Job Description
Introduction The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is seeking to hire a Lead Research Analyst for the SUCCESS initiative, a program to narrow and ultimately eliminate inequities in college completion for students of color and students from low-income families. The SUCCESS program offers students holistic advising and financial incentives in exchange for full-time enrollment and participation in program activities.
If you are interested in applying, please send a 1-page cover letter and resume as PDF file to Dr. Emily Dow (Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs), care of Victoria Johnson, victoria.johnson3@maryland.gov. The cover letter should highlight relevant qualifications, knowledge, and skills for this position. We will schedule interviews as application materials come in and will continue to accept application materials until the position is filled.
GRADE 16
LOCATION OF POSITION 217 E. Redwood St., 21st Fl, Baltimore, MD 21202
POSITION DUTIES The Lead Research Analyst would work with MHEC staff (including the dedicated SUCCESS Statewide Coordinator) to oversee the management of the data and evaluation protocols for the SUCCESS program at three Maryland community colleges, assist in supporting the colleges throughout the program, develop a longitudinal analysis, and contribute to the program's long-term sustainability assisting with program evaluation throughout the program implementation period (immediately to June 30, 2026). The Lead Researcher will also work closely with the nonprofit research organization MDRC, whose staff will provide training and ongoing support to the researcher.
Term: Immediately - June 30, 2026
Responsibilities (to be conducted in partnership with the Associate Director under the supervision of the Director of Research and Policy Analysis)
- Manage and monitor data reporting (monthly and by semester) with the participating colleges
- Prepare monthly program implementation reports •Highlight patterns or trends in recruitment, enrollment, and achievement. Analyze semester reports and meet with colleges to identify areas of success, areas for improvement
- Revisit and revise benchmarks with colleges
- Meet regularly (at least once a month) with college representatives to discuss the successes, challenges, and solutions to data collection
- Meet regularly (at least 1-2 times a month) with MHEC staff and MDRC staff to discuss reporting requirements and relevant analyses
- Provide relevant and up-to-date data to MHEC staff for decision-making purposes
- Develop and manage the program evaluation processes
- Manage the IRB processes with the participating institutors
- Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis with the colleges, which includes focus groups, surveys and interviews with students, staff and faculty
- Develop the quantitative data design
- Assist in identifying ways to sustain funding through grant research
The position is contractual and will be compensated on an hourly rate (Research Statistician III, Grade 16; see general requirements below). The position will require a 10 hour per week commitment, with the potential to work up to 40 hours per week. The employee will be required to be physically in the office (downtown Baltimore location) for a portion of the working hours with the potential for remote work. This position is grant-funded until June 30, 2026.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: A Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university including a minimum of fifteen credit hours, or the equivalent, in research methodology, theoretical or applied statistics and measurement theory.
Experience: None.
OR
Education: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with nine credit hours, or the equivalent, in research methodology, theoretical or applied statistics or measurement theory.
Experience: Three years of experience in statistical research after the possession of the Master's degree.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
- A doctoral degree in a quantitatively oriented discipline or field from an accredited college or university. Preference for doctoral degree in a social science, methods/statistics, public policy with a focus on education policy.
- Two years of experience in general project management (e.g., time management, organization, independent problem-solving, and productive communication skills)
- Two years of experience managing or administering large data sets, and/or experience with state-level or federal-level data systems
- Experience in conducting mix-method education research
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices and professional learning strategies to create a sense of belonging and address historic and systemic inequities for student success.
- Excellent time management, organization, problem-solving, and communication skills. Demonstrate strong listening, writing and verbal skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and information, verbally and in writing, to a variety of stakeholders/constituents.
EXAMINATION PROCESS The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS If you are interested in applying, please send a 1-page cover letter and resume as PDF file to Dr. Emily Dow (Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs), care of Victoria Johnson, victoria.johnson3@maryland.gov. The cover letter should highlight relevant qualifications, knowledge, and skills for this position. We will schedule interviews as application materials come in and will continue to accept application materials until the position is filled.
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Contract work, Immediate start, Remote job,