Development Data Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 3% salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 5 hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.
This position is located in Sacramento.
The Research Data Specialist II (RDS II) serves as a subject matter expert to design, implement, evaluate, and report on highly complex and sensitive projects impacting housing finance across a spectrum of state priority areas. The RDS II performs complex quantitative data research and analysis, including data models, forecasting tools and dashboards to support strategic decision-making. This position also coordinates internal and external partnerships to set up data metrics and information flows critical for modernizing and aligning California's housing finance system. Additionally, strong communication and analytical skills and Excel or similar software expertise are essential.
The RDS II position plays a leading role in designing and implementing Housing Development Finance Committee's (HDFC) integrated multifamily housing finance program in collaboration with other State agencies. The position requires the ability to develop and deliver independent analysis and recommendations on housing development finance policy, legislation, statute, industry-related matters, programs, data collection and storage. The role requires an understanding of affordable multifamily housing development finance. Strategic collaboration with other HDFC staff and leaders, as well as with other HDFC member groups is critical in this role.
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.
This position requires reporting to an HDFC office a minimum of four days per week. In limited cases, at the Department's discretion, an employee may be approved to work in a remote centered capacity on a temporary basis until appropriate office- space becomes available. Under California Government Code Section 14200, telework eligible- employees must reside in California. The designated headquarters location will be based on the employee's primary residence and may be updated if HDFC criteria are met.
Application cut-off dates:

• August 9, 2026
• August 16, 2026
• August 23, 2026
• August 30, 2026

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-526959
Position #(s):
465-500-5758-001
Working Title:
Senior Housing Development Finance Data Specialist
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II $7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Created through the Governor's Reorganization Plan to address fragmentation within California's housing finance system, the Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) helps create affordable homes by advancing a housing finance system that is simpler, faster, and more transparent.
Our vision is simple and bold: Homes that Californians can afford, in communities where they can thrive.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
HDFC values diversity at all levels and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees from varied backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences are welcomed and can succeed. Employees are expected to support an environment free from discrimination, provide equitable and consistent service to the public, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and contribute meaningfully to building a more just and accessible California.
Department Website: https://hdfc.ca.gov/
Special Requirements Confidentiality
Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Employment Application (STD.678)
It is a requirement to submit work experience, dates, and hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 will not be considered.
HDFC Disclosure Requirements
Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by a Conflict of Interest Code that apply to HDFC employees, which may require filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).
HDFC utilizes the federal E-Verify system to verify employment authorization in the United States. For additional information, please visit the E-Verify website .
Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Application Instructions
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: Until Filled
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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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:
Housing Development & Finance Committee (HDFC)
Postal
Attn: HCD Classification and Recruitment Unit | JC-525977
P.O. Box 952050
Sacramento , CA 95811
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Housing Development & Finance Committee (HDFC)
Drop-Off
HCD Classification and Recruitment Unit | JC-525977
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento , CA 95811
08:00 AM - 05:00 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 - Please see Statement of Qualificaitons section below for instructions.

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.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience conducting housing related program evaluations, such as analyzing affordable housing finance, real estate development, homelessness, or community development program outcomes using state and national metrics.
• Experience designing and building data models, forecasting tools, dashboards, and visualizations to support policy, program evaluation, and strategic decision making.
• Experience in conducting highly complex quantitative research, statistical analysis, and data modeling related to housing finance or community development.
• Experience coordinating cross functionally with internal and external partners to gather data, set up metrics, and ensure timely and accurate information flow for mission critical reporting.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to housing policy, including analyzing demographic, Census, HMIS, and other housing or finance related datasets to inform program and policy decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefs, and analyses, and to present findings to audiences with varying expertise.

Benefits We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

• Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee's family
• 401k program
• Flexible Schedules
• Hybrid telework
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Investment in your training and development

HDFC's Sacramento Headquarters' building also offers:

• Convenient transportation options, including light-rail and pre-tax parking
• Free On-site Gym
• On-site Childcare
• On-site Café, Deli, and Grill
• On-site ATM

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://hdfc.ca.gov/
Hiring Unit Contact:
HCD Classification and Recruitment Unit | JC-526959
(916) 263-6871
recruit.hiring@hcd.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:
Medical Management (RA Requests)
(916) 263-6871
medical.management@hcd.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 Qualifications
When applying for this position, a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to be submitted along with your State Employment Application (STD Form 678). The SOQ will serve as a pre-interview screening tool and will be evaluated and scored based on the applicant's ability to follow these instructions.
Instructions:

• The SOQ must be:
  • No more than two (2) pages
  • Typed in 12-point font
  • Numbered and labeled according to the prompts provided below
• Your SOQ must include the numbered prompts below, followed by your relevant responses.
• Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as a substitute for the SOQ.

Applicants who do not follow these instructions and/or do not provide relevant responses to the numbered statements below will not be considered for this position.

Please describe your direct experience, if any, with all the following:

• a. Housing finance
• b. Data management and analysis
• c. Collaborating with various types of stakeholders
• d. Presenting complex data analyses to audiences with varying expertise.

Provide at least one idea to improve the State's affordable housing finance system.

Additional Information
To become 'list eligible' for consideration, interested candidates must successfully pass a civil service exam.
You may apply and take the exam online at CalCareers .
If you're new to the state application process please visit 3 Steps to a State Job .
All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:

• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number