Research Analyst

The State of CT, Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is recruiting for a full-time Research Analyst to meet the complex data research and analysis requirements arising from the state’s litigation demands and substantial integration programming. In the Greater Hartford Region, the state manages a comprehensive program of voluntary integration choice options pursuant to the Sheff v. O’Neill case that serve the educational interests of over 20,000 students. As part of that program, the Office of Strategic Planning is responsible for policy and financial development of one of the most comprehensive and intricate processes in the country aimed at adhering to state and federal law, as well as judicial order.

The CSDE’s oversight extends beyond the Greater Hartford Region to the entire state through its school choice programs.  The Research Analyst position will provide extensive research and data support to manage the state’s complex school choice system and meet the demands of discovery and other litigation-related analyses arising from the Sheff case and other federal and state matters. The position will analyze enrollment statistics, regional demographics, school choice lottery simulations, and other data driven research to respond to litigation demands, meet federal and state legal requirements, and support agency policy as promulgated by the Office of Strategic Planning.

To give context to these analyses and inform the CSDE’s work, the position will research other states’ integration initiatives and recent trends in desegregation efforts. In addition to various legal proceedings and federal and state laws, the position will provide research and data support to operate the choice lottery placement process, evaluate compliance with Sheff mandates, manage protocols, analyze enrollment patterns, produce data reports, and assess statistical trends. This position may require travel.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, the Bureau of Human Resources is unable to provide confirmation of receipt and/or the status of applications during the recruitment process.  Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.  Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.  For all other inquires, please contact Debra Paradis at debra.paradis@ct.gov. 

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in research design and implementation.

Develops and implements formal research projects and assists in these activities on more comprehensive and complex research assignments; analyzes, interprets and prepares data in a variety of ways; prepares narrative and statistical reports; develops computerized databases and analyzes and interprets computer generated reports; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of research methods and techniques; knowledge of statistics; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze data; ability to develop programs and use prepackaged computer programs to perform data analysis; ability to understand agency related policies and procedures as they relate to research.

Six (6) years of professional experience in research, data analysis or economics.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in economics, statistics or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

The preferred candidate will work effectively in a team and demonstrate strong initiative and creativity in advancing the state’s integration initiatives.  The preferred candidate will possess the following qualifications:
• A four-year Bachelor’s degree with a major in economics, statistics or a closely related field;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• At least 5 years experience creating data visualizations, statistical analysis and data reports;
• At least 5 years extensive experience with Excel, Access, SAS tools and other spreadsheet/database systems;
• At least 5 years experience translating data results into actionable plans for policy making and educational programming;
• At least 5 years of experience manipulating large data sets and reporting readable outcomes;
• Demonstrated knowledge of research methods and techniques;
• Ability to manage a large volume of work and prioritize effectively to achieve results in a set timeframe;
• At least 5 years experience creating and running ad-hoc queries using Excel, Access, and other spreadsheet/database systems;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Background in educational assessment (e.g., summative, formative) with a special emphasis on the technical aspect of large scale assessments;
• Experience in interpreting results from complex data analyses and making them understandable to a diverse audiences;
• Quick learner with the demonstrated ability to multi-task.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.