Principal Data Analyst

Principal Data Analyst

New Meridian Corporation, located in Austin, TX seeks outstanding candidates to fill Principal Data Analyst position. This position, reporting to the Director of Psychometrics and Research Services will support New Meridian's assessment design, psychometric, research, and statistical programming activities to further the goals of New Meridian to develop and market a portfolio of innovative customized assessment offerings.


WHO WE ARE:

New Meridian is a non-profit, assessment design and development organization. We believe assessments should focus on skills that matter: critical thinking, deep understanding, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively, helping prepare students to adapt and thrive in a complex world. At New Meridian, we create high-quality assessments that measure these skills to ensure all students have access to valuable educational experiences.

Our mission is to advance the quality of public education for all students by designing assessments that focus on the skills that matter.

Our team is defined by a strong commitment to improving student learning, empowering teachers, and advancing the role of high-quality assessment in expanding opportunity for all students. We are recognized leaders in assessment innovation, driven by our willingness to tackle complex challenges and our dedication to delivering exceptional support to our partners.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

SUMMARY : Candidates interested in this position will have a strong working knowledge of and interest in K-12 education, a collaborative working style, and experience in data analysis, data management, and programming.

Successful New Meridian employees possess the following traits:

• An ability to get things done: You are results-driven, resourceful, action oriented, and persistent. You consistently look ahead and anticipate needs before they arise.
• Analytical: You have strong analytical skills and are comfortable reviewing quantitative data to inform your understanding of the market and customer needs and issues.
• Creative mindset: You can quickly adapt and develop creative solutions to challenges. You deeply understand product management principles and can apply them to synthesize information and recommend a plan of action.
• Emotional intelligence: You are highly self-aware and perceptive to the dynamics of key relationships. You are positive, empathetic, flexible, and curious. You naturally gain the respect of your colleagues through your authenticity, warmth, and competence.
• Trustworthy: You are highly ethical, principled, and mission-driven. You operate with integrity and garner the trust of others. You exemplify the values of the organization

EXPECTED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PSYCHOMETRIC, RESEARCH, AND ASSESSMENT DESIGN SUPPORT

• Performs statistical analysis and data processing tasks which may require a basic understanding of applied statistics and measurement such as multiple regression, reliability, validity, and item response theory. This may include the evaluation of results for reasonableness, by using established program-specific procedures.
• Prepares critical information, including schedules and task lists, and performs quality control on critical information from other sources for statistical procedures, equating plans, test analysis reports, and item and DIF analyses.
• Designs, develops, and coordinates the preparation of tables and text for inclusion in program publications, score reports and other relevant documents.
• Serves as consultant or representative for program(s) when complex computer systems are being designed or revised and when data-related problems need to be resolved.
• Designs, codes, tests, and debugs programs and databases through all levels of complexity
• Contributes to discussion regarding the potential effects of changes in testing program(s); recommends long-range goals and plans for programs (including staffing, budgeting and technology requirements)
• Responsible for identifying the resolution of data-related problems and evaluates data for reasonableness. Train other staff in the use of psychometric and statistical software necessary to carry out required work assignments.
• Responds to requests for data and data interpretation. Identifies the course of action required to process additional and non-routine requests.
• Advanced programming, data analytic and problem-solving skills including:
  • The ability to train and instruct staff on the purpose and necessity of assignments using personal experience and knowledge of programs and their processes.
  • Troubleshoot for the operating systems and/or software programs.
  • Write and/or modify programs with more efficient code, with an eye towards automation, and can train others on how to make their programs more efficient.
  • Replicate other system programs results.
  • Write programs independently to conduct non-routine analyses, special studies and requests under a tight deadline.
  • Apply advanced Excel techniques to manipulate and present data.
• Proactively works toward shorter cycle time and reduced costs, greater customer satisfaction, and quality maintenance by suggesting and implementing process improvements.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

• Develops, plans, coordinates, and conducts the workflow of statistical operations for complex testing program(s) and research projects with complex procedures, including the implementation of complex data processing systems for these operations.
• Plans and oversees the preparation of statistical procedures memoranda and other statistical documents.
• Develops and manages procedures, processes, and work schedules both within Assessment Design & Development and in conjunction with other departments.
• Independently assigns and monitors work of professional and support staff.
• Works collaboratively with internal team and partners and follows established protocols to fulfill tasks accurately and on time.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Master's degree or equivalent years of experience in Educational Measurement, Statistics, Mathematics, Psychology or a closely related field.
• Six or more years of experience in managing and coordinating statistical analysis and data processing operations and in performing data analysis by utilizing various types of statistical software packages or programming languages (e.g. SAS, R, or Python).

• Advanced level proficiency with Microsoft Word sufficient to create, format, or merge text and tables for memos and reports.
• Advanced level proficiency with Microsoft Excel in performing data entry, creating and utilizing formulas, efficiently organizing data and information, and analyzing and displaying data.
• Advanced level experience working with Shiny R, Power BI, Tableau, or other data visualization tools.
• Position can be performed remotely or in New Meridian's offices located in Austin, TX.

• Travel to meetings and conferences as needed (less than 25%).

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

We offer a competitive annual salary. Our benefits package includes:

• Medical, prescription, and behavioral health coverages.
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Life and AD&D coverage.
• Short-and long-term disability.
• Employee assistance program.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Up to 20 days of PTO per year.
• 17 paid holidays.
• Accrued Sick Leave
• Paid parental leave.
• Remote work and flexible schedules.

New Meridian Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. We are excited to receive applications from people in occupations or positions where they are under-represented, particularly from individuals connected to underserved communities. We feel we are strengthened by diverse perspectives.