Director of Research, Analysis, and Systemic Improvement

Assignment Information:

Our Director of Research, Analysis, and Systemic Improvement, is a full-time, full year position.

The terms and conditions of this position are covered by an individual contract.

This benefit-eligible position has a minimum salary of $126,000.

Summary/Primary Objective of Position:

Director of Research, Analysis, and Systemic Improvement directs the district's research, evaluation, improvement and assessment functions to support data-informed decision making aligned with the district's strategic priorities. This director position reports to the associate superintendent and provides leadership in research methodologies, data analysis, program evaluation, and assessment systems to improve educational outcomes for all students.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Research and Data Analysis Leadership

• Lead the design and implementation of research projects aligned with district initiatives using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies

• Guide administrative and teacher teams in use of research findings to make instructional decisions aimed at improving student outcomes

• Build and maintain a district-wide culture of effective data use for continuous improvement

• Develop and maintain comprehensive data systems, dashboards, and reporting tools to monitor key performance indicators

• Analyze complex educational data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform district decision-making

• Apply advanced statistical techniques to evaluate program effectiveness and student achievement

• Establish research-based frameworks for measuring progress toward strategic goals

• Design and implement a system for research approval and institutional review for both internal and external research studies

2. Strategic Planning and Evaluation

• Serve as primary advisor to District and School administrators on strategic priorities, evaluation, and performance monitoring

• Develop and implement a system and process for managing, monitoring, and reporting related to key performance indicators of effectiveness

• Develop and implement program evaluation frameworks to assess effectiveness of district initiatives

• Develop and implement accountability framework to monitor and improve academic achievement aligned to strategic goals

• Collaborate on design and analysis of stakeholder surveys to inform continuous improvement

• Provide guidance and support for development of action plan accountability measures

• Train school leaders in use of data for continuous improvement planning

• Develop presentations for administrative teams, teaching staff, School Board and public on district performance and effectiveness

3. Assessment and Accountability

• Supervise the district assessment program to ensure proper administration of all standardized testing

• Interpret and implement state and federal assessment and accountability requirements

• Prepare technical reports and presentations of assessment results for various stakeholders

• Design assessment professional learning to help administrators and staff utilize data effectively

• Develop comparative achievement profiles at school and district levels

• Monitor student performance to ensure equitable assessment practices

• Coordinate federal and state accountability analysis and required improvement planning

4. Serve as a member of the District’s administrative team and actively participate in the development, implementation, and achievement of District goals, and individual mutual commitments tied directly to District goals.

5. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications

1. Master's degree required in education, educational research, evaluation, statistics, or related field
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in educational research, program evaluation, data analysis, or related field
3. Experience conducting educational research using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies
4. Demonstrated experience with data analysis software and visualization tools
5. MN School Administrative License preferred
6. Significant knowledge of research design, statistical analysis, and program evaluation
7. Proficiency with data analysis software and related technologies
8. Experience building data dashboards and reporting systems
9. Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders
10. Excellence in written and verbal communication, including presentation skills
11. Demonstrated commitment to cultural responsiveness in data practices
12. Ability to lead and manage change effectively
13. Experience facilitating adult learning and professional learning