Future Ready Data Specialist (30403)

State of Montana • Helena, MT

2d • $1 - $3 • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Analyst is responsible for data collections, district data entry support, and reporting for the STARS Act (2025) Future Ready program. As part of the EDUCATE team, this position will work with School Finance and Districts to ensure that the necessary data can be efficiently collected and utilized to determine and provide timely and accurate payments. The position will also work with other OPI divisions and external stakeholders to ensure changes to program collection requirements are updated within Infinite Campus and properly communicated to school districts. This position will help provide and facilitate training for districts, internal staff, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Knowledge of data gathering methods, procedures, and development of data collection instruments.
• Knowledge of data cleaning, aggregation, and extraction methods utilizing SQL.
• Ability to understand and interpret policy and law to ensure compliance with privacy and security requirements
• Skilled in effective teamwork skills, maintaining working relationships with co-workers, program users, technical personnel, and the public.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers, Windows, database management systems, a variety of operations for data analysis and reporting, spreadsheets, use of query programs, multiple large databases and conversion of data formats and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to recognize sensitive areas and policy issues when gathering and analyzing data.
• Ability to analyze complex data for determination of accuracy and reliability.
• Ability to apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures to the analysis and evaluation of data.
• Ability to condense and translate complex databases into summaries and data presentations.
• Ability to maintain high level of skills, keeping abreast of developments and changes in statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to responsible areas of data collection, new developments in the technology for data collection and reporting, regular upgrading of technical skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, database administration, education or related degree.
• Two years of job-related experience in data quality control and analysis or related experience.
• Must reside in Montana.

Responsibilities

• Data collections
• District data entry support
• Reporting for the STARS Act (2025) Future Ready program
• Work with School Finance and Districts to ensure data can be efficiently collected and utilized for timely and accurate payments
• Work with other OPI divisions and external stakeholders to ensure changes to program collection requirements are updated within Infinite Campus and properly communicated to school districts
• Provide and facilitate training for districts, internal staff, and external stakeholders

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level