Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

Address: Exceptional Student ServicesSection
Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: $63500 - $66000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 6/13/25

The Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Data Management team is responsible for the collection review validation verification and analysis of special education data in Arizona as required under Section 618 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Data Management Specialist position involves working on deadline-driven agency-critical projects that occur cyclically throughout the year requiring extensive coordination with multiple areas within ADE.
This role collaborates with the entire ESS team other program areas and the Information Technology (IT) division to provide guidance and support to Public Education Agencies (PEA) for data-related systems and reporting.
Key responsibilities include specialized work in data collection and statistical reporting.
Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Collect review and troubleshoot data related indicators that reflect the performance of special education in the state which includes reconciling data elements for preschool and K-12 students with disabilities.
Understand student information submitted into AzEDS and ESS applications as required for student data reporting.
The collection process may involve research evaluating data and targeted outreach to PEAs.
Provide technical assistance and support to PEAs pertaining to the collection of IDEA federal data reporting requirements the annual federal child count ESS applications and AzEDS.
Develop and disseminate technical assistance guidance documents manuals and general notifications to the field.
Develop and implement policies and procedures revolving around the Data Management timeline.
Collaborate with team members to plan and execute activities maintain the web page and participate in various ESS meetings as needed.
Develop training materials to facilitate training sessions and workshops for PEAs on the IDEA federal data reporting requirements both in person and virtually.
Collaborate with ESS program areas ESS IT and other ADE units to create workflows and rule documentation for each program area supported.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge in:
Expertise in current software infrastructures for submitting and processing student data
Principles and practices of ADE/ESS business units and programs
Understanding of ADE data collection calculation and flow processes (AzEDS and IDEA Section 618)
Database concepts coding and processing
General understanding of how state and federal laws regulations and administrative codes function
A Bachelors degree in finance data management a related field or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree is required.

Skills in:
Project and task management
Computer skills with a heavy focus on interaction with databases data collection and reporting programs
Microsoft Office competency (Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint Powerbi) web-based software and databases (SQL)
Public speaking and presentation
Report and proposal writing
Analysis and problem-solving
Organization evaluation and monitoring

Ability to:
Attention to detail
Multi-task partner and work collaboratively interpersonal relationships
Group dynamics and facilitation; working on collaborative teams
Analysis interpretation translation and simplification of complex software systems
Identification of methods to streamline systems to increase efficiency and ensure compliance

Preference will be given to those applicants with experience working in an education environment data governance data frameworks and information management systems.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks required documents and if applicable a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

Affordable medical dental life and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
Ten paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment subject to waiting period. On or shortly after your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling or emailing Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.