Research and Evaluation Analyst (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.

Core Values

• 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.

Job Description

Position Overview: As part of the Pathways Strategic Planning (PSP) team in the Division of College, Career and Military Preparation (CCMP) within the office of School Programs, the Research and Evaluation Analyst supports research, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement activities related to Talent Strong Texas Research and Analysis and College, Career and Military Preparation Evaluations. PSP supports the research, evaluation, processing and reporting of information for use in the development of college, career and military pathways for agency staff, school systems, Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs), and the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative to inform pathway development, implementation, and improvement efforts. The PSP team also supports alignment across initiatives and promotes data-informed decision-making related to college, career, and military pathways.

The Research and Evaluation Analyst supports data analysis, evaluation, and reporting projects, including work across Postsecondary Preparation Programs, Career Technical Education, and Counseling, Advising, and Student Supports teams, as well as in coordination with other divisions, and stakeholders. The position assists with data collection, data quality validation, analysis, visualization, and evaluation activities to support program implementation, continuous improvement, and decision-making.

The Research and Evaluation Analyst reports to the Pathways Strategic Planning (PSP) team lead and works under general supervision with moderate latitude for independent judgement.

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.

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Applicants must also complete the required short answer responses as part of the application questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Essential Functions

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

1 - Research and Analysis: Identifies, plans, and conducts research and analysis using advanced statistical modeling, qualitative, and generative AI methodologies with broad implications for state, regional and local pathway initiatives. Generates actionable insights for policymakers on college, career, and military preparation initiatives by integrating data from across agencies to inform on student readiness and postsecondary success. Supports curation and validation of information for analysis and ensures accuracy and reliability of generated outputs for use by external and internal stakeholders, such as, but not limited to college preparatory course evaluation, industry-based certification tiering, and postsecondary outcomes by initiatives. Works with a cross-functional team to develop analysis and action planning methodologies.

2 - Program Evaluation: Supports evaluation of college, career, and military preparation division portfolio of initiatives, including Career and Technical Education program of study, College and Career Readiness School Models (ECHS, P-TECH), Texas Regional Pathways Network, Communities in Schools, and the Effective Advising Framework. Supports program and division continuous improvement through development of evaluation tools, strategy and conceptual maps, metrics, and decision-support resources and tools, such as fidelity of implementation rubrics, root cause analysis, and needs and gap assessments. Assists with evaluation planning, data visualizations, and the communication of actional insights and recommendations generated from analysis.

3 - Programming and Data Quality: Provides programming, data quality, and data visualization support of CCMP strategic data projects by performing SAS programming and analysis for the design, creation, documentation, analysis, and maintenance of decision-support data tools designed for agency and external stakeholders. Performs complex code, testing, and debugging based on project requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in research and evaluation, data analysis and production, and the preparation, editing, and communication of complex information to a variety of stakeholders

Substitutions: Each advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
• Strong working knowledge and experience with data collection, advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis, reporting, and visualization
• Experience within public education, education service centers, university/college, or research settings or with state or federal education policy and initiatives (including, but not limited to, college, career, and military readiness, pathways, educational data systems and accountability reporting requirements, and/or regional and statewide labor markets and training programs)
• Highly organized; ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects of varying complexity, and problem solve towards results
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience facilitating and communicating with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience planning and implementing research and evaluation projects with ability to develop metrics and synthesize data analyses and research results to inform continuous improvement
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office, data visualization software (e.g., Power BI or Tableau), and statistical and querying languages, (e.g., SAS, SQL, Python, or R), including experience with large databases and state education data
• Comfortable with both taking initiative and sharing responsibility in a team-based, collaborative environment and willingness to learn every day, admit mistakes, and step outside your comfort zone
• Advanced degree in social sciences, data sciences, or related fields and experience with SAS and SQL preferred

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.

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