Reports to:

Strategic Information and Planning Manager

Department:

Strategic Information and Planning

Employment Status and Work Schedule

Exempt, full-time position, 40 hours per work week.  Some evening and weekend hours required.

Position Summary:

The Strategic Information and Planning Department is responsible for collecting and analyzing information to improve First 5 Contra Costa’s work, evaluate its impact, and seek ways to expand upon it through advocacy and partnerships. The Research Analyst will provide critical support to the Strategic Information and Planning (SIP) manager as well as to First 5 Contra Costa program officers and First 5 leadership. The role requires experience with research, data systems, and social services, as well as a helpful disposition, a high degree of professionalism, and the willingness to learn and adjust to change.

Standard Functions and Responsibilities:

Evaluation, data analysis, and research 

·       Provides evaluation, research, measurement and data analysis findings and other information in writing and verbally to staff; presents learning to targeted internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.

·       Conducts background research on issues relevant to early childhood development, policy, systems change, and place-based initiatives, under the supervision of the Manager.

·       Conducts general logistical work to support all assigned research and evaluation activities.

·       Promotes a culture of strategic learning and knowledge sharing internally and externally.

·       Summarizes research reports, evaluation findings, and other sources of information when required.

·       Leads the coordination and compilation of required data elements from a variety of internal sources to submit an annual report to First 5 California.

·       Compiles and synthesizes information to assist with defining programmatic goals and identify emerging issues.

·       Supervises contractors and consultants, as needed.

Internal consulting to staff on program evaluation, measurement, research, and select data projects

·       Provides internal consulting to staff on measurement and evaluation topics as appropriate.

·       Collaborates with staff to develop and refine tools for monitoring progress of strategies, initiatives, and projects. Makes recommendations supporting program and operational refinement and improvement.

·       Leads efforts to proactively identify all measurement issues and provides recommendations about how First 5 Contra Costa should measure its impact.

·       Collaborates with program officers and the SIP Department to recommend measurement approaches for grantee and partner engagement.

·       Collaborates with the Database Coordinator on issues related to data collection and data fidelity.

·       Responds in a timely manner to data-related questions and technical assistance requests from staff and contractors.

·       Manages multiple projects and makes independent decisions.

Synthesis and sharing of information with internal and external stakeholders

·       Facilitates and participates in internal and external meetings and discussions that allow for evaluation findings and information about Contra Costa families to be shared across initiatives.

·       Guides and supports the creation of briefs, case studies, and other products that communicate the impact of First 5 programs and the unmet need for children’s services and programs in Contra Costa County.

·       Facilitates and supports staff in effective communication with internal and external audiences, including presentations, meeting materials, etc.

Other responsibilities

·       Supports the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and values a variety of perspectives

·       Represents the department when needed to agencies, Commissioners, community members and others

·       Upholds First 5 policies and procedures

·       Processes and handles confidential information and files with discretion

·       Participates in other agency activities and projects as needed

·       Works independently and also as part of a team in a fast-paced, challenging environment

·       Performs duties such as filing, faxing, copying and mailing materials as needed

·       Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

·       A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, public  administration, social  work, or closely related field, and 5 years in a setting developing and using data for presentations.  A Master’s degree is preferred.

·       A minimum of five years of related experience conducting primary or secondary research and program evaluation

·       Experience working on research and evaluation projects related to children and families issues

·       Experience designing surveys, conducting interviews, designing or implementing evaluations, building data systems or similar activities

·       Experience analyzing large data sets, such as the Current Population Survey, American Community Survey, California Health Interview Survey or similar

·       Ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing, in varied settings and to different audiences

·       Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access)

·       Proficiency using SPSS, SAS, STATA or other statistical software

·       Ability to use widely supported internet browsers

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team with diverse populations and groups

·       Work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team

·       Strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize work, communicate with supervisor about work challenges, meet critical deadlines, and have great attention to detail with excellent follow through

·       Demonstrated ability to contribute toward a positive work environment

·       Produces high quality work in a time-efficient manner; senses what will help/hinder accomplishing a goal

·       Some evening and weekend hours required

·       Valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance

Preferred:

·       Experience working with early education, human services providers and administrators, and/or non-profit staff

·       Familiarity with data visualization and mapping software (such as Tableau) and/or GIS software (ArcMap)

·       Knowledge of Contra Costa County

·       Ability to speak a second language, Spanish preferred

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and expectations required of the position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary is commensurate with experience.  First 5 Contra Costa offers a comprehensive benefits package.

About First 5 Contra Costa

First 5 Contra Costa helps young children grow up healthy and ready to learn during the most important time in their development. We have nearly 20 years of experience funding innovative programs and advocating for policies that produce better futures for our children. Since our inception, First 5 Contra Costa has invested more than $140 million in Prop. 10 revenues to programs and services that help Contra Costa’s children get the best start in life. Learn more at first5coco.org.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief letter of introduction that summarizes why you are ideally suited to this position. 

Electronic submissions should include Evaluation and Research Analyst in the subject line and be sent to [email protected].  Or mailed to First 5 Contra Costa, Human Resources, 1485 Civic Court, Suite 1200, Concord, CA 94520.  

Incomplete submissions will not be considered. The position will remain open until filled.

First 5 Contra Costa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.