Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing charter public schools that are closing the academic achievement gap and preparing students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at rates far higher than their peers. We believe that every child deserves an outstanding education, and we are committed to working beyond the walls of our schools to achieve that goal through our professional development workshops, books, and district partnerships. 

Team Overview

The Data & IT Team is a true partner with Uncommon’s schools and other Home Office teams to achieve Uncommon's mission and provide value through technology solutions and services! The team strives to use clear communication, detailed planning, and consistent execution to build trust at every level (Managing Directors to school staff) in order to accomplish crucial technology work. The team manages PowerSchool, Illuminate, and downstream applications, and owns Uncommon-wide processes for Report Cards, Data Audits, End-of-Year PowerSchool Rollover, and all day-to-day PowerSchool work (attendance, grades, etc). This role will collaborate with partners across the Home Office and schools.

Role Overview

As part of Uncommon’s IT and Data Governance Team, the System and Data Analyst, Special Education (Analyst) will own workstreams that will help ensure the Team achieves its goals and objectives! The Analyst partners closely with other Data & IT team members and school-based partners to drive and support strategic systems and data objectives and projects. This role provides exposure to data management and analysis; communications and change management; and large-scale knowledge and project management within a fast-paced, growing organization. Star team members are focused, driven, fast, and hold themselves and their work to a high standard. This role is a two-year, grant-funded position.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Handle and audit the data related to students receiving Special Education (SPED) services across Uncommon Schools
• Lead the documentation and standardization of key processes and policies by building and running knowledge centers
• Build, manage, and maintain data dashboards and data analysis tools
• Manage, supervise, and analyze important metrics related to SPED services;
• Prepare Senior Leaders to communicate findings and trends by developing (and in some cases delivering) presentations, synopses, etc. on an ongoing basis
• Support with any change management plans, materials, and rollout to schools
• As a member of a project team, evaluate and implement Special Education technology systems.
• Train partners in data stewardship and foster a community of data ownership among partners.

Required Skills & Abilities

• High attention to detail
• Strong time and task management skills and demonstrated ability to be self-directed, prioritize multiple workstreams, supervise progress towards goals, and utilize data and information to move the work forward
• Excellent organizational, project management, and research skills; familiarity with task and PM tools a plus
• Dedication to providing access to meaningful data
• Strategic problem solver with outstanding critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to contribute to and lead multiple projects and change priorities as needed
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others, at all levels
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to translate complex requirements
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Comfort with presenting data in compelling, digestible ways
• Demonstrable ability to analyze data and provide insights for recommendations and process improvements
• Solid grasp of 2 or more data processing tools (SQL, Excel Macros and VBAl, R, Python)
• A desire to work on a hard-working team and take on additional projects, be creative and propose new solutions
• A quick and effective learner in a fast-paced, dynamic, ambitious environment that seeks constant improvement;

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required

Experience Requirements

• At least three years of work experience, preferably in a technical or data-focused role)
• At least one year of experience with developing, monitoring, maintaining, and analyzing data systems
• At least one year of SQL experience
• At least one year of project management experience
• Familiarity with PowerSchool or other Student Information System
• Experience with each phase of the data life cycle, from data collection, entry, audit, analysis, and reporting
• Previous experience with R or Python (preferred)
• Experience with state reporting of Special Education data in New York, New Jersey, or Massachusetts (preferred)
• Solid understanding of the field of Special Education and Special Education services in an education setting (preferred)
• Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Working on a computer involving video and audio

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.