Education Analytics (EA) is a national non-profit organization located in downtown Madison, WI that uses data and analytics to improve outcomes for students and increase equity in education. We work closely with our partners to illuminate patterns in data that drive change. At EA, we believe in a culture that is collaborative, equitable, mission-driven, human-centered, innovative, and rigorous. We believe in the potential of people to foster continuous improvement.

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Position Description

We are seeking an Educational Data Scientist, Modern Data Streams to join the Research Team. This role will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, executing, and reporting on impactful educational research that leverages modern data streams. A key collaborator with product teams and Business Line Leads, this role will play a pivotal role in helping realize the potential of cutting-edge, interoperable data systems to fuel research-grade, rigorous analytics.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in statistics, quantitative methods in education, or a related field; at least two years of experience working in a public education agency (such as a district or state department of education); at least two years of experience working in an education technology organization in a role that structures ed-tech data for product and/or policy research; familiarity with modern database structures and strategies; expertise in research and statistical methodologies that can be implemented on cloud technologies; and experience with software development life cycles. This role can be either in person at our offices in Madison, WI or remote.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, plan, execute, and report on impactful educational research that leverages modern data streams
• Collaborate with the CEO and Chief of Staff to develop a strategy for leveraging modern data streams for research and analytics
• Consult with Business Line Leads, product managers, and product teams to guide research- grade analytics on top of our Ed-Fi based product stack
• Write white papers and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals
• Submit proposals to relevant, impactful academic conferences
• Interface and collaborate with partners at education agencies and education technology providers
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization as well as vendors, partners and industry peers.
• Safeguard confidentiality, privacy and security of organization and customer (PII) information
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Orientation to the Work

• Comfortable with taking initiative as well as sharing responsibility in a team-based, collaborative environment at a fast-paced nonprofit organization.
• Customer-service orientation to working with other teams and partners.
• Ability to think strategically about complex issues as they arise, including weighing competing options and acknowledging the importance of context.
• This is a full-time, salaried exempt position with the expectation that specific periods of work around project deadlines or peak loads during the year may require additional time commitment to support completion.
• Commitment to meeting deliverable deadlines with a high quality bar, which may require
  occasional periods of increased workload

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Expertise in research and statistical methodologies that can be implemented on cloud technologies
• Deep knowledge of the educational policy landscape as it relates to research, technology, and analytics
• Familiarity with modern database structures and strategies
• Experience with software development life cycles
• Passion for influencing positive societal change by leveraging both research-grade educational statistics and modern, cloud-based, open-source technologies
• Independent, autonomous worker who is proactive about reporting to supervisors about progress, obstacles, opportunities, and successes
• Strategic thinker who gets excited about meeting the needs of partnering agencies while advancing the field of education forwar
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills, utilizing proper grammar, syntax and excellent business acumen.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a high paced environment with limited direction.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook (or list other software or similar skills).
• Comfortable with taking initiative as well as sharing responsibility in a team-based, collaborative environment at a fast-paced nonprofit organization.
• Customer-service orientation to working with other teams and partners.
• Ability to think strategically about complex issues as they arise, including weighing competing options and acknowledging the importance of context.

Work Environment and Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively in numerous conversations throughout the day on the telephone, in writing, on-line zoom and in person to provide information, collaboration and assistance.
• Ability to reach in all directions and bend/stoop to store and retrieve files, use telephone, calculator, computer, and other office equipment.
• Ability to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, retrieve office supplies and make general deliveries.
• Dexterity and hand/eye coordination necessary to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Ability to complete job duties where there may be eyestrain due to constant viewing of computer screens.
• Ability to complete job duties in an environment where background noise and frequent interruptions are consistent.
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize basic math skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, follow instructions and be able to comprehend written material or requests.
• Must demonstrate the ability to use reason and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

• PhD in statistics, quantitative methods in education, or a related field
• At least 2 years of experience working in a public education agency (such as a district or state department of education)
• At least 2 years of experience working in an education technology organization in a role that structures ed tech data for product and/or policy research

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for the Educational Data Scientist, Modern Data Streams position is $100,000-120,000, based on experience. EA also has a generous benefits package including:

• A 12% employee salary contribution from EA to your 401k retirement plan
• An additional 3% salary deferral match by EA to your 401k
• 26.5 days of paid vacation annually + sick paid time off that accumulates per pay period + 9 paid holidays of your choosing.
• 93% of health insurance premium paid for by EA
• Paid parental leave (if eligibility requirements are met)

EA’s primary location is in downtown Madison, WI, on the Capitol Square. Steps away from coffee shops, a weekly farmers’ market, restaurants, shops, and two lakes, many staff walk, bike, or use public transportation to commute to a well-appointed office.

Additional Information

Equal Employment Opportunity

Education Analytics is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.