Research Data Specialist I

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is seeking a Research Data Specialist I (RDS I). In this role, you will help CSAC and its stakeholders to use data to improve financial aid for California students.

As a RDS I on the Data, Analysis and Research Team, you will conduct research and quantitative analysis. You will also serve as the point of contact for the analysis of program-level data for the Workforce Pell program and respond to both internal and external data requests regarding the Workforce Pell program. You will assess proposed legislative changes and model impacts to program administration and agency resources and will interact directly with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will use your expertise to provide technical guidance and to answer questions with data to support the development of new programs and policies., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, This position may also be expected to report to the Downtown Sacramento location at 1102 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

• Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
• Work in a climate-controlled office environment, open office space with artificial lighting.
• Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel to off-site locations.
• Current residency in the State of California is required. This position’s location is designated in Rancho Cordova, CA and may be eligible for hybrid teleworking. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on the CSAC’s current telework policy. While CSAC supports telework, regular in-person attendance will be required at CSAC’s Rancho Cordova location based on operational needs. Teleworking from outside the State of California is strictly prohibited., The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross-functional teams.

The Research, Analysis, Program Innovation Division (RAPID) is responsible for leveraging actionable data for program implementation, evaluation and innovation.

Within RAPID, the Data, Analysis, and Research Team (DART) is responsible for data management and reporting, research and special studies, Cal Grant projections, statistical analysis, and legislatively mandated reports. The staff is annually responsible for the development of the Cal Grant projections, income and asset ceilings, and Student Expense Budgets. The Specialized Programs Unit exists to support the Commission’s stakeholders through customer service and operations. The Specialized Programs Unit focuses on the service of internal and external customers through training, operations, customer service, and project work around institution issues and specialized programs. Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/

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. Final Filing Date: 10/26/2026

Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s)., * On the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) enter the Position Number, Position Title, and the Job Control Number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” Section.

• “To” and “From” dates (Month/Day/Year) and total hours worked per week for all employment history listed on the STD. 678.
• Name, address, and phone numbers of current and former employers and supervisors.
• “To” and “From” dates (Month/Day/Year) on the resume (if applicable).
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification held (not working titles)
• All required documents listed in the “Required Application Documents” section.
• If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.
• If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must also submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit this website https://www.naces.org/ to find organizations that provide these services.

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.

Failure to provide the information listed above may disqualify you from consideration for this recruitment.

Resumes, Cover Letters, etc. DO NOT replace the required Examination/Employment Application (Std. 678).

In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, and have experience with SQL query language, data visualization software such as Tableau, and/or statistical software such as SAS, STATA, R, or SPSS.
• Think critically and creatively while working with and analyzing large datasets.
• Familiar with the Commission’s financial aid programs and/or California higher education institutions.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and/or financial aid and education research.
• Interact with high-level policy and legislative audiences.
• Reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical techniques to resolve or provide information regarding complex governmental and managerial problems.
• Strong communication skills, including effective presentation skills, written and interpersonal skills.

This position is presently headquartered at, 11120 International Drive, Suite 100

Diversity Statement: Here at CSAC, we want all of our employees to feel respected, valued, appreciated, and equipped to thrive. CSAC encourages employees to work together to fuel the creativity and innovation process necessary to serve our customers well. This commitment fosters an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are honored as we join in a common cause to make college affordable for all California students.