Data Strategy and Reliability Analyst Data and Accountability

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

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 districts 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 departments vision and mission with district strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors 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:

• Masters 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.

Required Experience:

IC