Data Analyst, OSD

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides the tools and resources to ensure that all diverse learners receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans toward greater student development and achievement. A critical area within the Office is to provide financial and operational support to schools, networks, and central office departments, including but not limited to the allocation of special education resources to CPS schools so that every child is provided with the services outlined by a student's IEP.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Data Quality Management Team Lead, the Data Analyst will use data to drive progress toward District priorities and goals. The Data Analyst will support OSD units in the collection, analysis, reporting, and interpretation of data to facilitate informed decision-making, identify trends, ensure that Diverse Learner outcomes are monitored, and to support the continuous improvement of OSD programs and services. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Data Analyst will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Proficiently analyze, manipulate and transform complex datasets from multiple sources using analysis tools such as SAS, SQL, Python, or R to extract meaningful insights
• Apply statistical techniques to analyze data distributions, correlations, and trends, contributing to the development of robust analytical models
• Create and customize reports tailored to departmental needs, ensuring clarity and relevance in communicating key performance indicators; summarize metrics and produce visualizations for key stakeholders
• Utilize data visualization techniques to present findings in an easily digestible and visually compelling manner, aiding departmental stakeholders in understanding complex datasets
• Identify trends and patterns in data, offering valuable insights to support strategic decision-making within the portfolio of departments
• Conduct root cause analysis to uncover the underlying factors contributing to observed trends, providing valuable context for decision-makers
• Follow established department and district-wide processes to ensure the quality, integrity and reliability of data used for analysis
• Evaluate data for structural integrity and consistency
  
  • Compile, manipulate, and analyze data using appropriate statistical techniques
  • Ensure data quality and integrity across Offices
• Collaborate with business and subject matter experts to identify additional data needs
  
  
  • Participate in the District's Data Analyst User Group
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the OSD Data Analyst must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required; focus in statistics, business, economics, or a related field requiring quantitative coursework, preferred
• Master's degree in a quantitative field of study (e.g., data science), preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in a relevant field and a role requiring data analysis skills, including experience writing code with data analytic tools (SAS, R, SPSS, STATA, etc) is required. Up to 1 year of full-time, data-related internship experience may be considered against this requirement.
  
  • Minimum of one (1) year of the above professional experience may be considered in combination with a master's degree in a quantitative field of study (E.g., data science, economics).
• One (1) or more years of experience as a business analyst or systems analyst, preferred

Other Requirements:

• Must work with approved enterprise analytic toolsets (SAS or SQL)
• Adhere to a set of guiding principles for analytic practice as established by the Data Governance Council

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to use or learn SAS or SQL required
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and gSuite applications
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and data quality assurance
• Ability to deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment, respond promptly to multiple constituencies, and meet established deadlines
• Capable of success both working independently with general guidance and as a collaborative member of a team
• Capable of coordinating efforts and facilitating collaboration with a variety of individuals whose priorities may differ
• Ability to establish priorities and effectively manage time to complete multiple activities or projects concurrently
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team with technical and non-technical personnel from a variety of departments
• Ability to probe and derive the correct technical requirements from a non-technical customer for a particular data-related question
• Flexibility to meet changing departmental needs and priorities
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Capable of adhering to a high level of professionalism at all times across professional interactions

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.