STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Research Analyst

Recruitment #220824-6855AR-001

Introduction

About Us
At the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM), we report directly to the Governor and provide information and analysis that the Governor uses to formulate public policy for the state. We also assist state agencies and municipalities in implementing the law and public policy on behalf of the people of Connecticut. We prepare the Governor’s budget proposals; implement and monitor the execution of the enacted budget; and oversee the executive branch agencies that report to the Governor.

The Data and Policy Analytics Unit (DAPA) was established to serve as a resource for data analysis and data-related projects at the Office of Policy and Management. The DAPA unit directs and manages activities related to the collection, analysis, sharing, coordination and dissemination of data and is responsible for the development and implementation of the State Data Plan, the Open Data Portal, administration of P20 WIN, the State’s integrated data system and development of the State’s GIS Office for geospatial data. The use of data across agencies facilitates a system-wide perspective and is a critical component of Governor Lamont’s statewide performance and results agenda to implement a data-driven and informed policy agenda in state government that is user-friendly, cost-effective, data-informed, and results-driven.

The Role
This opportunity will involve working as a Research Analyst involved with implementing plans to develop an Evaluation and Impact unit for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The unit will be responsible for coordinating evaluation and evidence-building for investments through ARPA, working closely with state agencies, subrecipients and applied researchers and evaluators. The unit will help to develop evaluation plans and to coordinate access to state data resources and will focus on providing ‘hands-on’ support and guidance to recipients of funds and assist in collecting and synthesizing evidence for reporting and communications.  The RA will assist in developing and implementing the work of the unit. In addition, the RA may work on other related initiatives to improve government efficiency and effectiveness. 

This is a full time (40 hours per week) position located in Hartford, CT.  

It is anticipated that this position will be established for at least twenty-four (24) months and may be extended as warranted.  

We offer a competitive benefits package, excellent health care, generous leave policies, retirement plan, and more!  We also encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees!

Interested in becoming a state employee?  Watch the video below to learn more:

Selection Plan

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

Please ensure your application is complete prior to submission.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applicants to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. 

Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

Any questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: opm.recruitment@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Develop materials and tools (such as: web portals, data stories, reports) for public transparency on impact of ARPA investments;
  • Develop procedures to collect and synthesize results and indicators from ARPA evaluations and reporting;
  • Prepare narrative and analytical reports and datasets related to the impact of ARPA investments;
  • Provide technical assistance to state agencies and subrecipients to develop high-quality plans for evaluation and evidence-building, including for community engagement, equitable impact, and development of learning agendas and logic models;
  • Assist OPM Budget Division and agencies as needed in accessing and understanding demographic data to inform distribution of funds as part of Project and Expenditure Report guidance;
  • Serve as liaison and coordinator to provide guidance to subrecipients and applied researchers and evaluators on use of existing state resources to reduce duplication of efforts; and
  • Performs other related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree in computer science or engineering or related field strongly preferred; 
  • Experience developing workflows, templates and standard operating procedures to streamline processes and improve user experience; 
  • Experience developing reports and web applications, familiarity integrating data into web applications;
  • Experience developing business processes and coordinating stakeholder engagement; 
  • Ability to understand, communicate and apply statistical modeling techniques to real-world situations; 
  • Familiarity with agile processes and working in a collaborative environment;
  • Familiarity with scripting, application development and database tools, such as: Git, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, and SQL / MySQL; 
  • Experience developing materials for training and capacity-building, communicating technical concepts clearly and effectively; 
  • Experience in public sector and working with non-profits and a diverse set of stakeholders; and 
  • Experience incorporating ethics and equity into use of data and technology in the public interest.

Conclusion

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.