What You’ll Do

The Specialist, Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research (SPIR) will contribute to advancing student success and equity in higher education. This role involves research and evaluation of multiple initiatives that drive state- and system-wide goals, while fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. The position is primarily remote with some travel required.

• Support the planning, design, and implementation of research and evaluation initiatives that advance student success, equity, and Success Center strategic priorities.
• Collect, clean, validate, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from internal and external sources.
• Independently conduct quantitative analysis using tools such as Stata and support the construction and analysis of large datasets, including COMIS, IPEDS, Census, and other publicly available data using SQL and Stata.
• Prepare and analyze qualitative data using methods and tools such as ti, ensuring data quality, consistency, and accuracy throughout the research process.
• Conduct literature reviews, background policy research, and other secondary research to support research projects, evaluations, proposals, and concept papers.
• Develop research briefs, reports, data visualizations, figures, tables, and presentations that translate complex findings into actionable policy and practice recommendations.
• Provide research and data expertise to SPIR and other Success Center teams and collaborate with external partners to support effective implementation of research and evaluation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain project plans, track deliverables, milestones, and outcomes, and use tools such as Asana to keep multiple workstreams organized and on schedule.
• Coordinate project meetings, activities, and deliverables across internal teams and external partners, helping ensure strong communication and alignment throughout implementation.

Attributes for Success

• Minimum of three (3) years of related work experience in research, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and/or project management.
• Experience working within higher education systems and structures, including working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience conducting research, writing in-depth reports in a professional setting, and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Preferred: Experience in higher education reform, systems change, or nonprofit/public sector environments.
• Proven research and evaluation skills, with expertise in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and the ability to design, implement, and monitor research projects and reporting approaches.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to clean, analyze, and interpret large, complex data sets using software, data analysis software such as Stata, R, SQL and/or Atlas.ti to develop evidence-based recommendations, inform decision-making, and support research and policy objectives.
• Working knowledge of the California Community Colleges system and higher education landscape, including policies, programs, data, and emerging issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional, and audience-appropriate reports, briefs, proposals, and presentations.
• We’re recruiting for mission-driven, passionate, equity-minded individuals with a strong desire to impact and change people’s lives for the better
• Our work holds great weight and responsibility, and the opportunity to impact the lives of millions
• Innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship are encouraged as employees work to achieve organizational goals
• FoundationCCC blends the impact of a non-profit, the culture of an entrepreneurial start-up, and the scale of a state agency
• Team members are hired for their expertise in niche areas across our areas of impact and higher education overall, and for their knowledge of business, philanthropy, technology, communications, and more
• We have a commitment to professional development and an emphasis on shared leadership, to ensure growth for employees and the organization overall

The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the mission of the California Community Colleges, the largest system of higher education in the nation. As the official nonprofit auxiliary to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, FoundationCCC works to strengthen educational opportunities, remove barriers to student success, and create pathways to economic mobility for students and communities throughout California.

Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and statewide initiatives, FoundationCCC supports California's community colleges in expanding access to education, improving student outcomes, and preparing a skilled and diverse workforce. The organization collaborates with community colleges, government agencies, employers, philanthropic organizations, and community partners to develop and implement solutions that address critical challenges in education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.

FoundationCCC's work spans a broad range of areas, including student success, workforce development, career education, technology solutions, equity, research, policy innovation, and community engagement. Its programs help students access essential resources, connect education with meaningful career opportunities, and navigate pathways toward academic and professional achievement. The organization also provides operational, administrative, and technical support to statewide initiatives that benefit students, educators, employers, and communities.

With a commitment to equity, collaboration, innovation, and shared leadership, FoundationCCC strives to create lasting, positive change across California's higher education landscape. By bringing together public and private partners, leveraging resources, and developing scalable solutions, the organization helps community colleges respond to evolving student needs and workforce demands.

At its core, FoundationCCC believes that education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and create a more equitable and prosperous California. Through its statewide reach and mission-driven approach, the organization continues to expand opportunities for students, support institutional success, and contribute to California's long-term economic and social well-being.

What we Offer

FoundationCCC is fully committed to a “remote-first” philosophy, and recruits and hires talent across the state in fully remote positions, where virtual work is possible. Our headquarters are located in Downtown Sacramento, just blocks from California’s State Capitol.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, generous PTO, holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Wellness offerings
• CalPERS retirement program and optional 403(b) and 457 Retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@foundationccc.org.