Child Care Policy Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3)

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to announce a permanent opening for a Child Care Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3). Now is your chance to turn data collection into action that will make a difference for Oregon’s children and families. As a Child Care Research Analyst, you will combine data engineering, research, and storytelling to help shape child care policy and improve access, affordability, and quality across Oregon. 

This position will work a hybrid schedule of working both in the office (Salem) and at an alternate location (home). In office work is anticipated as once per month, or as needed.  

About the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC): 

At DELC, we are dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. As the state agency responsible for early learning programs, child care licensing, and family support services, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten. 

We administer state-funded early learning programs, including home visiting and site-based infant, toddler, and preschool services. We also develop coordinated systems through Early Learning Hubs and collaborate with Child Care Resource and Referral organizations to provide training, coaching, and quality improvement opportunities for early learning providers. 

With over 275,000 young children in Oregon, we have a unique opportunity to transform early childhood support systems, creating a brighter future for families across the state. Research shows that investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits, and now is your chance to be part of an agency making a lasting impact for generations to come. 

Why Join Our Team? We are passionate about equity in early childhood education. At DELC, we value dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive. We challenge ourselves to lead with courage, refine practices, and drive meaningful change for children and families statewide. 

What We Offer: 

• Comprehensive Benefits: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family, plus optional benefits like life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts. 

• Work-Life Balance: 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 1 special day, monthly sick leave, and vacation accruals that increase every 5 years. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential federal loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments. 

• Inclusive Culture: A diverse, welcoming workplace committed to equity and continuous improvement. Click on the following link to learn more about what it’s like to work at DELC. 

Our Commitment to Equity: Equity is at the heart of our mission. We strive to remove barriers, foster inclusiveness, and create meaningful change for underrepresented communities. Our goal is to ensure all DELC employees, child care providers and the children and families we support thrive. If you are ready to make a difference and help shape Oregon’s future, we would love to have you on our team! 

What you will do: 

As a Child Care Research Analyst, you will use data, research, and technology to help inform Oregon’s child care policies and programs. You will design and maintain data pipelines and analytical datasets, conduct research and statistical analysis, develop Power BI dashboards and reports, and ensure the quality, security, and appropriate use of child care data. This position also collaborates with state agencies, research partners, and internal program teams to collect and transform data, translate findings into actionable policy recommendations, and communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. 

To view a complete job description, click here 

What we are looking for (minimum qualifications): 

• A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline that included six-quarter units in statistics or quantitative analysis methods and procedures, and one year experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports; 
  OR 

• Four years of research experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare narrative or statistical reports. 

In addition, we are looking for applicants that have the following Desired Attributes (requested skills): 

• Experience designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and transformation workflows, including experience with Snowflake, SQL, Git/version control, or equivalent data environments. 

• Experience analyzing complex datasets and using quantitative and qualitative methods to identify trends, patterns, relationships, and findings that answer program, research, or policy questions. 

• Experience applying data and research findings to inform policy recommendations, program decisions, regulations, requirements, or improvements, particularly in complex public-sector environments. 

• Experience designing, building, and documenting dashboards, reports, and graphical representations of data using Power BI, Excel, Visio, or equivalent tools. 

• Experience validating data, identifying and resolving data quality issues, and developing and documenting workflows, procedures, data processes, and methodologies. 

• Experience communicating professionally and effectively, orally and in writing, with a variety of audiences; explaining complex information; answering questions; and appropriately handling confidential or sensitive information. 

• Experience working effectively with technical and program staff, external partners, other agencies, or organizations to coordinate data, resolve issues, and achieve shared objectives. 

• Experience managing multiple projects, competing priorities, technical deliverables, and external policy-driven deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality. 

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as bilingual/multicultural individuals, are encouraged to apply. 

To Apply: 

The screening of candidates will be based on a review of an attached resume (limit to two pages). While a cover letter is not required, it is highly encouraged. If you submit a cover letter, please tailor it to the position and address your experience with the desired attributes listed above. Candidates whose backgrounds most closely match the desired attributes and experience section as outlined in this announcement will be invited to interview. For helpful tips on putting together your application materials and interviewing, visit our Resources for Job Seekers page. Please do not attach transcripts or letters of recommendation to your application, only a resume and cover letter will be reviewed. If additional information is needed, we will follow up.  

Additional Information: 

This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.