Special Education Data & Accountability Specialist

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):
Knowledge and skills in data management computer software development.
Ability to use advanced problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of arithmetic statistics and analysis.
Working knowledge of the logic and creation of Structured Query Language (SQL).
Knowledge and skill in a variety of databases and spreadsheet operations for research data analysis and reporting including the use of complex queries.
Knowledge of the theories principles and techniques of research planning and organization data collection strategies and procedures and data collection instruments.
Ability to self-motivate and seek out creative solutions.
Ability to plan and direct a data collection and reporting system.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers superiors and subordinates.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

A bachelors degree in computer science statistics or a related field.

At least three years of demonstrated experience in; data administration requirements analysis metadata development and/or project analysis.

Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does this sound like you

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents you must check the relevant document box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.

This first review of applications will be April 8 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisors name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description please email

To be considered for this position you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPIs purpose with applicable knowledge in education health research and analysis nutrition finance administration human resources licensing and regulation information technology and many others. We are proud to serve 149000 students pre-K to grade 12 their parents and guardians 400 school districts 16000 educational professionals and 3000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation sick leave and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: This position holds responsibility for implementing policies and standards of the Special Education Unit by ensuring all state and federal reporting requirements for special education are fully addressed. The multiple and complex data collection and reporting systems across special education are comprehensive and interactive. The special education records and information management system s fully integrated into the Student Information System (SIS); and the Student Information System incorporates all special educations child count procedural compliance and annual performance and state performance plan reporting requirements necessary to comply with the U.S. Department of Educations requirements. This position also requires collaboration with the Data Operations team. This includes data mapping; timely valid and reliable data collection; and root cause analysis to identify areas of improvement to improve student outcomes.

The special education collection and reporting systems serve as the Special Education Units accountability for special education and related services provided to more than 21000 students with disabilities statewide. The special education data systems consist of multiple special education records for each student with disabilities served by the public school and enrolled in public or private schools. The special education data systems must be designed in such a manner that each and all individual student records fully articulate with one another while at the same time provide for the collection and reporting of all information needed for procedural compliance monitoring the State Performance Plan (SPP) Annual Performance Report (APR) EDFacts reporting in addition to other data required by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).