Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Are you a researcher passionate about civil rights? Are you interested in using data and research to develop evidence-based solutions for advancing civil rights? Would you embrace the opportunities and rewards of working for the largest civil rights agency in the country? If so, the Civil Rights Department has an exciting job opportunity for you. 

*This position is a 12-month limited term assignment and may be extended.

Under general direction of the Assistant Deputy Director of Research and Policy, the Research Data Specialist III is responsible for a wide range of highly advanced, complex research and data analysis tasks of the Department. The incumbent will draw broadly across research disciplines to scope, conduct, and manage a variety of literature reviews and complex research tasks using the appropriate methodology, including qualitative and advanced quantitative research methods. This position functions as a Senior Subject Matter Expert in social science research design, data analytics, and evidence-based policy formulation. The incumbent will be an excellent communicator and excel at synthesizing and interpreting research and data to develop novel insights and actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations. The incumbent will advise executive staff and public officials on complex research projects and studies. Potential research topics will be driven primarily by the needs of the Civil Rights Department, the Commission on the State of Hate, and the Civil Rights Council. Potential research topics include, but are not limited to, analysis of hate crime data, best practices for preventing and responding to hate activity, housing and employment discrimination, and civil rights. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the essential functions listed in the duty statement.
This position is a 12-month limited term assignment and may be extended.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

We review your job application to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications.  Please provide detailed 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.

Final Filing Date: 8/26/2025

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.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

California Civil Rights Department

Human Resources

Attn:

651 Bannon Street

Sacramento , CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

California Civil Rights Department

Human Resources

Sarah Sepulveda

651 Bannon Street

Sacramento , CA 95811

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

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 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 - A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your application. Resumes Do Not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Applications received without a Statement of Qualifications will not be considered. Please see instructions below .

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:

• Medical Benefits, including  ,  , and insurance
• Deferred Compensation options: 
• (Vacation/Sick or Annual Leave)
• Paid Holidays
• (College Saving Account)
• School Loan forgiveness under the federal 

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website:

Human Resources Contact:
Sarah Sepulveda
(916) 957-7709
sarah.sepulveda@calcivilrights.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO OFFICER
(213) 723-6024
brenda.valle-balderrama@calcivilrights.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualification Instructions

Statement of Qualifications

Executive Programs –  Research & Strategic Initiatives Unit

Research Data Specialist II/III

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Application packets received without an SOQ will not be considered. The SOQ serves as a documentation of a candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Your response to the statements below should be no more than 2 pages in length, single spaced, and in 12-point Arial font.

1. Describe your education, training, and experience related to reviewing and synthesizing information and research, including but not limited to, your experience writing literature reviews.
2. Describe your education, training, and experience related to designing and conducting empirical research studies. In your response, describe your experience with, and proficiency in, qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and analysis techniques you have used. Also describe your experience conducting research in an applied setting.
3. Describe your experience communicating and explaining research findings to individuals without a background in research.
4. Describe your education, training, and experience related to the topics of hate, civil rights, bias, prejudice, and/or discrimination. Include any leadership roles, volunteer roles, and publications in these areas.

Job Tags

Full time, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours,

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