Lead Research Data Analyst, University of Maryland-Baltimore

Description

The University of Maryland School of Social Work is currently seeking a Lead Research Analyst for the Promise Heights program. This position is responsible for the coordination, analysis and reporting of Promise Heights Promise Neighborhood data. This includes data input by all Promise Heights staff and community partners. The position will assist with developing ProMIS database platform and will create analytical papers on process, outcomes, and evaluation. The Lead Research Analyst will work under the supervision of the Assistant Director.

The Promise Neighborhood program is a U.S. Department of Education initiative focused on breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty by significantly improving the educational and developmental outcomes and overall life prospects of children and youth in our most distressed communities. The core idea behind the initiative is to provide both effective schools and strong systems of support to children, youth and their families in poverty and thus meeting their health, social services, and educational needs. The University of Maryland School of Social Work is the lead agency for the Promise Heights Promise Neighborhood in the Upton/Druid Heights neighborhood in West Baltimore. Promise Heights is charged with working with community-based organizations, schools, faith-based institutions, and others to build a pipeline of wraparound services to ensure pathways out of poverty for youth and their families.

This Exempt, Regular position offers a generous benefits package that includes 22 vacation days, 14 floating and holidays, 15 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any of the University System of Maryland schools.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for providing subject matter expertise and direction in research designs and management of quantitative and qualitative data. The work primarily consists of leading analysis on data in response to research studies, and presenting the results of those analyses to internal and external stakeholders. The Lead Research Analyst independently develops and oversees research initiatives; exercises leadership in data management and analysis, and is seen as an expert in research analysis.
• Participate in meetings with school-based staff at Promise Heights schools in order to develop collaborative solutions to progress on community-based indicators. Uses subject matter and technical expertise to identify and define research questions and data elements, and integrates them into research design. Leads the planning stages of research and introduces new statistical methodologies and research designs.
• Participate in workshops, training, seminars, and conferences in order to stay informed on evidence-based methodologies and interventions to address structural inequalities that affect the Promise Heights community.
• Develop, recommend, modify, and implement policies and procedures and/or methods for research. Leads the development and formulates best practices and protocols in data collection, data quality, warehousing, analysis, and reporting including developing special forms and/or formats for analyzing and presenting data.
• Independently cleans, validates, and analyzes research data in order to prepare research findings for publications of journal articles and grant proposals. Searches relevant literature, develops conclusions, writes reports, prepare and deliver presentations of relevant findings and conclusions, and recommends appropriate actions. Connects findings to Promise Heights goals and strategies in order to improve programmatic outcomes. Reviews analysis and reports of less experience members of the research team.
• Work with Assistant Director & Lead Developer to manage and design longitudinal case management data system (ProMIS) for Promise Heights staff and train Promise Heights staff, interns, and PromiseCorps in using this system.
• Create monthly evaluation reports for school-based partners using a
• Results-Based Accountability framework to ensure programs are producing desired results and impact. Share results with Promise Heights staff, school-based administration, community members, and federal funders.
• Analyze student-level data for all 5 Promise Heights schools to assess progress on community-based indicators including academic growth, social-emotional learning, and school wide attendance rates. Use data to inform decision-making, budgeting and creating strategies to improve student results.
• May supervise/mentor others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Information Management, Social Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Health Science, or in a field of study related to the research.
• Preferred Education: Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Sociology, Public Policy, Public Administration, or field of study related to research preferred.
• Experience: Three (3) years of related experience in a research environment including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization.
• Other: May consider a combination of directly related experience and education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws.
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently.
• Detail oriented with the ability to multi-task, work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

How to Apply 

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