Data Strategy and Reliability Analyst - Data and Accountability

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for consecutive years.

Base Salary:

$65,827.00

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New hire experience:

1% of the base salary granted for each year of verified relevant experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New hire education:

1% of the base salary awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Class/Calendar:

C53-RE, 12 months

Hours:

Full-time

FSLA:

Exempt

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement, health and life insurance

Job Summary:

The Data Strategy and Reliability Analyst provides expert guidance to district and school leadership for enhancing outcomes through sophisticated data analysis. The Analyst will play a crucial role in aligning school and program plans with the district''s strategic goals, identifying areas for improvement, and fostering innovation to enhance overall school performance. The position requires a strong technological background, proficiency in PowerBI, and a commitment to ensuring data accuracy and reliability to support informed decision-making. Reporting to the Director of Data and Accountability, this position collaborates with other Data and Accountability positions, school and department leadership, as well as external agencies to ensure high-quality, secure, and efficient data practices across the district.

Key Responsibilities:

Data Reliability

• Identify opportunities to optimize the use of various information systems and liaise with department leadership to stay informed on updates and explore potential improvements.
• Maintain department procedures and policies in alignment with district, state and federal statutes and regulations.
• Write, modify, and utilize custom SQL queries to extract, audit, and manipulate data from various sources.
• Ensure data accuracy through regular auditing, data quality issue analysis, and resolution recommendations.
• Develops and implements streamlined processes to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancy, and improve service delivery.
• Integrates relevant technological tools and advancements to support staff and improve outcomes.

Data Analytics

• Design and build consistent, accurate and available data solutions in specialized software (e.g., PowerBI, Excel, Google, QGIS, etc.).
• Ensure data visualizations provide common data elements and structures as well as adhere to best visualization practices for application and use.
• Prepare various reports for professional, technical, and non-technical audiences to provide and/or convey information.
• Combine data files from multiple sources (e.g., student records, surveys, federal, state and local governmental agencies, etc.) for use in analysis.
• Analyze student data, assessment scores, and research to provide information, produce reports and visualizations to support data-informed decisions.

Data Systems

• Maintain standard operating procedure documentation to ensure data consistency, quality, and transparency across the district.
• Respond to in-district and out-of-district inquiries for data requests.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Collaborate with regional positions to build capacity among school and district staff to understand and interpret data.
• Stay informed on federal and state laws and best practices relevant to the assigned area through ongoing research.
• Support regional positions and school teams in using data to set goals, drive improvement cycles, and monitor outcomes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-informed practice across all levels of the organization.
• Participate in cross-functional data projects and regional strategic planning efforts.
• Identify opportunities to optimize the use of various information systems and liaise with department leadership to stay informed on updates and explore potential improvements.
• Leads or participates in special projects and assignments as directed by district leadership.
• Maintains positive and professional relationships with stakeholders, emphasizing high-quality customer service.
• Applies change management strategies to lead and sustain department or district initiatives.
• Initiates, plans, and manages innovative programs or events that align with district and departmental goals.
• Monitors and ensures timely completion of projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrates accountability for student-centered outcomes and alignment with the goals of Mesa Public Schools.
• Collaborates with administrators and staff to identify and implement improvements in data centralization and capacity building effectiveness.
• Facilitates development and alignment of the department's vision and mission with district strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, data analytics, statistics, education policy, social science, or a related field.
• Evidence of data manipulation and visualization in a professional setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in education, data analytics, information systems, statistics, or a related field
• 3 years of experience in K-12 educational data and analytics
• Experience with Student Information Systems (SIS), state/federal education reporting, and assessment data
• Experience in translating complex data into actionable insights for educators and administrators

Skills & Competencies:

• Experience working with student information systems (SIS), assessment platforms and/or data warehouses
• Experience with data analytics, data wrangling and/or data blending/integration tools (e.g., SQL, Python)
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, Google Sheets, Google Looker Studio)
• Knowledge of state and federal education accountability systems, metrics, and reporting (e.g., ADEConnect, AzEDS, and statewide longitudinal data systems)
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of computer applications in the use of research and analysis (e.g., Excel, R, QGIS, Qualtrics, SPSS, Stata, etc.)
• Expertise in research design, survey methodology, data analysis, demography, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of documentation and compliance associated with IRB protocols and FERPA regulations
• Knowledge of assessment practices and platforms and the use of assessment data in monitoring learning and program effectiveness (e.g., Pearson, ACT, College Board, MSAA, AZELLA, TSA, etc.)
• Ability to design and deliver professional learning to various stakeholders to build data literacy and capacity
• Eagerness to learn and develop skills with a growth mindset
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in translating complex data into clear and actionable insights that drive data-informed decisions and continuous improvement to technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring accuracy, compliance, confidentiality, and deadlines are met
• Effective collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to foster positive relationships and work collaboratively with teachers, administrators and other stakeholders
• Technologically fluent with Microsoft, Google, and related platforms to support data-informed decision-making
• Exemplifies the Portrait of a Graduate by modeling the essential skills and attitudes expected of Mesa Public Schools employees
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Knowing relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Understanding organizational development and strategic planning principles.
• Demonstrating a high level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Applying change management frameworks and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Using data to inform decision-making and drive performance outcomes.
• Leading collaborative processes with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Fostering a people-centered and service-oriented culture focused on supporting successful student outcomes.
• Demonstrating adaptability and openness to innovation and change.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based with frequent district site visits.
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments.
• Fast-paced, high-responsibility work environment requiring adaptability and responsiveness.
• Potential exposure to moderate noise levels typical of office environments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer, and operate office equipment.
• Frequent use of hands for typing and handling documents.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Visual acuity for reading and computer work.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.