Data Analyst, Strategy & Analytics (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: Research, data, and analytical support are crucial for statewide programs affecting college and career access, early childhood, student assessment, and instructional training and effectiveness. The Data Analyst is responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis on large datasets (e.g., the Texas Student Data System (TSDS), STAAR, etc.), as well as integrating and analyzing data from statewide initiatives including High Quality Instructional Materials development and implementation, A-F accountability, Reading and Math Academies, assessment development, and others.

As a part of the Analytics team, the Data Analyst will collaborate with team members to ensure program teams have the data visibility needed to support their work by creating and maintaining user-friendly tools such as dashboards, increasing data literacy and skills through trainings and office hours, and supporting data infrastructure improvement.

The Analytics division resides in the Office of Analytics, Assessment, and Reporting. As an internal customer service organization, the Analytics division enables program leaders to make decisions that are data-driven to increase impact for students and families across Texas.

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

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 - Analytics Projects Execution: Collects, cleans, analyzes, and visualizes data to develop dashboards, reports, analytical tools, and actionable insights. Identifies trends and patterns, develops appropriate metrics, and translates complex data into information that supports program goals and decision-making.

2 - Data Quality & Technical Practice: Applies established standards for data management, analysis, documentation, and quality control. Validates data for accuracy and consistency, investigates data quality issues, and documents data sources, definitions, calculations, and analytical processes.

3 - Stakeholder Support & Communication: Partners with program staff to understand business questions and translate needs into effective analyses, dashboards, and reporting solutions. Communicates findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences and refines deliverables based on stakeholder needs and feedback.

4 - Team Contribution & Data Literacy Support: Contributes to team processes, shared analytical practices, and continuous improvement efforts. Supports trainings, office hours, and data literacy efforts and provides ad hoc analytical and technical support to help staff effectively understand and use data.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in an analytical role

Substitutions: An 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
• Consulting, data science, or other equally rigorous and quantitative experience preferred
• Proficiency with R or Python
• Proficiency with data visualization tools like Power BI, Tableau, etc.
• Passionate about working with data, measuring performance, and making decisions based on quantitative reasoning
• Superior project and time management ability
• High intellectual ceiling with the ability to learn quickly and solve new and dynamic operating problems
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with cloud-based analytics tools such as AWS is preferred
• Advanced Excel knowledge with expertise in data analysis functions is preferred
• Proficiency with SQL is 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 (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:

• Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
• Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.

Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.

For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.

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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