Director of Research and Data

NCEA MISSION STATEMENT: In service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, NCEA strengthens Catholic school communities by convening all stakeholders and providing professional development, data, public policy and resources to support faith and intellectual formation. PRIMARY FUNCTION: The director of research and data leads, manages, and delivers the Catholic educational research agenda for NCEA. The director is responsible for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to NCEA membership, programs, events and Catholic education trends. The director oversees research projects, ensuring that they are in line with NCEA goals, collaborates with research partners, and provides guidance and direction to the data analyst. This includes generating insights that supports mission-driven goals of Catholic schools and (arch)dioceses across the country. QUALIFICATIONS: The director of research and data should have a strategic mindset, be able to think critically and creatively, possess strong decision-making skills, can work well under pressure, foster a collaborative and innovative environment, and be able to effectively communicate and present complex educational research findings. EDUCATION: Requires MA or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Analysis, Education or related fields with a focus on research, statistics, or data. EXPERIENCE: 5-10 years' experience in mid-to-upper-level data analysis position or closely related field. Strong preference for candidates with a background in educational research or experience applying data analysis in educational settings. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Oversee the collection, analysis and dissemination of various data and assure the integrity and security of the data. • Create surveys, distribute surveys, and analyze results; surveys may include but are not limited to those relating to NCEA’s performance, membership trends, school data, other areas of interest in Catholic education, and various partner groups (including Catholic universities and colleges) particularly around school effectiveness and school improvement processes • Process data and information in a confidential and secure manner; always maintain security of data, observing required regulations and best practices in data security • Create and present effective reports from the analyzed data sets; produce solutions and recommendations for those seeking insights from data collected and analyzed • Generate reports from single or multiple systems • Provide technical expertise on data storage structures, data mining, and data cleansing • Supports other departments with the development and implementation of internal surveys • Assist with creation, collection, and organization of data collected for content team events, webinars, and projects including award programs and speakers • Collaborates with external partners to advance research and data efforts in Catholic education • Assist with strategic decisions on new data collection systems and processes; may act as subject matter expert for NCEA, schools and dioceses on systems and processes needed for effective and secure data collection • Train end users, including school personnel, on how to create and utilize reports and dashboards • Support members by supplying relevant data sets and research findings upon request. • Supervise and provide direction to the data analyst REQUIRED SKILLS: • Ability to understand and analyze educational data within the context of Catholic school mission, identity, and governance. • Experience with a variety of data analytics software tools, including tools for surveying, storing, and mining data (such as Qualtrics, Tableau, Asana, etc.); must be highly proficient in Excel • Demonstrated proficiency and skill in applied statistics, writing queries and data mining • Experience in designing and implementing data dashboards • Track record of analyzing, selecting, and implementing new data software tools • Demonstrated proficiency and skill in designing data collection efforts, writing reports effectively and presenting data results with insightful recommendations to diverse constituent groups • Strong presentation and communication skills, including the ability to present Catholic educational data to membership and to adapt communication to suit diverse audiences COMPETENCIES Accountability Takes full responsibility for results. Demonstrates creative and critical thinking skills. Strong business analytics, relationship management, strategy development, project management, problem-solving and change management skills. Time management and multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize tasks while managing several projects. Self-motivated and action-driven with the ability to work independently to execute and follow-through. Attention to detail for precise analysis of data. Works successfully in a rapidly changing environment is necessary. Communication Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly present recommendations and ideas as well as summarize complex issues. Shares the information people need to know to be successful. Inform others in a timely manner. Demonstrates very effective listening, questioning and interpersonal skills. Integrity & Trust Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, team player, dynamic, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Builds collaborative relationships with NCEA staff and stakeholders. Is trusted by others. Perform a wide variety of tasks where a wide degree of creativity and latitude is required. Interpersonal Skills Maintains confidentiality. Exercises a high degree of tact and diplomacy. NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION EQUAL OPPORTUNITY The National Catholic Educational Association will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis [“protected class”] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state or local law. As a Catholic organization (recognized by the USCCB) the NCEA reserves the right to hire those of the Catholic faith in positions where practice and knowledge of the Catholic faith are necessary for the work required in the position. Further, NCEA retains the ability to hire employees whose lifestyle upholds the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Apply tot his job