Data Operations Principal Consultant

About the Colorado Department of Education
Through setting a clear vision for increasing student performance, CDE continually supports the advancement and improvement of the state's education system to prepare all learners for success in a rapidly changing global workplace.
Vision
All students in Colorado will become educated and productive citizens capable of succeeding in society, the workforce, and life.
Mission
The mission of the Colorado Department of Education is to ensure that all students are prepared for success in society, work, and life by providing excellent leadership, service, and support to schools, districts, and communities across the state.
Why work for Colorado Department of Education?
We offer great location and great benefits which include:

• Medical and dental plans
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA  Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans
• Employee wellness programs
• Paid life insurance
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• No Cost ECO Pass
• 10 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

Flexible work schedule options, training opportunities, and more

Broad Scope of Position:
This position is responsible for the data management of all assessment files.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Provide support to districts through technical assistance and documentation to ensure that assessment data reflects accurate demographics.
B. Work collaboratively with vendor(s) to:
• Ensure schedule and quality expectations are met regarding data files. Actively participate in weekly project management calls as needed.
• Create and review report and data file layout specifications.
• Lead the development and implementation of data validation processes to ensure the accuracy of assessment data received from vendors.
C. Support the documentation of procedures for all data analyses conducted by the Assessment Unit. This includes creating, maintaining, and revising sets of business rules and technical specifications.
D. Lead the development of data validation processes to ensure the accuracy of data loading, transformation, aggregation, and reporting duties performed by the Information Services Unit (IMS).
E. Advocate for CO interests in multi-state consortia regarding data processes.
F. Fulfill internal and external data requests, and provide associated technical assistance.
G. Oversee data components on the web including, but not limited to, assessment manuals, data tables, and collection materials.
H. Oversee validation of performance data in School View and Data Center.
I. Oversee validation of performance data for state and federal reporting

Minimum Qualifications:
• Master's degree from a nationally recognized institution of higher education in information management, statistics, social science, or related field.
• Experience with the refinement of data management practices to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of results.
• Data knowledge and coding proficiency using SPSS or other statistical software.
• At least three years of development experience with complex SQL queries.
• Experience working with multiple data file formats including conversions between formats.
• Experience with data quality protocols.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills with people of varying levels of knowledge of data, assessments, and results.
• Focus on customer service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain quality of detailed work while meeting competing deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities; excellent organizational skills. Highly detail oriented.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• The ability to pass a background check, which includes a motor vehicle records search.

Preferred:
• Five years' experience working with K-12 education data at a district or state level.
• Familiarity with state-wide, large-scale assessment.
• Database certification and extensive experience with SQL.
• Experience developing database and data file layout requirements.
• Familiarity with federal and state laws, rules, and policies regarding assessment and accountability

HOW TO APPLY:
Please email a completed Colorado Department of Education Employment Application, letter of interest, and resume to careers@cde.state.co.us with the Position# and Title in the subject line.
To obtain a Colorado Department of Education Employment Application, visit our website at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdemgmt/HR/jobs.htm
All materials submitted should be current and specifically address the qualifications for this position.
Hard copies of application materials and application materials sent via mail or fax will not be accepted