This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on August 4, 2025.

The starting salary range for this position is $6,180.00-$7,000.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place. Our services integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices into our daily work to promote healing and healthy relationships. Providing approximately 50,000 learning experiences to health and human service and justice system professionals annually, the Academy provides a variety of workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond. With seven programs, three divisions, and over 100 staff, the Academy’s mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities. 

As a member of the Academy team, you will be engaging in communal development of heart, mind, and practice. You are expected to foster culturally responsive practice behaviors to promote well-being and a culture that focuses on healing, healthy relationships, and changed behaviors.

The Academy’s Strategy, Development & Organizational Advancement (SDOA) division leads the strategic development of learning, products, and practices that strengthen our organizational culture and brand identity, nurture organizational health, and support innovation. The division builds responsive and proactive solutions in evaluation, strategy, and systems grounded in data, best practices, and collaborative partnerships.

Under the general direction of the Research Supervisor & SACHS Coordinator, the Research Analyst is responsible for working both independently and collaboratively with Academy staff, as well as county and state partners, to conduct research and to develop, deploy, analyze, and report on statewide surveys. The position also supports the Academy’s Workforce Innovation Program by producing research products that inform the design of curricula, training tools, and related enhancements. This position also works with the Academy’s Workforce Innovation Program’s staff to provide research products that inform the development of curricula, training tools, and enhancements. As a new position within the organization, the position may evolve over time to address emerging needs of the Academy and its external partners.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

This is a 40-hour a week, hybrid, full-time position working M-F from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. and is based on contract funding, subject to annual renewal. The position is subject to intermittent overnight travel and work shifts outside of normal business hours, including weekends and evenings. This position is based in California with a regular on-site work location at the Academy for Professional Excellence’s San Diego office. 

Note: Some duties may include working with and/or exposure to sensitive/traumatic topics or material dealing with child abuse, abuse against older adults, and adults with disabilities, and/or issues and scenarios related to mental health, substance use, or racism.

The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant-funded and serves as an auxiliary to the University. The Academy is based near, but not on campus, and does not have direct responsibilities for working with or teaching college students.

The Academy is currently working to update employee classifications. This position may be subject to a future classification change, however, this does not change the role, responsibilities, or compensation of the position.

STATEWIDE WORKGROUP SUPPORT (60%)  

• Participate in the quarterly Statewide Child Welfare Workforce Workgroup meetings to provide subject matter expertise and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Engage in three Statewide Child Welfare Workforce Ad Hoc Workgroups (Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Data), attending monthly meetings to inform and support collaborative initiatives.
• Conduct research and provide analytical support to inform survey development and advance workgroup objectives.
• Foster and maintain effective relationships with state-level stakeholders, demonstrating political acumen, professionalism, and clear, strategic communication (both written and verbal).
• Design and develop survey instruments for each Ad Hoc Workgroup, in collaboration with workgroup members and key stakeholders.
• Oversee survey administration, including distribution and data collection, using Qualtrics software.
• Analyze survey data, synthesize key findings, and prepare summary reports tailored to each respective State workgroup.
• Collaborate with internal teams by participating in meetings and training within the Academy for Professional Excellence; the Strategy, Development & Organizational Advancement (SDOA) division, and the Workforce Innovations Program.

RESEARCH (35%)  

• Support the Workforce Innovation Program’s Workforce Development Specialists by conducting research on evidence-based practices and preparing literature reviews to inform curriculum development on identified topics.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state and federal best practices in public child welfare, adult learning theory, workforce development, innovation, and implementation science; proactively seek out new developments and emerging research in these areas.
• Engage individuals with lived experience to incorporate their insights into literature reviews and research products, synthesizing these perspectives for use by subject matter experts in curriculum design.
• Collaborate with the Workforce Innovations Project Manager on research efforts that help coordinate, facilitate, and advance statewide workgroups.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED (5%) 

• Perform other duties as assigned, which are in the best interests of the Academy for Professional Excellence.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in team settings and build effective relationships with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise reports and present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
• High level of cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness, promoting inclusive and respectful interactions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Excellent critical thinking and sound judgment skills to analyze information and solve problems effectively.
• Proficiency in interpreting, understanding, and communicating policies, procedures, and technical information.
• Strong research skills, with the ability to investigate current and emerging issues in child welfare services, workforce development, and related fields.
• Experience designing, administering, and analyzing surveys or other data collection instruments.
• Expertise in using office software suites and research tools to support survey development, data management, and administrative functions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing priorities and emerging research needs in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to take ownership of projects, follow through on tasks, and work with minimal supervision.

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
  

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• 5-years of progressively responsible experience performing varied or specialized administrative and analytical duties and/or service as a program administrator.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of applied research experience, including literature reviews, analysis, and reporting

• 2+ years designing/analyzing surveys (Qualtrics preferred)

• Familiarity with child welfare systems and workforce development initiatives

• Tech-savvy

• Proficiency in data visualization tools

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• A background check (including a criminal records check)  and/or Livescan (fingerprint) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with SDSU Research Foundation/KPBS
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer 

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.