Education Research Analyst

Job Summary

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is the State Education Agency for the District of Columbia charged with raising the quality of education for all DC students. Within OSSE, the Division of Data, Assessment, and Research is responsible for using data to measure and communicate student success. We strive to develop data and measurement systems and resources, produce actionable data, and conduct research that helps schools, community members, and families improve outcomes for all students in the District.

The Office of Research, Analysis, and Reporting (ORAR) team partners with divisions within OSSE as well as agencies across the District to promote the quality and transparency of education data in order to inform policy and practice. The education research analyst will serve as a policy and research expert concerning school staffing, special education, and/or evaluation of educational programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The education research analyst will analyze relevant national and local trends and remain current with current research methodologies and best practices. This individual will collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders to promote data-driven decision making and the strategic use of data to promote equitable evaluation of education programs. Additional functions/responsibilities are as follows: 

Analyzes data accurately to create accurate reports based on local and federal requirements; Performs quantitative and qualitative analysis that informs practice and policy; Project manages data requests and analytical projects; Supports the technical skills, leadership, and education policy knowledge of other analysts on the team; Ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the data they provide by following established quality assurance (QA) procedures; Documents, adheres to, and improves the efficiency of standard operating procedures, business requirements and rules, and technical specifications; Serves as an expert on research design and methodologies; Writes and edits policy briefs and analyses for various audiences (e.g., District Council, agency leadership, the public, etc.); Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and research partners, as appropriate, to plan and execute research projects and promote data-driven decision making; Handles confidential data securely; Remains current with education policy issues and relevant research methodologies; Supports data transparency and use; generates reports and data visualizations and collaborates to build data tools to provide useful and relevant data and information to stakeholders and the public on policy and research initiatives; Promotes the office's role within the education research community by representing the office in meetings with education professionals, policymakers, and representatives in support of the office's mission; Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Concision and clarity in verbal and written communication (for both technical and non-technical audiences); Knowledge of education policy, research theory, principles, and practices; Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and software packages (e.g., Stata, R, SQL) and the ability to teach those skills to others; Project management skills and experience; Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work.

Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, of which at least one course was in research methods and at least two courses were in statistics. Master's degree or higher is preferred

OR

Combination of education and experience -- at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, including at least one course in research methods and two courses in statistics, plus appropriate experience, or additional education. The experience must have demonstrated (1) a thorough knowledge of the principles underlying the work of this series, and (2) understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the methods and techniques applied in performing work in this series.

Licensures, Certifications, and other requirements

None

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is normally conducted in an office setting with occasional need for local and field travel.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5:00pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1730-13

Type of Appointment:   This is an Education Service (ES), “At-Will” Appointment. All positions and appointments in the Education Service serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Promotional Potential: No known promotion potential

Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement:The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,  pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.