Data Verification & Reporting Specialist

Communities in Schools Inc • Arlington, VA

just now • Remote

About The Position

Are you passionate about using data to strengthen decision-making and help teams work smarter? We’re looking for a Data Verification & Reporting Specialist to own our data verification process end-to-end—helping stakeholders submit accurate data through clear guidance, training, and practical resources.
You’ll create documentation and training, support partners through questions and corrections, and use Excel/Power Query to clean, aggregate, and validate data while tracking progress and trends. You may write SQL to extract data for analysis, but it’s not the primary focus of the role.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent years of experience) in education, data analytics, or another related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience in a related role (data quality, reporting/analytics, operations, program data, compliance reporting, or similar).
• 2+ years using Excel (advanced) and Power Query to clean, combine, and validate datasets (e.g., merges/appends, transformations, standardization, deduplication).
• Hands-on experience with data validation, cleaning, reconciliation, and logic checks to improve accuracy and consistency.
• Proven ability to own a complex process from planning through completion—coordinating timelines, communicating clearly, tracking issues, and following through.
• You’re organized and comfortable juggling priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• You can spot patterns in data, explain what they mean, and recommend practical improvements.
• You enjoy helping others succeed—through clear documentation, training, coaching, and support.
• You communicate with clarity and care, especially when translating “data speak” into plain language.
• You bring a user-first mindset and you’re always willing to learn new tools and systems.
• You demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical thinking—with an ability to propose solutions and document next steps.
• You are collaborative, relationship-focused, and comfortable working across teams.

Nice To Haves

• SQL experience for pulling data extracts for analysis (writing or adapting basic queries). This is helpful, but not the focus of the role.
• Familiarity with reporting tools like Power BI or Tableau (reviewing/validating reports, basic visuals).
• Experience supporting end users through a help desk/ticketing system

Responsibilities

• Lead annual and quarterly data verification cycles in partnership with the Data Quality team, ensuring readiness, clear timelines, and timely completion.
• Clean, aggregate, and validate data using Excel and Power Query to support reporting, publications, and internal monitoring.
• Identify data inconsistencies, gaps, and rule/logic issues; document findings and trends and recommend improvements to reduce repeat errors.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and coordinate with stakeholders to resolve issues and strengthen data entry processes.
• Develop and maintain repeatable QA checks (e.g., validation rules, reconciliation steps, and standardized templates); occasionally write SQL queries/scripts to extract data for analysis (not a primary function).
• Create and maintain clear, user-friendly guidance for data entry and review (job aids, FAQs, step-by-step guides, and examples).
• Plan and deliver trainings, office hours, and presentations for internal teams and the CIS network with strong written and verbal communication.
• Partner with the End User Support Specialist to ensure system changes and data requirements are accurately reflected in training materials and user-facing resources.
• Collaborate with Sr. Data Associates to produce resources that explain CISDM processes and enhancements in a clear, practical way.
• Review field logic, dropdown values, validation rules, and workflows to ensure alignment with reporting requirements and verification needs.
• Partner with Systems Analyst(s) to test enhancements and bug fixes; document test outcomes and communicate issues clearly.
• Help define and maintain data integrity rules and support documentation (definitions, business rules, and verification guidance).
• Work with program, grants, research, and other teams to ensure data structure supports compliance, performance measurement, and reporting needs.
• Serve as a bridge between frontline data entry users and technical teams by translating issues into accessible, actionable language.
• Support the broader Data Quality team during End-of-Year Reporting through coordination, troubleshooting, and targeted support as needed.

Benefits

• Work that makes a difference—the opportunity to contribute to an important mission!
• Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
• Five weeks of Paid Time Off
• Generous 403b Retirement Savings Plan contribution
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 90% of employee health care premiums paid by the organization
• Summer Work Schedule and Winter Break
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term income replacement programs, and much, much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees