Managing Director, Data & Systems

Breakthrough Public Schools seeks an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Managing Director of Data & Systems. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and serving on the network’s Extended Leadership Team, the MD will drive the organization’s data strategy, systems infrastructure, and analytics to advance Breakthrough’s mission and goals.

The MD, Data & Systems will oversee all aspects of data collection, analysis, reporting, and systems management, ensuring accurate, actionable information is used to inform decision-making, improve academic outcomes, and ensure organizational accountability. This leader will also own the design and implementation of scalable systems and tools that enable operational excellence across the network.

Ideal candidates will bring a creative, solutions-oriented mindset, expertise in building robust data systems and infrastructure, and a deep belief that every child deserves a joyful, rigorous, and equitable education., * Set the vision and direction for Breakthrough’s data strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and growth as a network of learning organizations.

• Partner with senior leadership to define key metrics, reporting priorities, and long-term strategies for data systems and analytics.
• Foster a data-driven, continuous improvement culture across the network, promoting transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
• Communicate data insights clearly and effectively to a range of internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, school teams, and the Board.

Data Analytics

• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of dashboards and reporting systems that provide timely, accurate, and actionable data to schools, network leaders, and external partners.
• Oversee the analysis of student achievement, enrollment, demographic, and operational data to support academic and organizational improvement.
• Design and execute internal studies, surveys, and progress-monitoring tools to assess program effectiveness.
• Provide high-quality data visualization and reporting products to empower stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Systems Management

• Serve as the primary owner of the Student Information System (SIS) and ensure accurate and timely EMIS reporting to the Ohio Department of Education.
• Oversee the architecture, integration, and optimization of data systems, including a centralized data warehouse and other operational platforms.
• Develop and enforce data governance policies to ensure data integrity, accuracy, security, and compliance with FERPA and other privacy standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, recommend system modifications, and lead cross-functional initiatives to strengthen data systems and workflows.
• Troubleshoot data-related issues and provide technical leadership for migration, transformation, and reporting projects.

Team Oversight

• Manage and develop a team of data strategists, providing clear priorities, coaching, and professional growth opportunities.
• Establish team structures and routines to deliver exceptional customer service to schools and departments.
• Prioritize and allocate team resources effectively to meet organizational deadlines and data needs.
• Build strong partnerships with school and network teams, ensuring consistent support for assessments, compliance, and data-informed decision-making.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and work strategically across teams in the network. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Strategic Leadership

• Proven ability to set and execute a comprehensive data strategy that advances organizational priorities and equity goals.
• Skilled at translating complex data and technical concepts into actionable plans that drive school- and network-level impact.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, with a track record of anticipating barriers and implementing effective solutions.

Organizational & Technical Effectiveness

• Experienced in managing high-performing data teams, driving adoption of data-driven practices, and leading organizational change.
• Expertise in SQL, Stata, data automation (e.g., Apache Airflow), data modeling (e.g., dbt), and cloud-based data warehousing (e.g., Azure).
• Skilled in integrating multiple data sources, maintaining Student Information Systems (SIS), and managing Ohio EMIS reporting to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, privacy regulations, and performance optimization best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex, cross-functional projects on time and to high standards.

Personal Effectiveness & Mission Alignment

• Highly organized, adaptable, and solutions-oriented; able to manage competing priorities in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
• Committed to Breakthrough Public Schools’ mission and passionate about using data to drive student success and equity., * 7+ years of experience in data analysis, reporting, and developing actionable insights to drive organizational improvement.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and experience integrating these principles into organizational practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with a track record of building relationships and influencing across teams.
• Proficiency with data automation tools (e.g., Apache Airflow) and data modeling tools (e.g., dbt); highly skilled in writing and maintaining complex SQL queries.
• Experience with student information systems (SIS) and familiarity with Ohio Department of Education data systems (including EMIS) strongly preferred.

Breakthrough Public Schools is a nationally recognized Charter Management Organization (CMO) network in Ohio. Our mission is to provide Cleveland area scholars with an education that empowers them to lead lives full of impact and opportunity. Our network of schools centers joy, curiosity, and individual growth, uniquely positioning Breakthrough Public Schools to cultivate a learning community where all students thrive. At Breakthrough, we are committed to providing scholars with the academic, social, and emotional skills necessary to excel at learning and citizenship from kindergarten through eighth-grade promotion. We are committed to the success of every child.

The CMO network manages core administrative responsibilities, including human resources, finance, information technology, facilities, student recruitment, and marketing for our schools. We serve 3,000 K-8 grade scholars across ten schools and employ over 450 staff members.