Senior Data Analyst

Client seeks an individual with strong analytical skills who is excited about two primary areas of focus for this position: complex data analysis and management, and advancing equity and access in arts education.

A successful candidate will be a detail-oriented, strategic thinker with a strong curiosity and eagerness to learn, eager to play a pivotal role across the full data lifecycle (data collection, management, validation, analysis, and reporting). The ideal candidate enjoys working with a variety of data sets and collaborating with stakeholders, uncovering insights, and tailoring findings to meet stakeholder needs - even if not all ideas are implemented. This role involves close collaboration internally and externally to deliver actionable insights to a range of stakeholders, including sector leaders, schools, arts organizations, current and potential funders, and board members. The candidate should feel comfortable communicating analyses and findings to non-technical audiences.

Note that Client conducts its analyses using R ( a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. The successful candidate must be experienced using R and must be willing to learn to code and operate in this environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesData Collection (20%)

The Analyst will support data collection through the annual survey and other mechanisms in the artlook@ platform to ensure the most accurate and representative data are collected each year.

Data Preparation: Gather, clean, and wrangle administrative datasets from CPS and other sources to upload into the survey instrument

Survey Instrument: Design and update data collection tools to align with evolving needs

Technical Support: Work with stakeholders on-the-ground, including arts teachers and arts organizations, to troubleshoot any data submission or platform access issues

Platform Engagement: Develop and implement communications strategies to drive stakeholder participation in all data collection activities

Data Management (20%)

The Analyst will manage the data by cleaning, tracking, and updating the artlook database, compiling sources for future analysis, and creating and maintaining data documentation.

Data Audit: Work with survey respondents during the annual Data Audit to validate the data and conduct data-cleaning procedures, ensuring accuracy and representativeness

Database Management: Maintain and update to the artlook database throughout the year (e.g. school addresses and principal contacts)

Technical Support: Assist artlook users in accessing and navigating the platform throughout the year

Process Improvement: Develop and implement new strategies to strengthen data management, including systems for version control and handling data from multiple sources

Documentation: Create technical documentation for database management and processes

Data Analysis & Reporting (30%)

The Analyst will conduct a wide range of quantitative and qualitative data analyses aimed at driving change and improvement in the sector and designed to support Client and CPS strategic initiatives.

Creative Schools Certification: Ensure data integrity with calculating and reporting school-level Creative Schools Certification arts education ratings on behalf of the district

State of the Arts: Lead production of the annual State of the Arts report, drafting analyses and write-ups, and conducting new analyses as appropriate

R Shiny Dashboards: Build and update various code-based dashboards to present data in actionable and digestible ways to stakeholders

Data Snapshots: Lead and manage production of Data Snapshots, focused analyses into a particular topic that complement the State of the Arts

Ad-Hoc Analyses: Develop and conduct analyses from artlook and other sources to meet the needs of arts education stakeholders across the sector

Data Activation & Strategy (30%)

The Analyst will activate Client,s data and findings throughout the year, while shaping strategies to advance Clients mission through evolving data tools and supporting the new 2025-2030CPS Arts Education Plan 2.0.

Data Communications: Present findings in clear, accessible, and compelling ways to a wide range of audiences with varying levels of data literacy, including staff, arts educators, arts organizations, funders, and CPS leadership

Actionable Insights: Evolve Client's data tools and publications to ensure that they provide relevant and actionable insights for stakeholders across the arts education sector Arts Education Plan 2.0: Contribute to data team strategy for sustaining existing and implementing new initiatives aligned with the CPS Arts Education Plan 2.0

Client Programs: Provide thought partnership and lead strategy on building and strengthening data infrastructure and systems to support other Client program areas, including the Creative Schools Fund and Partnerships & Learning

QualificationsKnowledge, Skills, and Experience

Data Analytics: Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.

Statistical Programming: Strong coding ability for statistical analyses.

Project Management: Independent project execution.

Relationship Building: Strong relationship-building skills with all stakeholders - CPS leadership, teachers, school leaders, and arts organizations.

Communications: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to present and translate data for diverse audiences.

Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and with external stakeholders.

Strategic Thinking: Identify new opportunities with data products.

Data Utilization: Uses data to monitor and adapt arts education strategies.

Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Ethic: Committed to quality work and personal excellence.

Emotional Intelligence: Mature, ambitious, and politically savvy.

Lifelong Learning: Eagerness to keep informed with the arts education sector and data analysis trends, including learning new analytical techniques.

Desired Background

Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with 3-5 years of experience in data analysis and coding in R.

Demonstrated experience managing, cleaning, and analyzing complex datasets.

Ability to work independently and manage project timelines.

Experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with a wide variety of colleagues who may not have a data background.

Ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, public policy, or equivalent. Candidates without a degree who have significant relevant work experience will also be considered.

Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Previous lived experience, interest in, or connection to Chicago's arts/arts education, youth development, and/or civic community.

Client recognizes that there is no such thing as a perfect candidate. Even if you do not meet all the requirements for the position, we encourage you to apply. You might just be the candidate we are looking for!