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Education Data and Analysis Specialist

Education Program Specialist I

Recruitment #23-005055-0008

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Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 21
Annual salary Range: $77,204 - $96,961 (with progression to $119,591)
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Note: All MSDE positions require in-person/on-site reporting.

Main Purpose of Job

This position provides programmatic support and technical expertise in data analyses to the Performance Reporting and Accountability Office within the Division of Assessment, Performance Reporting and Accountability (DAAPR) in the implementation of the Department’s education accountability program. This position is critical to supporting the Maryland State Department of Education’s mission to develop and support a strong accountability system to increase academic success for all students.  

This position is responsible for assuring data quality and conducting analyses related to the data metrics required under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA), the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and as required by other state and federal laws. This position provides a critical role in validating, analyzing, and compiling data collected from various sources required in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

POSITION DUTIES

Provides technical expertise and support for assuring data quality and conducting analyses related to the data metrics required under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA), the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and as required by other state and federal laws.

Designs, creates, and manages datasets.
● Extracts data from the MSDE data warehouse.
● Manipulates data by merging, appending and sorting datasets.
● Uses SAS or other programming languages for descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical analysis.
● Uses other reporting tools, as needed, such as, Cognos and Excel.

Ensures quality, validity, and usability of data.
● Uses SAS or other programming languages to organize and clean data. 
● Assures data quality by creating, modifying, and running quality assurance data syntax. 
● Notifies MSDE staff of inconsistencies in reported data and implements solutions to resolve inconsistencies.
● Collaborates with Office of Accountability managers, data collection staff, and data warehouse architect to ensure data integrity.

Creates, maintains, and supports reporting functions.
● Analyzes data for federal or state reporting requirements.
● Prepares technical reports to stakeholders, including MSDE staff, local school systems, and general public.
● Creates, modifies, and updates SAS code or other programming languages to incorporate changes in data collection processes.
● Produces ad-hoc reports within timelines using various data sources upon request for in-depth analysis.
● Format reports according to requested parameters.

Provides education data and analyses in response to ad-hoc inquiries.
● Develops data queries, datasets, and reports that are responsive to legislative and public information act requests.
● Develops data queries, datasets, and reports that are responsive to data requests within MSDE, from other state agencies, and from local school systems.

Provides expertise and technical support to MSDE staff and local school systems.
● Consult with Program Manager and Executive Director on information and analytical needs for existing or proposed projects.  Consultation to include problem definition, literature review, data acquisition, database creation, data analysis, development, planning, and reporting.
● Documents analytic and reporting processes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Four years of professional experience as a research or data analyst in education or other related field. Fluency in a computer-based statistical package (SPSS, STATA, or SAS) as well as experience with Excel and Access required. Experience in the use of R and PowerBI are preferred. 

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.

3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.  The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One year of experience working with data sets, data analysis, or data management.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

•  Knowledge of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
•  Knowledge of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
•  Knowledge of data step processing, macros, statistical procedures (FREQ, MEANS, SUMMARY, UNIVARIATE), SQL coding, general linear modeling and analysis of variance, data migration, data visualization, and data integration and extraction techniques.
•  Skill in computer programing language R and Python.
•  Skill in data management and analysis.
•  Skill in communicating data and research findings to a variety of stakeholder groups.
•  Ability to analyze complex program issues and recommend solutions.
•  Skill in organizing and managing multiple projects, timelines, and deadlines.
•  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
•  Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment in making decisions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted. 
 
Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. 

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.



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