Evaluation and Research Scientist; Data Analyst IV

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

• We are Determined:
  We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered:
  We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners:
  We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders:
  We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

The Evaluation and Research Scientist works in the Evaluation Activities Unit within the Division of Research and Analysis. This role performs complex data analysis; conducts research and evaluation activities; and develops, implements, and manages multiple, simultaneous internal and external projects. The work associated with this position includes the day-to-day project management of third-party contracted evaluation vendors. The position also involves responding to immediate research and evaluation needs in support of commissioner priorities;

conducting research, data analyses, and in-house program evaluations; and preparing reports that fulfill agency needs and statutory requirements, including those requested by the state legislature. This role provides technical assistance to agency staff as needed.

In support of evaluation projects, the Evaluation and Research Scientist verifies the appropriateness and accuracy of research designs, instruments, data, analysis plans, methodological approaches, advanced statistical analyses, and the presentation of findings in written reports or proposals for evaluation projects conducted by third-party vendors and/or through internal efforts. This position also reviews and/or contributes to the preparation of written reports in support of evaluation activities.

The Evaluation and Research Scientist develops, or collaborates in the development of, methodologies and statistical models, and conducts and interprets statistical analyses for internal program evaluations and ad hoc commissioner requests. The ideal candidate has experience with SAS programming, knowledge of research methods and statistical analysis, is detail-oriented and self-driven, and works effectively both independently and in a team environment.

The selected candidate will participate in project and division planning and will work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Please note that all relevant experience, coursework, training, and/or workshops should be clearly indicated in your application.

This position requires up to 5% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Essential Functions

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

• 1
  - Vendor Management: Provide feedback on contracted work products (e.g., evaluation plans, statistical analysis plans, data collection instruments, reports) and conduct the day-to-day management of evaluation activities for the length of the contract.
• 2 - Prepare Reports and Summarize Research Findings: Prepare concise and comprehensive reports and summarize research findings for dissemination to diverse audiences including the commissioner of education, Texas Legislature, TEA management and program staff, as well as the general public.
• 3 - Perform Data Analysis and Evaluation Tasks: Assists with the production of on-time, high-quality and accurate analytical tasks, through documenting, implementing and understanding business decisions to create clean, well-documented SAS code that follow the units processing rules, as well as responding to ad hoc data analysis and internal evaluation requests.
• 4 - Perform Quality Control Checks: Perform accuracy and quality control checks of unit products, including those generated by other team members, with a high degree of quality and accuracy.
• 5 - Provide Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance, data analysis, and consultation to internal agency staff and external contracted vendors.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Experience:

At least three (3) years of experience in conducting or managing research or program evaluations with knowledge of designing and conducting statistical analyses, managing complex projects, or designing/implementing data collection instruments. A minimum of one (1) year in SAS programming or a similar programming…