Program & Data Specialist, D&CE

WHO WE ARE

In 2020, 11.6 million children in the U.S.—16% of all children nationwide—lived in poverty, and those children were disproportionately children of color. Students living in poverty often have physical and mental health, social-emotional, cognitive, and identity development needs that schools are not equipped to support. Rooted in community for more than 45 years, Communities In Schools (CIS) strives to bring community resources inside public schools, where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. CIS Co-Founder Bill Milliken said, “It’s relationships, not programs, that transform children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children.” 

Bill Milliken’s vision is alive through a strong network of trained CIS staff embedded in schools nationwide building support and relationships inside schools. Today, CIS serves approximately 3,700 schools, the overwhelming majority are Title I-eligible schools across two channels: (1) independent affiliates and (2) licensed partnerships. Grounded in the power of transformative relationships to unlock a young person’s potential, CIS has a national, research-based history of delivering local results that support improved student relationships with adults, better-quality relationships with peers, and increased engagement and sense of belonging. These outcomes lead to improved attendance, improved academic success, and improved on-time high school graduation rates. In 2021, the overall CIS enterprise had revenue of $330 million, including roughly $300 million within its 110 independent affiliates. This nationwide network is supported by the CIS National Office.  

MISSION AND VALUES

Communities In Schools (CIS) is “all-in” for kids. It is our passion—it is our mission. At the National Office, CIS collaborates with local affiliate organizations to provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. We are the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, and we achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do. 

‘Within the national office, we foster a culture inspired by our mission, our values of integrity, accountability, equity, collaboration, and excellence, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our culture is centered on three core tenants:  

• We acknowledge contributions and perspectives. 
• We collaborate across roles and departments. 
• We honor a whole-person approach and encourage balance. 

We aim to create a psychologically safe environment where relationships matter, and mutual respect is paramount.  

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Program & Data Specialist on the District & Community Engagement team, you will play a key role in ensuring our licensed partners effectively implement the CIS Model. Your responsibilities will focus on analyzing and reviewing data, training and coaching site coordinators and staff, and ensuring internal resources are available to support the licensed partner relationship. You will also develop tools such as templates, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other essential documents to enhance data utilization and fidelity to the CIS model.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys travel, data analysis, training, and supporting teams to ensure effective program implementation. 

YOU SHOULD KNOW: This position is a three-year, term-limited role funded through September 30, 2028. The individual selected must consistently meet or exceed performance expectations to maintain employment throughout the duration of the grant period. Applicants must reside in one of the following states to be considered: California (CA), Colorado (CO), Nevada (NV), Oklahoma (OK), or Texas (TX).

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Data Review & Analysis (20%) – Consult with licensed partner stakeholders and site coordinators to assess data, generate reports, and support CIS Model implementation. 
• Coaching (25%) – Guide and support licensed partner staff on data-related topics and respond to Help Desk inquiries. 
• Resource Development (30%) – Assist in creating training materials, templates, and other key resources as well as help in preparing trainings. 
• Training & Support (15%) – Provide training to licensed partner staff on the CIS Model, CISDM (CIS Data Management), and data-related topics. 
• Training Delivery (5%) – Lead CIS Model-related training sessions including data and non-CISDM topics. 
• General Support (5%) – Assist with licensed partner activities, including AMS management. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions.

Required skills & qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent work experience) in Social Work, Education, Public Affairs, Business Administration, Community Organization, Organizational Development, Communications, with a minimum of six (6) years of experience in a non-profit organization in the areas of organizational development, instructional design, community planning and/or program development. Other required skills include but are not limited to:  

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate insights into training and support strategies.
• Excel SME; Tableau experience is a plus but not required. 
• Proven track record in managing projects, meeting deadlines, and handling multiple priorities effectively. 
• Experience training and coaching adults, with the ability to simplify complex concepts. 
• Ability to spot inconsistencies, assess the impact of issues, and identify solutions within a set timeframe. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work well with diverse teams and build positive relationships. 
• Willingness to learn, embrace change, and adjust as priorities shift. 
• Enthusiastic about working with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 

TRAVEL

Travel up to 25% (60-65 days) is required, including weekends across the US with overnight stays.

ABOUT US

CIS staff continue to work in a virtual environment; however, the national office is open and available for staff to use as appropriate. 

To ensure the health and safety of staff and job applicants, all interviews will be conducted by phone and/or video conference.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Work that makes a difference—the opportunity to contribute to an important mission!

Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Five weeks of Paid Time Off
• Generous 403b Retirement Savings Plan contribution
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 90% of employee health care premiums paid by the organization
• Summer Work Schedule and Winter Break
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term income replacement programs, and much, much more!

Communities In Schools is committed to a workforce that is representative of the varied communities we are privileged to serve. We provide a work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. CIS prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions.

For more information on Communities In Schools please visit our website.