The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is the State Education Agency for the District of Columbia charged with raising the quality of education for all DC residents. Within OSSE, the Division of Data, Assessment, and Research is responsible for using data to measure and communicate student success. We strive to develop data and measurement systems and resources, produce actionable data, and to conduct research that increases the capacity of our stakeholders to initiate and drive policy decisions and implement and evaluate successful programs that support the improvement of students’ educational opportunities and outcomes.   

The Office of Research, Analysis, and Reporting (ORAR) team partners with divisions within OSSE across the PK-20 spectrum as well as our LEAs and other agencies across the District to promote the quality and transparency of education data and to inform policy and practice. The education research analyst will serve as a policy and research expert concerning postsecondary education projects on college access and success, career training and employment outcomes and will be responsible for ensuring that decision makers have an enhanced view of the pathways between education and employment for DC students.  The education research analyst will employ rigorous research techniques, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, to evaluate and provide specific recommendations concerning post-secondary career education policies and practices as well as drive continued research.   

Key annual deliverables for the team include: DC School Report Card, analysis of statewide assessments, federal EdFacts and IDEA reports, local reports including the Discipline Report, Youth Risk Behavior Survey findings, Educator Workforce Report, and Attendance Report.  

Employees for all may be eligible for two days of telework per week and will report to 1050 First Street NE on all other days. 

Duties and Responsibilities  
The education research analyst will analyze relevant national and local trends in accountability systems and/or early learning and remain current with current research methodologies and best practices. The research and policy associate will collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders to promote data-driven decision making and the strategic use of data to promote equitable evaluation of education programs. Additional functions/responsibilities are as follows:   

• Performs quantitative and qualitative analysis that informs practice and policy  
• Project manages data requests and analytical projects in the portfolio of accountability and/or early learning  
• Develops the technical skills, leadership, and education policy knowledge other analysts on the team  
• Ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the data they provide by following established quality assurance (QA) procedures  
• Documents, adheres to, and improves the efficiency of standard operating procedures, business requirements and rules, and technical specifications  
• Serves as an expert on research design and methodologies  
• Writes and edits policy briefs and analyses for various audiences (e.g., District Council, agency leadership, the public, etc.)  
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and research partners, as appropriate, to plan and execute research projects and promote data-driven decision making  
• Advances OSSE’s research agenda by proposing research studies  
• Handles confidential data securely  
• Remains current with education policy issues related to accountability and/or early learning and relevant research methodologies.  
• Supports data transparency and use; generates reports and data visualizations and collaborates to build data tools to provide useful and relevant data and information to stakeholders and the public on policy and research initiatives concerning school safety and exclusion.  
• Promotes the office's role within the education research community by representing the office in meetings with education professionals, policymakers, and representatives in support of the office's mission.   
• Performs other related duties as assigned.  

Qualifications and Education  
Education research analysts in ORAR possess and demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:   

• Concision and clarity in verbal and written communication (for both technical and non-technical audiences)  
• Advanced knowledge of education research theory, principles, and practices  
• Advanced knowledge of education policy  
• Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and software packages (e.g., Stata, R, SQL) and the ability to teach those skills to others  
• Advanced project management skills and experience  
• All candidates in this must possess: a can-do and flexible mindset while managing multiple priorities, an eagerness to continue to learn and help your colleagues learn, a desire to support all learners and educators in the District, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.    

Interested applicants should register for the OSSE Hiring Fair.