Research and Policy Data Analyst
Job Description
About Turnaround
By studying the impact of adversity on the developing brain, Turnaround for Children is on to something big. It is connecting the dots between poverty, stress and academic performance.
Turnaround translates the science that explains the impact of stress on learning and behavior into tools and strategies that teachers and administrators can use to cultivate safe environments, reduce stress, increase engagement in learning and accelerate student development and academic achievement. Turnaround acts as a catalyst for change by raising awareness about and addressing the challenges that affect all schools facing adversity, particularly those in high-poverty communities.
Over the past 15 years, Turnaround has grown from an idea into an organization with a $13.4 million annual operating budget and nearly 60 employees. Currently Turnaround partners with 10 schools in New York City, Newark, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., serving more than 4,100 students and nearly 500 teachers. Turnaround’s central office is located in midtown Manhattan.
Location
This position is based in our Washington D.C. office with regular travel to offsite local area locations and occasional travel to New York City. Possibility of more regular travel to New York City during orientation period.
FLSA
This is a non-exempt level position that is eligible for overtime.
About the Position
The Data Analyst will play a critical role Turnaround’s work to collect, analyze, and apply data about the organization’s impact, including both quantitative and qualitative data, with a special focus on the application of improvement science principles to enable disciplined inquiry and meaningful learning about Turnaround’s newer tools and services. By helping internal colleagues and external partners and stakeholders gain data-driven insights about our tools and services, this role will help ensure that students receive the interventions needed to thrive in school and in life.
Key Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
- Establish and refine systems for collecting, analyzing, communicating, and acting on qualitative data on Turnaround’s work across all regions and service models, with a special focus on Turnaround’s newer tools and services. This work will be collaboratively supported by the peer Data Analyst and Research Operations Manager.
- Collaboratively support the peer Data Analyst and Research Operations Manager in establishing and refining systems for collecting, analyzing, and communicating quantitative data on Turnaround’s work across all regions and service models, with a special focus on developing and improving educator-facing reports.
- Serve as Organizational Learning liaison to 2-4 Washington D.C. partner schools by co-facilitating data collection; contributing to technical training and support; and supporting data analysis and data-driven planning by Turnaround’s school-based teams.
- Participate in the development of research reports, staff trainings, and internal and external presentations of analytical findings and recommendations.
- Collaborate with the Research and Analytics Assistant and the peer Data Analyst to meet external data sharing needs and field ad hoc data requests.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- BA/BS in psychology, economics, public policy, sociology, or related social science field; Masters degree preferred
- Exceptional analytical skills with experience providing data analysis in a fast-paced, quality-critical environment, preferably to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, preferably with experience applying and adapting them outside of a purely academic setting
- Experience working in a K12 education setting that requires interaction with educators preferred
- Expert skill with Excel; Knowledge of statistical methods and proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, or R
- Experience with Tableau or other data visualization tools preferred
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to effectively balance multiple projects
- Comfortable working in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment with a high bar for accuracy and close attention to detail
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Strong commitment to the work and mission of Turnaround for Children
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Ability to push, pull or carry 30 pounds
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to use a computer and office technologies
- Work is performed in a professional office setting with varying noise levels; occasional partner site visits may be required
