Data Analyst Intern

Overview

The School and State Finance Project (schoolstatefinance.org) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit policy organization that works collaboratively with policymakers, communities, and other key stakeholders to develop data-driven solutions that ensure all public school students receive equitable education funding that supports their learning needs.

Since our founding in 2015, we have secured additional need-based funding for over 400,000 Connecticut students, directly engaged nearly 15,000 community members, and led the effort to implement a comprehensive, student-centered funding formula.

We are an independent and trustworthy source of high-quality research and accessible analysis, and serve as a bridge between those who demand equity for all students and the elected leaders who are charged with making policy.

Our work includes conducting front-line community engagement work with families, students, and schools; building public knowledge about how Connecticut funds K-12 education; and increasing transparency around education funding and district spending by providing greater public access to timely, accurate, and easy-to-understand data and information.

The School and State Finance Project is a fiscally sponsored organization of TSNE (tsne.org).

Vision

All Connecticut students have equitable funding, access, and opportunities — no matter their race, socio-economic status, learning needs, or zip code.

Mission

To eliminate racial and economic disparities in Connecticut education funding.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director for Data, Policy, and Special Projects, and the Director of Data, the Data Analyst Intern will contribute to research and policy development projects that advance the Project’s goal of eliminating racial and economic disparities in Connecticut education funding. The Data Analyst Intern should be interested in fixing how schools in Connecticut are funded as well as increasing equity in the education finance space.

Essential Functions

• Contribute to the organization’s quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, and the preparation of policy reports and briefs to answer questions about Connecticut school finance system and related issues;
• Perform analyses to provide insight into the structural issues at the heart of Connecticut’s fiscal situation and analyze these structural issues and their impact on Connecticut’s finances and governmental operations over the near and long-term future;
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure accuracy and precision in analysis; and
• Assist stakeholders in the creation of tools and visualizations that explain the problems with the school finance system and potential solutions.

Qualifications

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Candidates must be pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university, preference will be given to candidates pursuing a degree in public policy, government, economics, business, law, public administration, or a related field.
• Quantitative data analysis using spreadsheets (Excel) and familiarity with statistical analysis;
• Commitment to credible and independent analysis and attention to detail and accuracy;
• Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail; and
• Ability to “multi-task” and deliver high quality work.

Learning Opportunities

• Manage and execute an independent research project aligned to the organizational mission and selected by the intern in collaboration with the School and State Finance Project team.
• Build knowledge of public policy process, education policy, and school finance.
• Develop advanced/expert Excel skills.
• Gain experience with data analysis and visualization tools such as R, Python, Shiny, and/or Leaflet.

Commitment to Equity

 The School and State Finance Project was founded with the mission to mitigate inequity in education funding and provide opportunities to Connecticut’s public school students no matter their race, ethnicity, community, or background.

We recognize that within this work, systemic racism plays a powerful and harmful role in the creation of inequitably funded school systems and the outcomes of students. We also recognize this same systemic discrimination is deeply intertwined in our state’s economic policies.

We are committed to explicitly addressing how systemic racism and racial injustice intersect with our work. We will consciously use the independence and self-acknowledged privilege of our organization to call for equity and fairness in all facets related to our mission, and will actively listen to — and collaborate with — the historically underserved and disenfranchised communities we are working to strengthen.

We continually work to ensure this commitment is reflected in the diversity of our staff, the data we analyze, the policies we develop, and the conversations we have with policymakers, stakeholders, and community members across Connecticut.

We know as an organization, and as individuals, we will always have learning to do, room to grow, and ways we can be better allies. We hope you join us in this commitment to build a more equitable state for Connecticut’s students, families, and communities.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;
• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Work will be primarily performed hybrid/remote. Office space is available to staff, and staff have the option to attend meetings in-person.

Compensation: The hourly rate range for this position is $15.69 - $20.00/hr. and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits.

TSNE/SSFP strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/SSFP prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/SSFP celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/SSFP's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.

Salary : $16 - $20