Research and Data Specialist

ABOUT US

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve.  If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at www.sde.ok.gov.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research and Data Specialist. This role will drive critical research initiatives, assess educational programs with a focus on literacy, and ensure program objectives are met. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing evaluation tools, analyzing educational data, and collaborating with school personnel to support data-driven decision-making.

Please note: This role requires full in-person attendance, with no options for remote work, telecommuting, or hybrid arrangements. The nature of this position necessitates a consistent in-person presence and candidates should be prepared to fulfill all responsibilities on-site at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Funding Source: This position is a federal grant funded through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant. The funding for this position will end on September 30, 2029.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Research or Statistics, or a related field [official transcripts required upon hire];

• Five (5) years of experience working in elementary, secondary, or higher education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with PowerBI and/or other data dashboards

• Experience with data collection tools, program evaluations, and reporting

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship;

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;

• Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Direct Research Activities: Lead research projects focused on evaluating educational programs and services related to literacy; Formulate and implement procedures to assess the success of program objectives.

• Design Evaluation Instruments: Develop surveys and other data collection tools to facilitate effective program evaluation and feedback.

• Collaborate with School Personnel: Partner with school staff on data interpretation and application, ensuring all actions comply with data privacy regulations.

• Provide Staff Training: Design and deliver training sessions for department and school staff on the use and analysis of educational data.

• Conduct Literature Reviews: Develop and conduct comprehensive literature reviews to inform research, evaluation, and assessment practices.

• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather data through various methods that may include classroom observations, surveys, student assessments, and database analysis to inform program improvements.

• Monitor Sub-Grantee Compliance: Oversee and monitor sub-grantee activities to ensure adherence to grant requirements and program standards.

• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.

• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.

• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.

• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.

• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES 

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.

• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.

• Visionary Thinking: Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.

• Adaptability: Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.

• Accountability: Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.

• Coaching and Mentoring: Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.

• Team Building: Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.

• Results Orientation: Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.

• Technology Proficiency: Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location:  Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Work Environment includes:

  • Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.

• Physical Demands include:

  • Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;

  • Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;

  • Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;

  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

• Cognitive Requirements:

  • This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.

  • Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.

  • Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.

TRAVEL

30% in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to provide a general understanding of the position's essential duties and responsibilities. It is not an employment contract or agreement, and the duties may change as per business needs without prior notice. The employer reserves the right to modify, revise, or terminate any policies, procedures, or benefits described herein at any time, with or without notice.