Position Type:
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
Date Posted:
4/14/2023
Location:
Superintendent`s Office
Date Available:
07/01/2023
Closing Date:
05/12/2023
Director of Data and Analytics
Summary Description:
Under the direction of the Superintendent, leads and coordinates the work of the Data Team. Aligns the priorities of the department with the vision of the district. Assigns, supervises, and deploys staff as necessary to manage complex data operations and systems. Ensures the work carried out by staff supports the policies of the Portland Board of Public Education and the expectations of the Superintendent. As a senior leader within the organization, the DoDA may be required to participate regularly in the Superintendent’s Cabinet and interface regularly with Board members, school leaders and other members of the organization’s leadership structure.
This year-round position includes a generous benefit package, including 25 vacation days per year and full health and dental benefits. Applicants seeking a fully remote position will be considered for this role. The salary range for this position is $83,624-$108,902.
Overview of the Role:
The Director of Data and Analytics has the primary responsibility of leading the Portland Public Schools data team, overseeing all activities and ensuring alignment with the district’s vision and objectives. The Director of Data and Analytics aligns and directs the management, development, and integration of data analytics necessary for supporting the mission, vision, strategies, objectives, and goals of the district.
The Director of Data and Analytics (DoDA) understands that information and data are key assets and operationalizes the application of data and information in order to deliver actionable insights to district stakeholders. The Director will participate in various committee meetings as necessary to influence data capabilities and competencies within the district.
This is a leadership position, reporting directly to the Superintendent. The position currently has three direct reports including a Manager of Data and Reporting, a database engineer and a Student Information System and Data Specialist. As a department head, the DoDA will be responsible for the management of this team and other standard director level responsibilities such as developing and managing the department’s budget.
Expectations for the role are that the DoDA will operate as a senior level planner, facilitator and purveyor of data analysis while championing processes and systems that will improve the district’s ability to use data to make decisions at all levels of the organization.
The ideal candidate will understand K-12 education, have a proven track record of building organizational capacity to integrate data into decision-making, and the capacity to analyze existing systems by engaging staff and lead to process improvements. The DoDA will be charged with working with district staff, school leaders and instructional coaches to create a data driven culture throughout the school district.
Essential Job Duties:
- Manages the Data Team to maintain and optimize district data systems including the student information system, district financial system and district human resources system; integrates multiple data systems to allow staff to answer key business questions.
- Oversees the development and management of a district data and research agenda.
- Oversees the district’s data reporting functions including state reporting, the district’s Institutional Review Board and Data Sharing Agreements.
- Provides management with data-driven insights that inform the district’s strategic direction and progress towards our Portland Promise goals.
- Ensures the confidentiality of district data and data sharing practices internally and with external partners.
- Identifies appropriate department level owners of various data functions and coordinates the necessary training and support on these functions.
- Supports other leaders and departmental leaders in making strategic, data-driven decisions, in an effort to guarantee the delivery of high-quality execution of the diverse array of project deliverables.
- Determines the adoption of suitable tools that drive the use of data and help to facilitate a data driven culture.
- Other duties as assigned for the proper execution of their responsibilities and as assigned by the Superintendent.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Economics, Statistics, Information Systems, Applied Math, district Administration, or any other related field.
- Master’s or higher degree preferred
- A combination of education and relevant work experience will also be considered as an acceptable substitute for an advanced degree for this position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects and achieve results within required time, functionality, performance, quality and budget requirements.
- Knowledge of and ability to implement current data technologies and best practices. Specifically deep knowledge in data visualization and data management including SQL, Big Query, Tableau, or other data visualization tools such as Power BI or Google Data Studio.
- Ability to apply sound technical judgment in estimating project size, staffing requirements and duration and organize and manage resources to achieve goals.
- Ability to assess, develop, and manage effective performance teams.
- Ability to quickly learn Portland Public Schools (PPS) policies, regulations and practices.
- Skilled in technical areas related to the role, process improvement, team-building, and oral and written communications.
- General understanding of database architecture and engineering
Certificate and License Requirements: Maine State fingerprint authorization (Criminal History Records Check)
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
- Occasionally lift boxes, equipment, etc. weighing 40 pounds
- Read console terminal screens.
Special Requirements: Occasional extended work hours and attendance at evening meetings.
Overtime Eligible: No
Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and fede