Associate Data Strategist

Purpose

 Associate Data Strategists will work in a highly collaborative and cross-functional environment as part of a centralized data and strategy team to improve access to and the use of data across our school sites and central office teams. Strategists will develop data pipelines; complete rigorous statistical analyses; and facilitate the use of data via dashboards, reports, and presentations for leaders and teams. 

 The primary aim of the Associate Data Strategist will be to assist in major projects and work streams that move the district towards using data as a strategic asset across school sites and within the central office. Strategists will also contribute to district-wide efforts in systems-level strategy management, continuous improvement, and change leadership, ensuring that data is used not only to inform decisions but to support effective implementation and sustained progress.       

The Associate Data Strategist will work closely with stakeholders and systems leaders to gather requirements, complete deliverables, and present results to ensure the successful execution of major, system-wide projects and strategies. The ideal candidate meets minimum requirements in all four skills and abilities areas: data leadership, data engineering, data analysis, and strategic leadership, and demonstrated desire to continue growing their abilities. They are capable of independently leading work and delivering high-quality outcomes.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives specific direction from an Administrator. Works within accepted standards and methodologies with regular supervision while providing ongoing communication to the supervisor. May participate as part of a project team with specific reporting responsibilities to the Project Lead. Work is reviewed often while in progress and upon completion. 

Essential Functions of the Job - May include, but are not limited to, the following

Data Engineering

1. Minimum requirement: Proficiency in Excel or other basic data manipulation tool
2. Ability to use R, Python, or some other programming language to query, clean, and manipulate data
3. Strong working knowledge of effective data structures and pipelines and data governance best practices
4. Ability to create comprehensive documentation and to identify improvements in both the technical and organizational processes

Data Analytics

1. Minimum requirement: ability to perform descriptive analysis of one or more data sets
2. Knowledge of core principles of statistics, probability, causal inference, and/or cost-benefit analysis
3. Ability to leverage analytical methods including regression analysis, machine learning, quasi-experimental / causal modeling, and or other analytical techniques to generate insight from data
4. Ability to identify and visualize key data insights through different data deliverables (dashboards, decks, memos, white papers, etc.)

Data Leadership

1. Minimum Requirement: Ability to effectively communicate data findings to various audiences across a wide range of data domains (academic, operational, etc.)
2. Bridge the gap between technical teams and educational leaders, aligning on the “why, what, and how” behind data insights.
3. Identify emerging needs, opportunities, or threats, leveraging data to guide proactive decision-making aligned to organizational priorities.
4. Apply product management techniques and user-centered design to create accessible and sustainable data solutions.

Strategic Leadership

1. Minimum Requirement: ability to work well in a fast paced and collaborative environment
2. Ability to identify, define, and manage projects or workstreams—applying principles of strategy management, continuous improvement, and change leadership—while working with stakeholders to establish clear goals, deliverables, and timelines aligned to district priorities and strategies.
3. Ability to form, lead, facilitate, and/or participate in cross-functional teams and build sustainable and equitable systems and processes.
4. Skilled in both providing and receiving feedback and coaching, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Minimum Qualifications

The Associate Data Strategist must meet the minimum requirements for all four categories of the essential functions listed above with an objective to grow in other areas.

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is appropriate. A representative way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

1. 0-4 years of previous work-related experience using data-driven change and decision making.
2. 2+ years working in a PK12 education setting preferred.

Training

1. Associate or bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., B.S.N., etc.) in data science, statistics, economics, business administration, public policy or related quantitative field or at least 3 years commensurate experience.
2. Advanced degree in one of the fields preferred.

Special Requirements

Possession of, or the ability to obtain an Oregon Driver’s license, must have a safe driving record and provide proof of personal vehicle insurance. Required to have a reliable vehicle at work daily.

Work Environment

1. Variety of locations inside and outside school buildings and offices, including but not limited to office, classroom and lab environments.
2. High level of contact with district personnel.  Some contact with outside agencies/community.

Physical Requirements

Frequent reaching, handling, handwork, talking and hearing. Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment, stamina to remain seated and maintain concentration for an extended period. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Vision: Frequent near acuity; occasional far acuity. Vision to read printed materials, computer screens and/or other monitoring devices.

1. Strength: Light - Must be able to lift loads of up to 10 pounds; crawl, bend, stoop, twist, lift.

Salary Placement

Grade 25 on the Classified  Salary Schedule

Please see link below:

https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/careers/salary-schedules