Regional Lead Data and Systems Analyst

Description

ABOUT ASPIRE

Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Data and Systems Analyst is responsible for providing analytical support to drive operational excellence, efficiency, and compliance across Aspire Public Schools’ Central Valley region. This role leads high-impact, cross-functional projects and partners closely with secondary and post-secondary teammates, school leaders, and regional and home office teams to strengthen operational systems and service delivery.

The Lead Data and Systems Analyst serves as a key thought partner to school sites and regional leadership, utilizing data analysis, forecasting, and performance monitoring to identify trends, mitigate risks, and implement continuous improvement strategies. This role is responsible for developing and enhancing tools, systems, and processes that support effective decision-making and ensure compliance with Aspire policies and applicable state and federal requirements.  The Lead Data and Systems Analyst is responsible for initiating and completing state and federal reporting, including grant reporting.  S/he will also work with other school districts, charter management organizations, and independent schools to resolve data anomalies in CALPADS.

In addition, the Lead Data and Systems Analyst builds regional capacity through school site support and targeted trainings, enabling leaders and teams to effectively leverage data and data systems to strengthen programming and improve efficiency in service of student learning. 

Success in this position requires a highly analytical and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, lead through influence, and drive system-level improvements. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong project management capabilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a commitment to supporting educators and school leaders in delivering high-quality outcomes for students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Analytical and Training Support

2. 1. Lead the analysis of regional and site-level secondary and post-secondary data (for example: enrollment, grades/gradebook entries, alumni/matriculation, A-G, graduation, college and career readiness, financial aid completion rates, etc.) to identify trends, variances, risks, and opportunities; provide actionable recommendations aligned to regional and organizational priorities.

   2. Develop tools, models, and dashboards to improve visibility into secondary and post-secondary performance and drive data-informed decision-making across schools.

   3. Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in student information systems and reporting platforms.

   4. Promote cross-site collaboration through sharing of best practices, data insights, and standardized processes to improve consistency and efficiency across the region.

   5. Design, plan, and provide, in collaboration with the Regional Secondary Team, appropriate trainings and Communities of Practices (CoPs) to regional and school site teammates

3. Reporting & Operations

4. 1. Responsible for CALPADS, state, federal, internal, and external  compliance functions through data management, analysis, and reporting in an efficient and accurate manner

   2. 1. Work with CALPADS contacts from Home Office and LEA’s to resolve anomalies and improve data quality

      2. Various secondary and post-secondary tracking and projections

      3. Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of operational and compliance data submitted to internal stakeholders, authorizers, and state agencies

      4. Develop standardized reporting tools and protocols to streamline regional data collection and improve data integrity

   3. Work collaboratively with Home Office departments such as the Data and Systems team and School Site staff such as postsecondary teammates to ensure data quality.

   4. Leads PSS grant and student data reporting requirements, including oversight of state seal identification and submission processes, and supports registrar operations as needed

5. Student Data Systems

6. 1. Support Aspire’s student data systems, with a focus on data relevant for compliance - PowerSchool, etc.

   2. Determine areas where teammates need clearer and timely communication, and more training. Develop, publish and deliver training. 

   3. Identify and implement improved user training or opportunity to improve data quality and user experience

7. Cross-Functional Leadership & Systems Improvement

8. 1. Partner with academic, student services, and regional leadership teams to align operational systems with instructional priorities and student outcomes.

   2. Responsible for maintaining, updating, and revising Aspire course catalog and UC CMP

   3. Submits and monitors approval/denial of new courses in UC CMP

   4. Proactively identify opportunities to improve systems, workflows, and tools; design and implement solutions that increase efficiency, scalability, and user experience.

   5. Perform ad hoc analysis and special projects as requested by the Regional Director of Post-Secondary Pathways or other senior leadership.

Additional:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and alignment with Aspire Public Schools’ mission, values, policies, and compliance requirements.

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all applicable legal and ethical standards.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies:

• Love working with data!

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel

• Experience in managing and utilizing multiple data systems to ensure data quality and integrity

• Experience generating clear, accurate, and timely reports

• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new areas of knowledge and technology

• Flexibility and willingness to help where needed

• Strong attention to detail 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; active listening skills is a must

• Demonstrated ability to manage quickly changing and multiple priorities with a calm professional demeanor

• Unafraid to find ways to reinvent and simplify current processes

• Earn trust of others with people in various roles

• Provide excellent customer service to our staff and contacts outside of Aspire

• Work with schools staff to maintain compliance with CALPADS submissions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with CALPADS data submission and certification processes 

• Experience working with a student information system, especially PowerSchool 

• Experience analyzing complex sets of data. Experience with Tableau desired.

• Experience or strong interest in K-12 education

 Minimum educational level:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, education or other related field or Associate degree plus 2 years of equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience required:

• 1+ years’ experience in data analysis, data reporting, or similar work. Project management experience is a plus.

• Experience or strong interest in K-12 public education. California State reporting experience is a plus.

• Experience working in dynamic, high-performing environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods

• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another

• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned

• Communicating with others to exchange information

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers 

Work authorization requirements: 

• Clear the Department of Justice background screening

• Authorized to work in the United States

• Provide health (TB) clearance (most update every four years)