Research Specialist (Statistician III) - 61144139

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is seeking a Research Specialist to support research, evaluation, and analysis initiatives. This Research Specialist will work with the research team to manage the research request process, gather and clean data, utilize appropriate methods, and develop communications around research findings. Expertise in our statewide data system is required for this position. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the skills required for communication with internal and external partners as well as an understanding of research methods.

Responsibilities:• Research Requests: Establish systems to manage research requests. Route requests to appropriate SCDE personnel for approval. Communicate with relevant offices regarding the data required for approved requests. Develop and manage timelines for the delivery of data. Communicate status updates to requesters. Deliver data to requestors.

• Data Gathering: Identify existing data fields and sources for research and accountability projects. Query data systems to assemble datasets for research and accountability projects. Clean and organize datasets for research and accountability projects.
• Research Methods: Identify methods and analyses appropriate for specific questions and datasets, produce descriptive statistics, conduct quantitative analyses, and assist other members of the research team in their work.
• Communication: Develop written reports, presentations, visualizations, and dashboards to communicate research findings. Present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

This position is located in the Office of Accountability and Research. A bachelor's degree with statistical courses and experience in statistics.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience with the Ed-Fi data standard
• Understanding of SCDE data system
• Knowledge of methods of data collection, manipulation, and analysis
• Knowledge of research methods
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to work well with both technical and non-technical team members, executives, and external partners to convey knowledge and build positive working relationships.

As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, and 401(k). The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/