Data and Evaluation Specialist

Job Goal:   

Somerville Public Schools is looking for a Data & Evaluation Specialist. The Data and Evaluation Specialist will assist the Director of Data, Assessment, and Accountability in providing actionable and relevant data to district stakeholders to help inform decision-making. 

As part of the role, the Data and Evaluation Specialist will serve as the district evaluator for the SSSTAR (Supporting Students in STEM, Transforming and Advancing Representation) Initiative in collaboration with LabCentral Ignite, nonprofit grantee organizations, and Cambridge Public Schools. The SSSTAR Initiative has a mission of increasing STEM interest and opportunities for students who are historically underrepresented in STEM careers. The Data and Evaluation Specialist will monitor progress towards initiative goals and students’ STEM interest and achievement. 

Qualifications:  

Data Skills (Required)

• Experience using data analysis software such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, R or Python.  
• Experience cleaning datasets, using formulae, and conducting descriptive analysis, including running basic statistics such as averages, medians, and means. 
• Ability to use basic statistical techniques such as chi-square tests or odds ratios
• Ability to advise on correct use of data to answer stakeholder questions. 
• Experience generating data reports, charts, tables, and/or other visualizations.
• Experience creating data protocols or more broadly documenting workflows for replication.

Data Skills (Preferred)

• Ability and/or willingness to learn how to create dynamic data dashboards that contribute to data storytelling.
• Willingness to learn about and adhere to federal and state data policies, particularly those related to data privacy. 
• Experience coding qualitative data and summarizing emergent themes. 

Interpersonal/Management Skills:

• Attention to detail
• Ability to think strategically and communicate thoughtfully to a wide range of stakeholders; excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to be flexible and change direction as needed
• Comfort working as part of a team and working independently to complete specific tasks 

Responsibilities:  

Somerville Public Schools

• Use a mix of quantitative and qualitative data, including surveys, focus groups, student performance data, and more to fulfill requests or create reports as requested by district or SSSTAR  stakeholders. 
• Consult with district educators and leaders, in collaboration with the Director of Data, Assessment, and Accountability to improve data literacy for high-stakes decisions.
• Collaborate with departments across the district to design and create interactive dashboards that provide actionable, high-level data. 
• Assist the Director of Data, Assessment, and Accountability in the administration of data collection tools, surveys and data collection efforts throughout the calendar year. Data collection tools will include assessing impact of programming, policies, and/or initiatives.
• Document and reflect on data management and reporting processes and make recommendations for scale-up. 
• Support other data-related projects in the district as needed and to be decided at the discretion of the SPS Director of Data, Assessment, and Accountability.

SSSTAR Initiative

• Develop methods, tools and technological supports to enhance communication and data sharing between SPS and SSSTAR grantees. Create dashboards to help all stakeholders engage in inquiry around data.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly SSSTAR Liaison meetings. 
• Collaborate with Cambridge SSSTAR Data Specialist to develop evaluation strategies, methodology, and reports.
• Work with the Cambridge SSSTAR Data Specialist to co-develop periodic data reports summarizing findings to date, including bi-annual reports for SSSTAR grantees; and contribute to SSSTAR communications materials and activities (e.g. SSSTAR annual report, periodic newsletters, etc. as needed) 
• Co-facilitate presentations with Cambridge SSSTAR Data Specialist and LabCentral Ignite to share out findings with key stakeholders and lead discussions around evaluation activities. 

Terms of Employment:

• Full Year - July - June
• Union Affiliation: Non Union

Reports to:  

• Assistant Superintendent of Schools 
• Data, Assessment & Accountability Director

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the bases of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.