OLDC Director

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OLDC Director – RASM2

FT/Perm

Office of Research & Data

Salem, Oregon

REQ - 186421

Do you enjoy strategic, creative problem solving and policy challenges? Do you know how to cultivate and manage relationships that translate to getting results? Then look no further and join the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Office of Research & Data team as the Oregon Longitudinal Data Collaborative (OLDC) Director - Research, Analysis and Statistics Manager 2.

Why Join Us

The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) envisions a future where all people benefit from the economic, civic, and cultural impact of high-quality postsecondary education, training, and workforce development. Come work with a team that values equity, collaboration and empathy within beautiful Salem, Oregon!

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference…  for a lifetime!

Our amazing benefits include:

• Competitive medical, vision and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members.

• Opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation savings program.

• A fabulous retirement program.  Click here to visit our full benefits website.

• 11 paid holidays per year.

• 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year.

• 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month.

• Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 10 hours per month, with increases every 5 years.

• Hybrid remote work options

• Work-life balance!

What You Will Be Doing

You will be responsible for providing visionary leadership and strategic oversight for advancing the Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) and the OLDC program that ensures this system drives evidence-based decision making across the state for education and workforce policies and programs. The director will develop and implement strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships that maximize the insights of longitudinal analysis on education and workforce public policy.

The Work at a Glance

Supervise and Direct Staff: 

• Fosters a collaborative, positive culture among the team, providing leadership that encourages innovation and cross-agency partnerships to maximize the strategic use of data.

• Sets priorities and workload assignments.  Implements personnel development initiatives, evaluates employee performance, and handles personnel issues.

Program Operations:

• Develops current and relevant program standards that allow OLDC staff to best perform their roles and provide effective aides to the mission of the OLDC.

• Leads and mentors a team of IT, data, research, and program operations professionals, providing direction and support to ensure efficient operations and continuous professional development.

• Plans and approves employee work schedules and travel, program contracts and all related program purchases.  Estimates fiscal impact for proposed program initiatives.

Research & Reporting Strategy:

• Cultivates new and maintains existing relationships with state agencies, the Governor’s office, legislature, and community groups for identifying critical policy areas in which the OLDC can make key longitudinal contributions and secure expertise and other resources needed to meet evolving reporting needs.

• Facilitates the use of research by policymakers, researchers, and other partners, to ensure that data products are accessible, relevant, and aligned with the needs of users.

• Provides formal feedback to state officials, federal officials, and federal liaisons regarding the impacts of policy decisions.

Data Strategy & Governance:

• Leads the strategic direction of the Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) to support evidence-based decision-making in education and workforce policy across Oregon.

• Oversees the implementation of governance frameworks that ensure OLDC adheres with all state and federal privacy laws, regulations, and best practices in data management and security. Identifies areas where additional governance policies and processes need to be developed.

IT Strategy Development:

• Implements advanced technologies to ensure the security, confidentiality, and quality of data pertaining to nearly 4 million current and former K-12 and postsecondary students and licensed K-12 educators.

• Directs the ongoing assessment of technological resources to identify areas of improvement, including new or different resources. Evaluates technology trends and adjusts technology vision and operations accordingly.

This is a full-time, permanent position headquartered at HECC’s Salem Office. This is a management service supervisory position and is not represented by a union. The successful candidate may be eligible for in-state hybrid work, which consists of performing duties onsite in a standard office environment and working remotely.  

For a complete list of duties and working conditions, please contact the recruiter for the position description.

What We Need (Minimum Qualifications)

Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR three years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in an Education, Sociology, Economics, Public Policy, Data Science or similar field.

Desired Attributes/Skills

• An advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, sociology, economics, public policy, data science).

• Demonstrated experience with public policy-related research. Experience conducting innovative research to address public policy issues.

• Demonstrated experience working with integrated datasets or data systems. Expertise in administrative data from multiple sources.

• Demonstrated experience with IT management of complex data systems housing administrative data. Knowledge of IT systems, management of IT staff, and strategic planning for technological improvements.

• Excellence in leading a cross-disciplinary team. Demonstrated experience with collaborative problem solving and collegial relationship building that ensures a smooth functioning team where employees have the training, authority, and resources necessary to successfully accomplish their responsibilities.

• Excellence in relationship building. Demonstrated experience developing productive relationships across organizations, facilitating multiple perspectives to drive progress, and deepening trust.

• Expertise in the field of education and/or employment. Demonstrated experience and expertise with education and/or employment research and policy.

If you have these qualities, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!

Equitable Recruiting

The HECC 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. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of these positions, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a non-traditional background.

How to Apply

Current State of Oregon Employees: State Employees Apply for Jobs Guide

External Candidates: Application Guide for External Applicants

Application Materials: The hiring manager has requested the following materials be included with your application:

• Resume

• Cover letter - no more than two (2) pages and clearly demonstrates how your education and work experience meet the desired attributes of this position.

Help Your Application Rise to the Top!

Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience, making you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be screened for completeness, consistency, and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.)

Need help?

For questions about the recruitment and selection process, or to request an alternate format, please contact the recruiter: Jenny Chadwick- Jenny.Chadwick@hecc.oregon.gov/ (971) 372-1275

The Fine Print

Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.

Future Vacancies: We may use the candidates from this posting to fill future vacancies, including vacancies in similar classifications and salary ranges.  This position may become permanent if future funding becomes available. 

Criminal Records Check: Employment is contingent on the outcome of a criminal records check which may require fingerprints (FBI). Any history of criminal activity will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Veterans: If you are a veteran you may receive preference. A request will be sent to your applicant inbox to submit your veteran’s DD214 form.   Click here for more information about veterans’ preference.

Visa Sponsorship: We do not offer Visa sponsorships. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form, and HECC will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Equitable Recruiting: The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the initial application.  Transcripts may be requested of top candidates for verification prior to offer. 

The HECC is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HECC does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.