Director of Research and Data Analysis

Director of Research and Data Analysis

Job Title: Director of Research and Data Analysis Reports To: Executive Director & Student Assessment Research & Accountability Wage/Hour Status: Exempt Pay Grade: AI 5

Primary Purpose: The Director of Research and Data Analysis is responsible for managing the development, analysis, and dissemination of descriptive and statistical information related to student performance and district achievement. This role leads the research and data analysis initiatives within the Office of Academics and School Leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Data Analysis:

• Examining, transforming, and interpreting data to uncover insights, patterns, trends, or relationships that can inform decision-making.
• Using statistical and computational techniques to process data and extract meaningful conclusions from it.
• Conducting comprehensive district-wide data analysis, including trend analysis of student demographics, assessment, and achievement data.
• Preparing clear and concise reports and memos for stakeholders.

Data Management:

• Managing the collecting, storing, organizing, and maintaining data in a way that ensures it is accurate, accessible, secure, and usable for future use.
• Managing datasets that track student progress, including metrics for the state and federal accountability system, such as College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) and Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) assessments.

External Partnerships:

• Managing data requests and transfers with external partners, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements, data sharing agreements, and FERPA regulations.

Research Oversight:

• Overseeing the external research application process, ensuring methodologies prioritize participant safety and uphold data privacy.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervising and evaluating the Research Coordinators, fostering professional growth and development, and providing leadership that reflects the need to balance long-term goals with day-to-day management while fostering a positive culture.

Program Evaluation:

• Collecting and analyzing data to evaluate whether programs are achieving their intended goals and to inform decision-making, improve program performance, and ensure accountability.
• Leading state and federal-mandated program evaluations, as well as internal programs and assessments to ensure continuous improvement.

Research Development and Projects:

• Leading and implementing research projects utilizing rigorous statistical concepts.
• Designing, implementing, and coordinating in-district research projects aimed at enhancing decision-making processes.
• Preparing detailed reports for district stakeholders.

Statistical Methods:

• Utilizing forecasting and projection models, employing testing concepts, evaluation methods, and multivariate statistical analyses using advanced relevant statistical software.

Data Visualization:

• Overseeing the creation and implementation of data visualization tools and reports to effectively communicate student and campus achievement data.
• Using visual elements like charts, graphs, maps, and infographics to present complex data in a more accessible, understandable, and insightful way to make it easier to interpret and make informed decisions.

Staff Training:

• Conducting training sessions for department team members and district staff on data interpretation and application for instructional and fiscal decision-making.

Decision Support:

• Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative analyses to inform stakeholders about program effectiveness and necessary instructional modifications.

Technical Writing:

• Demonstrating excellent written communication skills, including the ability to produce technical documents.
• Creating documents that communicate complex information in a clear, concise, and easily understandable way.

Additional Duties:

• Performing other duties as assigned to support the goals of the district.

Working Conditions: The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands, physical mobility, frequent standing, stooping, bending, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. Mental demands include:

• Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Ability to interpret a variety of data.
• Ability to interpret TEC and policy.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory.
• Ability to be effective in both oral and written communication.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three years of leadership or job-related experience.
• Preferred: Five years of experience in K-12 education.
• Special knowledge and skills: • Able to handle the pressures of multiple deadlines and quick turnarounds. • Excellent use of statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, SAS, or R. • Proficiency in Tableau and Qualtrics Survey Tool. • Microsoft Office Suite ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets and raw data. • Understanding of statistics, research methods, data management, student test data, and project management. • Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. • Working knowledge of the state and federal accountability system. • Ability to respond promptly and accurately to customer complaints and/or concerns. • Ability to develop and deliver training. • Working knowledge of current research and theory.