Network Data Strategist

Reporting to the Director of Data Analytics, the Network Data Strategist will support 1-2 networks with approximately 20-40 urban schools. In partnership with network leadership and school principals, the Network Data Strategist will serve a critical role in building a robust data strategy for the assigned networks and schools in order to facilitate strong planning processes around increasing student achievement.

The Network Data Strategist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Build capacity among school and network leaders to engage in robust cycles of strategic planning and data inquiry -
• Coordinate with and support the Chief of Schools’ (chief) strategies to develop principal and school team capacity in alignment with the Continuous Improvement Process. This includes supporting the chief in assisting principals and their teams in conducting root cause analyses, developing theories of action, and building coherent multi-year strategies.
• Support principals and school teams in the development, implementation, and evaluation of their schools’ Continuous Improvement Work Plans (CIWP) by building capacity around strong cycles of inquiry and the use of data for planning.
• Provide frequent, actionable feedback to assist principals and their leadership teams in improving their data strategy to achieve better results.
• Build the capacity of school teams to execute strong, data-driven instructional cycles.
• Act as a process expert and sense maker for data inquiry spanning multiple Central Office Departments and CPS Initiatives (e.g. CIDT, Together We Rise, etc) -
• Remain knowledgeable in data-relevant CPS policies and initiatives such as those pertaining to accountability and assessment.
• Counsel school teams and leaders on how to interpret data with fidelity to best analytic practice and the content of CPS policies and initiatives.
• Build the capacity of school and network leaders to plan with regard to CPS’s Continuous Improvement and Data Transparency (CIDT) policy, Together We Rise, and the ISBE State Accountability Policy.
• Data access, analytics, and selection -
• Provide schools and networks access to datasets as needed to support robust engagement with cycles of data inquiry.
• Provide expertise and consultation on the selection of leading and lagging metric indicators for planning purposes.
• Support chiefs so that they can assist principals and Instructional Leadership teams in setting goals and selecting appropriate measures to monitor the progress of school-based programs.
• Provide strategic data analysis to the Chief of Schools to improve student outcomes and the effectiveness of schools, programs, and district initiatives.
• Identify implications of school and network performance data and make strategic recommendations to chief and network staff.
• Serve as the network expert and resource in understanding and accessing CPS’ data systems.
• Other related duties as assigned

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 315,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

District-run CPS schools are organized into 19 networks. The Office of Network Support provides administrative support, strategic direction, and leadership development to the schools within each network while also driving critical support that helps to boost student learning., Reporting to the Director of Data Analytics, the Network Data Strategist will support 1-2 networks with approximately 20-40 urban schools. In partnership with network leadership and school principals, the Network Data Strategist will serve a critical role in building a robust data strategy for the assigned networks and schools in order to facilitate strong planning processes around increasing student achievement.

The Network Data Strategist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Build capacity among school and network leaders to engage in robust cycles of strategic planning and data inquiry -
• Coordinate with and support the Chief of Schools’ (chief) strategies to develop principal and school team capacity in alignment with the Continuous Improvement Process. This includes supporting the chief in assisting principals and their teams in conducting root cause analyses, developing theories of action, and building coherent multi-year strategies.
• Support principals and school teams in the development, implementation, and evaluation of their schools’ Continuous Improvement Work Plans (CIWP) by building capacity around strong cycles of inquiry and the use of data for planning.
• Provide frequent, actionable feedback to assist principals and their leadership teams in improving their data strategy to achieve better results.
• Build the capacity of school teams to execute strong, data-driven instructional cycles.
• Act as a process expert and sense maker for data inquiry spanning multiple Central Office Departments and CPS Initiatives (e.g. CIDT, Together We Rise, etc) -
• Remain knowledgeable in data-relevant CPS policies and initiatives such as those pertaining to accountability and assessment.
• Counsel school teams and leaders on how to interpret data with fidelity to best analytic practice and the content of CPS policies and initiatives.
• Build the capacity of school and network leaders to plan with regard to CPS’s Continuous Improvement and Data Transparency (CIDT) policy, Together We Rise, and the ISBE State Accountability Policy.
• Data access, analytics, and selection -
• Provide schools and networks access to datasets as needed to support robust engagement with cycles of data inquiry.
• Provide expertise and consultation on the selection of leading and lagging metric indicators for planning purposes.
• Support chiefs so that they can assist principals and Instructional Leadership teams in setting goals and selecting appropriate measures to monitor the progress of school-based programs.
• Provide strategic data analysis to the Chief of Schools to improve student outcomes and the effectiveness of schools, programs, and district initiatives.
• Identify implications of school and network performance data and make strategic recommendations to chief and network staff.
• Serve as the network expert and resource in understanding and accessing CPS’ data systems.
• Other related duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; Preferred field of study - Data Analytics, Education, Policy, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in data analysis and strategy (e.g., continuous improvement, trend analysis, data visualization, data cleaning/transformation) is required
• Experience working with Microsoft Power BI, Google Data Studio, Google Apps Script, or other related tools preferred
• Experience working with Elementary and/or High Schools, team structures, and data cycles strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong Consulting skills Self-starter with an eagerness to learn and proactively problem-solve challenges

• Advanced knowledge of Excel and/or Google Sheets, including the ability to combine and report on datasets
• Ability to use statistical techniques and develop meaningful metrics
• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate data and methodological details to non-technical
• audiences
• Strong analytical, data management and data visualization skills
• Strategic thinker capable of generating actionable insights from data and making recommendations

to instructional leaders for improving instructional practice

• Ability to take a logical approach to research and analysis opportunities
• Strong knowledge of critical issues in education and school planning
• Ability to work with or coach adult learners in designing and facilitating professional development for

classroom teachers and school leaders

• Excellent report writing and project management skills; Strong attention to detail
• Ability to build trusting relationships and function effectively with various internal and external

departments and partners

• Excellent communication skills (Verbal, Written, Listening)
• Strong Consulting skills

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You’ll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 315,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

District-run CPS schools are organized into 19 networks. The Office of Network Support provides administrative support, strategic direction, and leadership development to the schools within each network while also driving critical support that helps to boost student learning.