The Research Alliance for New York City Schools, an independent research center housed at New York University, invites applications for a full-time Data Production and Administration Specialist. The person in this position will maintain our extensive archive of NYC education data and support internal and external researchers who use the data to conduct studies that are relevant to education policy and practice. This includes managing the flow of data from the NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) and other sources, executing standardized processing routines, and facilitating access and usage for our internal research staff and external partners. The Data Production and Administration Specialist will join our office on the NYU campus and report to the Executive Director. Hybrid in-person/remote work options are available.

About the Research Alliance for New York City Schools

Established in 2008, the Research Alliance is an important and growing part of NYC’s civic infrastructure. Our mission is to conduct rigorous studies on topics that matter to New York City’s public schools. We strive to advance equity and excellence in education by providing evidence about policies and practices that promote students’ development and academic success. Our work relies on access to longitudinal data from both the NYCDOE and the City University of New York, as well as strong relationships with educators, policymakers, and other education stakeholders. Our work environment provides staff with a wide range of learning opportunities and experiences.

Responsibilities 

The work of the Data Production and Administration Specialist involves complex data processing and cleaning as well as fostering positive working relationships with the NYCDOE, other data providers, and our internal and external research teams. It also involves maintenance of our server hardware and software resources in coordination with NYU’s Information Technology services. Specific tasks include the following:

Data Production

• Maintain data store and improve on our internal processes to build and manage data sets that support research activities of staff and collaborators.
• Write, execute, and document SAS programs, macros, templates, and utilities that produce standard data store structures and improve organization-wide data cleaning and reporting.
• Monitor technical and logistical details of internal and external access to data store consistent with established and evolving policies and regulations. This includes setting up technical requirements for server access and orienting users to the server environment and data structures. It also includes monitoring usage and adherence to security standards and best practices.
• Lead workshops and training sessions on SAS, related computing technologies, and data visualization tools and strategies.
• As time and expertise allows, assist with the development and use of innovative programming solutions, analysis and production strategies, and data visualization tools.

Data Administration

• Maintain accessible data dictionaries and documentation for internal and external data users.
• Oversee data documentation and codebooks.
• Manage access requests and renewals for internal and external data users.
• Interface with internal and external data users and provide support for use of data.
• Manage data user Non-Disclosure Agreements completions and monitor adherence.
• Monitor adherence to Data Use Agreement with NYCDOE.

This position will provide opportunities for potential growth, development, and advancement in data management skills and responsibilities for the Research Alliance.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. 

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s Degree in a social science or data analytic field (Data Science, Economics, Statistics, or Education) plus one or more years of experience in a related field.
• Proficiency with SAS data processing and statistical analysis software is required. Experience with Stata, R, Python and other platforms is a plus.
• Experience with cleaning, structuring, using, and documenting large, complex datasets.
• Detail oriented.
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently, manage timelines, and delegate tasks.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, communicate goals, and build consensus to work collaboratively within and across research projects.
• Experience with social science research, including education and public policy, in an academic or non-profit environment preferred.

Compensation

• $60,000-70,000 annually, based on experience, with a generous benefits package including tuition remission (for more information, visit NYU's Benefits Guide).

Application Process

To apply, please upload the following through Interfolio, NYU's application portal: 

• Submit resume or curriculum vitae and cover letter discussing interest in the position and qualifications.
• Provide one coding example in SAS. Please provide your programming example files in a pdf format only.
• References will be requested after initial interview.
• Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. The preferable start date is November 15, 2022.