Data Strategist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Teaching and Learning (T&L) provides school administrators and teachers with the professional learning and resources needed to engage students in rich and rewarding learning experiences. The Office of T&L comprises various academic and support departments, which work collaboratively to support student growth and progress in meeting or exceeding state standards for academic excellence.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Data Manager, T&L, The Data Strategist will support Teaching and Learning departments in the planning and implementation of data-driven strategies to support the continuous improvement of T&L programs and services. This position will serve as a data content and process expert for multiple T&L departments and will collaborate closely with other T&L business operations and data team members. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Data Strategist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Design, develop and implement systems of data collection and data reporting, including surveys, processes, and dashboards, for both internal and external audiences to monitor their work and track progress to strategic goals aligned to T&L and district priorities
• Perform analysis and transformation on large and complex datasets from multiple sources using appropriate statistical techniques with approved analytic tools (SAS, SQL, Python), to provide meaningful information and inform strategic decision-making
• Collaborate closely with department leaders to provide teams with consultative support and guidance in the effective use of data to support strategic priorities and decision-making
• Build the capacity of T&L departments to engage in robust use of data by holding office hours, providing consultation and training, and building capacity around strong cycles of inquiry and the use of data for strategic planning
• Serve as research expert for T&L departments, providing guidance and support with incorporating data research into strategic planning
• Ensure data quality, security, and integrity across the office by adhering to a set of guiding principles as established by the district’s Data Analyst User Group (DAUG) and the Data Governance council
• In conjunction with Data Manager, lead data and reporting coordination with key external partners, including government agencies, district vendors, and external research partners as appropriate
• Participate in department meetings, using data to facilitate a deeper understanding of department programs, awareness of school needs, and learning across departments
• Participate in the District’s Data Analyst User Group (DAUG)
• Other duties as assigned

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Teaching and Learning (T&L) provides school administrators and teachers with the professional learning and resources needed to engage students in rich and rewarding learning experiences. The Office of T&L comprises various academic and support departments, which work collaboratively to support student growth and progress in meeting or exceeding state standards for academic excellence.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Data Manager, T&L, The Data Strategist will support Teaching and Learning departments in the planning and implementation of data-driven strategies to support the continuous improvement of T&L programs and services. This position will serve as a data content and process expert for multiple T&L departments and will collaborate closely with other T&L business operations and data team members. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Data Strategist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Design, develop and implement systems of data collection and data reporting, including surveys, processes, and dashboards, for both internal and external audiences to monitor their work and track progress to strategic goals aligned to T&L and district priorities
• Perform analysis and transformation on large and complex datasets from multiple sources using appropriate statistical techniques with approved analytic tools (SAS, SQL, Python), to provide meaningful information and inform strategic decision-making
• Collaborate closely with department leaders to provide teams with consultative support and guidance in the effective use of data to support strategic priorities and decision-making
• Build the capacity of T&L departments to engage in robust use of data by holding office hours, providing consultation and training, and building capacity around strong cycles of inquiry and the use of data for strategic planning
• Serve as research expert for T&L departments, providing guidance and support with incorporating data research into strategic planning
• Ensure data quality, security, and integrity across the office by adhering to a set of guiding principles as established by the district’s Data Analyst User Group (DAUG) and the Data Governance council
• In conjunction with Data Manager, lead data and reporting coordination with key external partners, including government agencies, district vendors, and external research partners as appropriate
• Participate in department meetings, using data to facilitate a deeper understanding of department programs, awareness of school needs, and learning across departments
• Participate in the District’s Data Analyst User Group (DAUG)
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Data Strategist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, psychology, social science, public policy, economics, statistics, or related field including quantitative coursework

• Master’s or Doctoral degree preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of three (3) years years of professional experience in a role requiring data analytics, data system management, relationship management, and consultative skills

• Minimum of one (1) year experience writing code with data analytic tools (SAS, R, Python, SPSS, STATA, etc.) and the ability to use or learn SAS required

• Experience developing and facilitating training for internal and external stakeholders on the effective interpretation and strategic use of data strongly preferred

• Experience working in or with an urban education system with a focus on teaching and learning, social, emotional, and behavioral supports strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: