View complete and updated job posting here: http://bit.ly/sdpc16_jd
Join a powerful, growing community of over 570 forward-thinking data advocates and leaders across more than 37 states and 280+ education organizations. The Strategic Data Project (SDP) is an initiative of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University. The SDP Fellowship program helps school system leaders use data and evidence in strategic decision-making to improve public education. By placing fellows in school systems and education organizations across the United States, SDP provides a unique entry point for passionate quantitative researchers and data strategists who want to make a difference.
The SDP Fellowship is a unique opportunity, combining full-time employment as an education data analyst/researcher at an SDP-approved partner organization (a school district, state education agency, postsecondary system, non-profit, etc.) and two-years of intensive in-person and virtual professional development, training, and mentorship to build your toolkit as an education data leader. As a fellow, you and your host agency will develop clear priorities and plans for using data and build organizational willingness to use data for decision-making. Over the course of two years, fellows participate in a series of tailored workshops, both virtual and in person, to develop their measurement, leadership, communication and education policy skills. Training is delivered by Harvard-affiliated researchers and practitioners and fellows are supported by faculty advisors, fellowship alumni mentors, and their colleagues across the SDP network.
Learn more about past fellows’ work by visiting the SDP blog. In the past, fellows have tackled strategic data projects in one of the following focus areas:
program evaluation
data visualization
early warning indicator systems
data management governance
survey design and analysis
data dashboards
student pathways and postsecondary success
educator quality, pipeline, and training
and more!
Fellows are paid an annual salary of $75,000-90,000 USD plus appropriate benefits by their placement organization. Salary is commensurate with experience and must be negotiated with the host organization. The Fellowship lasts two years (Summer/Fall 2024 through Summer 2026) with the possibility for longer-term employment. Exact salaries, benefits, hybrid work arrangements, etc. differ and must be negotiated with the host organization.
Benefits of the SDP Fellowship
Two-years of full-time employment with annual salary + benefits, with potential for continued employment
Mission-driven analytic work, tackling high-impact challenges in the education sector
Network of talented life-long colleagues and peers in the education data field
Ongoing professional development and training
In-person and virtual workshops, learning modules, and conferences (travel + lodging included)
Active network-wide slack channel
Word class mentorship from faculty (Harvard + other institutions)and SDP fellowship alumni
Global alumni network
Pathways to leadership
The Application Process
Upcoming Deadlines:
Round I - closed
Round II - closed
Round III:
Application Opens: February 16, 2024
Application Deadline: Monday, May 6, 2024, 9:00am ET
Application Review Period: May 6-9, 2024
Analytic Task 1: May 10-15, 2024
Virtual Screening Interviews: May 29 - June 4, 2024
Analytic Task 2: June 5-12, 2024
Virtual Selection Day Interviews: June 17-18, 2024
Decision Notification: June 25, 2024
Partner Agency Interviews: June-July, 2024
All dates and deadlines are subject to change.
Qualifications
The Strategic Data Project seeks candidates who possess:
a strong background in applied quantitative analysis (beyond descriptive analysis), familiarity with working with large datasets within education, and ability to work with limited oversight
a demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for all students, familiarity with US domestic education policy and current issues
a track record of collaboration, humility, and ability to guide change
a proven ability to communicate complex information and analytic findings to various audiences in verbal, written, and visual formats
evidence of an emerging leadership skill set and a commitment to continuous learning
an advanced degree (Master’s level or higher) completed by summer 2024
at least four years of relevant full-time work experience by summer 2024 (waived for those with a PhD)
Valid U.S. work authorization; fellows become employees of our partner organizations and they do not provide visa sponsorship to their fellows. Candidates with CPT/OPT/EAD status are encouraged to email us at [email protected] to confirm your eligibility.
Please follow the link to complete the online application: https://sdp.smapply.io/prog/c16_fellowapp/