Data Specialist, Research & Evaluation

Arlington, VA • Student Supports • Posted 08/11/2023

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WHO WE ARE

Rooted in community for more than 40 years, Communities In Schools (CIS) strives to bring community resources inside public schools, where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. Founder Bill Milliken said, “It’s relationships, not programs, that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.” 

Throughout the United States, CIS annually serves 1.8M students at 3,270 schools and community sites with 15,500 community volunteers and 114 CIS affiliate organizations and licensed partners. Supports for students include providing needs assessments, support teams with corresponding plans to address academic and non-academic needs, delivery of multiple tiers of supports for both students and families, progress monitoring and evaluation and assessment with parents and student support systems. 

MISSION AND VALUES  

Communities In Schools (CIS), is “all-in” for kids. It is our passion—it is our mission. At the National Office, CIS collaborates with local affiliate and licensed partner organizations to provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. We are the nation’s largest provider of integrated student supports, and we achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do. 

CIS also holds the following talent beliefs: 

• Every staff member is passionate and committed to the mission.
• As a National Office, CIS employees have a responsibility to live our values and integrate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization and lead by example.
• In turn, CIS is committed to continuously improving decision making, incentivizing creativity, and building engagement and we do this by building a diverse workforce, fostering a climate of inclusion, and shaping business practices and policies that promote equity. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Communities In Schools (CIS) is seeking a detail-oriented Data Specialist to work alongside the Research and Evaluation team to oversee and manage the collection, preparation, and maintenance of data for research projects. The Data Specialist will partner closely with the research and evaluation team to successfully execute research initiatives that will help us continue to improve the work of CIS and build evidence for the impact of CIS.

The Data Specialist will be responsible for collating and verifying data from multiple data systems, assisting with data cleaning and preparation efforts, building and maintaining datasets, supporting data transfers, and managing internal data storage systems and processes. To be successful, the Data Specialist should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, able to communicate complex information in non-technical terms, and have experience with various data systems and software. Previous work with education data and systems is a plus.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop the team’s data infrastructure to accelerate the process of data collection, analysis, and reporting 
• Collate and manage data from multiple systems and maintain up-to-date datasets across various projects
• Conduct data analyses and provide data reports
• Work with various stakeholders to facilitate data transfers and sharing

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required skills & qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent years of exp) and a minimum of six (6) years of related experience
• Knowledge of best practices in data security and protection of personally identifiable information
• Multivariate data analysis (e.g., multiple regression)—knowledge of structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling a plus
• Proficiency with quantitative data analysis software (preferably R; experience with SQL is a plus)
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and organize large amounts of data
• Proficiency in communicating complex data issues in non-technical terms
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Manage time well and work toward multiple deadlines simultaneously
• Demonstrate attention to detail
• Work independently and take initiative
• Collaborate and work effectively across teams within the organization

TRAVEL

Travel up to 25% is required including travel in the domestic United States with overnight stay(s).

ABOUT US  

CIS staff continue to work in a virtual environment; however, the national office is open and available for staff to use as appropriate. 

To ensure the health and safety of staff and job applicants, all interviews will be conducted by phone and/or video conference.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Work that makes a difference—the opportunity to contribute to an important mission!

Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Five weeks of Paid Time Off
• Generous 403b Retirement Savings Plan contribution
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 90% of employee health care premiums paid by the organization
• Summer Work Schedule and Winter Break
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term income replacement programs, and much, much more!

Communities In Schools? is committed to a workforce that is representative of the varied communities we are privileged to serve. We provide a work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. CIS? prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For more information on Communities In Schools please visit our website.