Research Analyst (03009)

State of Montana • Helena, MT

10d

About The Position

The State of Montana operates with a decentralized human resources system, where each agency manages its own recruitment. The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is seeking a Research Analyst I to support statewide assessment and accountability efforts. OPI is comprised of over 200 dedicated professionals with diverse experiences in education, health, research, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing, information technology, and more. The organization serves over 149,000 students (pre-K to 12), their families, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners. The Research Analyst I will be responsible for analyzing, validating, and reporting assessment-related data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established methodologies and reporting requirements. This role involves close collaboration with Assessment, Data Operations, and IT teams, performing quality assurance, preparing data files, and responding to data requests. Additionally, the position requires developing and maintaining clear documentation for processes and workflows to ensure consistency and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Knowledge in data collection, reporting, and quality assurance practices, including principles of data validation, documentation, and continuous quality improvement in education.
• Knowledge in data systems and reporting tools, including relational databases, query-based reporting, and data extracts used to support state and federal reporting requirements.
• Knowledge in data governance, confidentiality, and compliance requirements, including applicable statutes, regulations, and right-to-know principles related to education data.
• Knowledge in analytical and problem-solving approaches used to identify data issues, assess impacts, and support accurate and reliable reporting.
• Skill in designing complex queries in Structured Query Language (SQL), which is used for stored procedures used for report cards, federal reporting, and other requirements across the agency.
• Skill in applying significant knowledge of data structures, relational database technology, database design, constraints, quality assurance, and errors.
• Ability to use query-based tools and reporting systems to retrieve, review, and validate data in support of reporting and quality assurance needs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple workstreams and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and quality data.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contributing to shared goals and outcomes.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and timelines while maintaining focus on required deliverables and data integrity.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and data rules to ensure compliance with reporting, confidentiality, and governance requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, or related field.
• Two years related experience.
• Must reside in Montana.

Responsibilities

• Supports statewide assessment and accountability work by analyzing, validating, and reporting assessment-related data in alignment with established methodologies and reporting requirements.
• Works closely with Assessment, Data Operations, and IT to ensure assessment data are accurate, complete, and appropriately represented in required reports and data products.
• Performs quality assurance and data validation activities.
• Prepares assessment and accountability data files.
• Responds to a high volume of assigned data requests related to assessment reporting.
• Develops and maintains clear documentation of processes, workflows, and responsibilities to support consistency, continuity, and knowledge sharing.

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-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees