parties (e.g., government staff, community organizations) to advance research that improves public policy and programs.

Proficiency in statistical analysis of administrative and integrated data sets.

Expertise in using and linking administrative data from multiple sources, including cleaning, transforming, and analyzing data and developing interactive dashboards to inform policy decisions. Preferred statistical programming languages are R, Python, SQL, or Stata.

If you have some of the skills listed and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply!

Equitable Recruiting The HECC strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of these positions, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a non‑traditional background.

How to Apply Current State of Oregon Employees:

State Employees Apply for Jobs Guide

External Candidates:

Application Guide for External Applicants

Application Materials:

The hiring manager has requested the following materials be included with your application:

Resume

Cover letter - no more than two pages and clearly demonstrates how your education and work experience meet the desired attributes of this position.

Help Your Application Rise to the Top!

Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience, making you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be screened for completeness, consistency, and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.).

Need help?

For questions about the recruitment and selection process, or to request an alternate format, please contact the recruiter: Jenny Chadwick, Jenny.Chadwick@hecc.oregon.gov / (971) 372-1275.

Fine Print Salary Range:

The range listed is the Non‑PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.

Future Vacancies:

We may use the candidates from this posting to fill future vacancies, including vacancies in similar classifications and salary ranges.

Criminal Records Check:

Employment is contingent on the outcome of a criminal records check which may require fingerprints (FBI). Any history of criminal activity will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Veterans:

If you are a veteran you may receive preference. A request will be sent to your applicant inbox to submit your veteran’s DD214 form. Click here for more information about veterans’ preference.

Visa Sponsorship:

We do not offer visa sponsorships. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form, and HECC will use E‑Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Equitable Recruiting:

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the initial application. Transcripts may be requested of top candidates for verification prior to offer.

The HECC is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HECC does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.

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