The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free, public charter school serving more than 1,200 students in 5^th through 12^th grades. Focused on student achievement and strong character, the school’s mission is summarized in three words: create college graduates. The school serves a student population of which 87% qualify for free and reduced lunch and 90% identify as students of color. Students are accepted by a lottery that prioritizes the six highest-need zip codes within the district. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, 100% of students in each graduating class earned at least one acceptance to a college or university – we believe this provides true choice and opportunity as students pursue post-secondary goals. More than 70% of our students identify as first in their families to attend college.

The Kauffman School seeks results-driven and culturally responsive educators to join its team – we anchor ourselves around four guiding principles about what it means to be culturally responsive educators and create a school with strong student and staff culture:

• Belief and Connection: We show belief in every student through setting and holding them to high expectations while building relationships. We build connections and relationships with each student side by side by providing excellent rigorous content in order to value the individual child. We do not allow differences in identity or our personal biases to cause us to lower expectations because we know that when supported, our students can achieve.
• Clear is Kind:  We show care through direct and clear communication of our high expectations rather than allowing them to ‘slip through the cracks’ by assuming they will know how to meet our standards without telling them. We also know that one of our roles is preparing our children for a world as college students/graduates that might play by different “rules” than they have previously experienced and it is our job to help them understand how to navigate, challenge the norms of, and dismantle that world.
• Intent and Impact: All of our actions are executed with the purpose and intent to empower every student to reach their full potential. We also believe that as educators, we are called to assess the impact of our actions and adjust course if they are not meeting the intent. Positive intent cannot mean we ignore the impact of actions and we believe continually assessing and reassessing practices to ensure they are effective is a critical reflection process to ensure we are being culturally responsive.
• Cultural Context + Critical Thinking: We approach rigorous learning as an activity that is responsive to students’ cultural contexts and pushes them to think critically. We seek opportunities for them to engage with and respond to the world around them - both in their immediate lives and in their broader society - while being pushed intellectually at all times.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Kauffman School seeks a dedicated Data Specialist (DS). The Data Team at the Kauffman School is dedicated to the idea that our school should be a test lab in education, able to implement and report out on what creates and scales transformative outcomes for students. To achieve this, the team collects and analyzes data, offers strategic guidance to instructional leadership, and works to invest staff and students in ambitious goals.

The DS is a committed, detail-oriented individual who shares the Kauffman School belief that all students can meet high academic expectations in the right school environment. The DS helps build this environment by collecting and analyzing data that drives instruction and school operations. Additionally, the DS plays an instrumental role in the school by coordinating assessment logistics and, at various times throughout the year, managing the day-to-day data and logistical needs of the instructional staff. The DS reports to the Director of Technology and Data (DTD) and is a full-time, exempt position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Management and Reporting

• Collaborate with school leadership to implement the school’s student data collection procedures
• Produce various reports accurately and on time (weekly behavior reports, quarterly progress reports, and report cards)
• Develop processes and systems to effectively collect and securely maintain records in school’s student information systems (Kickboard and Powerschool)
• Perform data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and potentially useful information for instructional staff (i.e. behavior, attendance, homework completion, etc.)
• Maintain student attendance and performance assessments records
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the DTD

Assessment

• Develop and execute project plans to use in coordinating logistics of assessment administration and proactively communicating roles and responsibilities
• Ensure accurate and timely process of data entry, analysis, and reporting for all school assessments (STEP, ANET, MAP, EOC, ACT, AP)
• Coordinate all testing materials, supplies, software systems, deliverables from teachers and other necessary components for testing success
• Lead pre-testing meetings with peers to ensure 100% of deadlines are met
• Project manage support team including members of Operations, Instructional Leadership, Information Technology, and Interns to provide excellent day-of logistical support for students and teachers
• Receive, store, and produce test materials
• Collaborate with teaching staff on the creation and storage of school designed interim assessments
• Provide training and feedback to staff on administrative procedures and protocols related to assessment administration
• Complete classroom set up, scheduling, and distribution/collection of test materials and related supplies on test days

Systems

• In conjunction with principal(s), create daily schedules
• Manage user support for key data software systems such as Powerschool, Kickboard, and ANET including writing training for teachers and supporting with requests
• Work with Information Technology Coordinator to ensure that computer labs are prepared for testing events including testing software meeting specifications, lab equipment in order, and routines and procedures in place to maintain labs throughout events
• Manage strong rollout to families of key communication systems such as parent portal for grades
• Check teacher gradebooks to ensure 100% accuracy before key reporting benchmarks like progress reports and report cards

Progress Monitoring & Communications

• Assist with the design of staff surveys to measure organizational culture and performance, track completion and generate reports
• Populate key dashboards and scorecards with data on key priorities
• Build compelling presentations for senior leaders to update staff on progress toward key goals with clear data visualizations and inspirational messages that celebrate staff achievement
• Coordinate logistics for external evaluators to survey students and families on school climate
• Set up compelling site visits for key external partners or media
• Assist with applications for awards by pulling key data and writing clear responses that convey Kauffman’s core values

School Support

• Assist with beginning and end of day logistical responsibilities
• Attend leadership team meetings to ensure clear collaboration and move projects forward
• Participate in regular staff development meetings and make content-appropriate presentations and professional development sessions as requested by school leadership
• Stay abreast of developments in the field by attending Kauffman School approved trainings and workshops that bear upon the implementation and evaluation of Kauffman School program and effectiveness

Building School Culture

• Believe deeply in the mission of the Kauffman School and that all children can meet high academic expectations
• Frequently and consistently communicate the school’s mission and philosophy to students and families
• Adhere to school academic and disciplinary protocols
• Be personally accountable for the quality of school performance management work
• Exhibit the school’s values at all times when interacting with students, families, staff, and visitors
• Maintain confidential and sensitive information, with respect to both school and student level data and internal staff members
• Embrace feedback in the spirit of constant improvement
• Demonstrate maturity, humility, professionalism, confidence, and a strong work ethic

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree required (mathematics, engineering, education, social science, statistics or related field preferred)
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting data, associated with public education
• Experience with PowerSchool or other student information systems
• Demonstrated knowledge with various computer information and data management systems (i.e. Microsoft Excel), in addition to general proficiency and problem solving regarding information
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including listening
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others on team projects
• Ability to establish timelines and consistently meet deadlines
• Experience designing or maintaining relational databases
• Ability to think creatively about complex problems
• Ability to think of both the big picture and operational details simultaneously
• Ability to multitask with ease, prioritizing appropriately
• Proven track record of delivering accurate, comprehensive results within tight deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving and superior interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Able and willing to work extended school day hours

This role requires the a bility to work at the location as assigned by the School (e.g., on-site or remote) and the ability to accept re-assignment to an alternative work location as determined by the School. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Kauffman School offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with anticipated duties and experience.  This position is eligible to participate in the school’s benefits program.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should complete a formal application through the Kauffman School Careers page at http://www.kauffmanschool.org/.  

The Kauffman School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged.