Research Data Manager

Job Description and Duties

• Under direction of the Workforce Data Officer, the Research Data Manager is responsible for leading core research and data operations for the organization, overseeing data collection, validation, integration, analysis, and dissemination across multiple program areas. This role manages a portfolio of research and data projects, directs a multidisciplinary team, and ensures high-quality, accurate, and timely data products that support enforcement activities, reporting, and strategic decision-making. The Research Data Manager serves as a key advisor on survey methodology, statistical analysis, and data-driven insights, collaborating closely with internal partners and external stakeholders to strengthen data infrastructure, improve program effectiveness, and advance organizational goals. The role also oversees implementation of data governance, modernizes data systems and workflows, and leads development of tools, methods, and standards that improve data quality, accessibility, and security.
• In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction. This position will be located in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside, Fresno or Bakersfield, depending on the location of the selected candidate.
• You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH DATA MANAGER

Additional Documents

Department Information

Application Instructions

• Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
• Who May Apply
• How To Apply
• Address for Mailing Application Packages
• You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
• Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
• You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
• Required Application Package Documents
• The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Candidates are required to complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard State application. Only candidates who submit all required documents by the final filing date will be considered. Resumes or cover letters DO NOT take the place of the SOQ. Applications without the SOQ will not be considered. Please see the SOQ instructions below for content and formatting information.

Desirable Qualifications

• PhD and/or Master’s Degree in a quantitative field, or equivalent applied experience demonstrating a track record of designing, launching, and managing end-to-end data collection pipelines or operational programs.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in research, survey methodology, or data operations, with at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency with R and Python languages for statistical analysis and data processing.
• Familiarity with Salesforce databases and data visualization tools.
• Strong project management, strategic planning, team leadership, and data governance expertise.
• Excellent communication skills.

Benefits

• There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:
• Pension through CALPERS
• Medical Benefits, including health , dental , and vision insurance
• Medical benefits into retirement
• Deferred Compensation options: 401k and 457b
• Leave benefit options (Vacation/Sick or Annual Leave)
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• ScholarShare (College Saving Account)
• School Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Contact Information

Additional Application Instructions

• Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
• All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD 678:
• “To” and “From” dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).
• Transcripts: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcript for verification. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. Foreign transcripts must include official verification of U.S. equivalency prior to appointment by an organization found here .
• Personally Identifiable Information: Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Statement of Qualifications Instructions

• A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Applications packets received without an SOQ will not be considered. The SOQ is a narrative description of how an applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities meet the qualifications for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of an applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Your responses to the SOQ questions below should be no more than four (4) pages in length, single spaced, and 12-point Arial font.
• Statement of Qualifications Questions
• 1. Describe your education, training, skills, and experiences that qualify you to manage end-to-end program operations for a statewide mandatory annual data collection of workforce demographic data from large employers.
• 2. Describe your approach to establishing data quality frameworks for data collection programs to ensure data quality and maximize data utility.
• 3. Describe your training and experience designing and implementing data governance frameworks that ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and privacy standards. Include in your response specific advanced statistical methods or privacy-preserving techniques you have used to protect sensitive workforce data while maintaining its analytic utility for reporting.
• 4. Describe your approach to translating complex program data into strategic insights and high-quality information for executive leadership, policymakers, and the public. Include in your response specific examples of how you synthesize and report data to drive organizational policy or inform strategic decision-making.
• 5. Describe your leadership and management philosophy regarding team structure, talent development, and capacity building. How have you optimized resources, built staff technical capacity, and fostered accountability to meet high performance standards under strict timelines?

Equal Opportunity Employer