Child Care Policy Research Analyst (Research Analyst 3)

Initial posting date: 08/20/2026 • Application deadline: 09/07/2026

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.

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.

About the Role

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 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.

This position works a hybrid schedule of both in-office (Salem) and remote work. In-office work is anticipated as once per month or as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain data pipelines and analytical datasets.
• Conduct research and statistical analysis to inform child care policy.
• Develop Power BI dashboards and reports for data visualization.
• Ensure the quality, security, and appropriate use of child care data.
• Collaborate with state agencies, research partners, and internal teams to collect and transform data.
• Translate data findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Validate data, identify and resolve data quality issues, and document workflows and procedures.

Requirements

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 of 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.

Desired Attributes:

• 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.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits including life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts.
• 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 1 special day, monthly sick leave, and vacation accruals that increase every 5 years.
• Potential federal student loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments.
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture committed to equity and continuous improvement.

Pay

$5,193 - $7,968 per month

Additional Information

• This position is subject to a Child Protective Services and Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) check, including FBI fingerprinting, and requires enrollment in the Central Background Registry. Both checks must be completed and approved prior to starting.
• Occasional travel to field offices and meetings is required; a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are necessary unless an alternate mode of transportation is provided.
• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard Servicemembers receive Veterans’ preference.
• This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
• The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care does not offer visa sponsorship.
• Within three days of hire, all applicants must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.