Accountability and Analytics Specialist - 2026-2027

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for consecutive years.
  
  

Base Salary:

$79,084.00

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New hire experience:

1% of the base salary granted for each year of verified relevant experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New hire education:

1% of the base salary awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Class/Calendar:

D63-IS, 12 months

Hours:

Full-time

FSLA:

Exempt

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement, health and life insurance

Job Summary:

The Accountability and Analytics Specialist supports data-informed decision-making for PreK–12th Grades in Mesa Public Schools. This position serves as a critical bridge between data and school-level practice by delivering high-impact support in state and federal accountability, applied research, demography, business intelligence, and assessment systems. This specialist plays a critical role in the interpretation and implementation of state and federal accountability frameworks, supports compliance efforts, and provides actionable insights that drive continuous improvement. In addition, the position supports research and demographic analysis to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and educational opportunities. Reporting to the Director of Data and Accountability and through close collaboration with other Data and Accountability positions, regional leadership, regional departmental support positions, and school leadership teams, the role focuses on promoting data capacity aligned with the District’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Data Reliability and Analysis

• Design and deliver clear, user-friendly dashboards, visualizations, and reports to support continuous school improvement.
• Support school teams in navigating and using data platforms to monitor key performance indicators.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security across various systems.
• Integrate data from multiple sources to create comprehensive data sets for analysis.
• Develops and implements streamlined processes to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancy, and improve service delivery.
• Integrates relevant technological tools and advancements to support staff and improve outcomes.
  
  

State and Federal Accountability

• Serve as a lead technical resource in understanding and implementing ADE and federal accountability frameworks, including school letter grades, A–F reporting, and ESSA-related metrics.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with state and federal accountability reporting requirements, including data quality checks, audits, and deadlines.
• Prepare schools and district departments for annual accountability submissions, coordinating timelines, documentation, and system readiness.
• Analyze accountability performance indicators (e.g., proficiency, growth, graduation rate, EL progress) to identify trends and recommend improvement strategies.
• Train school and district personnel on how to interpret accountability results and integrate them into school improvement planning.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  
  

Applied Research and Demography

• Design and conduct research and evaluation projects, including the development of logic models, research questions, and measurable outcomes.
• Collect, manage, and analyze data from a variety of sources (e.g., achievement, climate surveys, focus groups, enrollment trends) using appropriate methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods).
• Produce demographic analyses to support schools in data-informed decision making regarding programs and resource allocation.
• Translate research findings into user-friendly formats such as dashboards, executive summaries, data briefs, and slide presentations to inform decision-making.
  
  

Assessment and Data Systems Support

• Support schools in administering district, state, and national assessments (e.g., AASA, ACT, AZELLA, MSAA, etc.), ensuring compliance with protocols and data integrity.
• Collaborate with assessment and curriculum teams to align assessment practices with instructional goals and accountability expectations.
• Integrate assessment data into performance dashboards and tools to support goal-setting, progress monitoring, and intervention planning.
  
  

Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Build capacity among school and district staff to interpret accountability data, set measurable goals, and monitor progress over time.
• Design and facilitate professional learning experiences increasing data capacity, with a focus on the use and interpretation of accountability metrics, assessments, research, and demographic data.
• Support school teams in using data to set goals, drive improvement cycles, and monitor outcomes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-informed practice across all levels of the organization.
• Participate in cross-functional data projects and regional strategic planning efforts.
• Leads or participates in special projects and assignments as directed by district leadership.
• Maintains positive and professional relationships with stakeholders, emphasizing high-quality customer service.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement using data-informed decision-making practices.
• Applies change management strategies to lead and sustain department or district initiatives.
• Initiates, plans, and manages innovative programs or events that align with district and departmental goals.
• Monitors and ensures timely completion of projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrates accountability for student-centered outcomes and alignment with the goals of Mesa Public Schools.
• Collaborates with administrators and staff to identify and implement improvements in data centralization and capacity building effectiveness.
• Facilitates development and alignment of the department’s vision and mission with district strategic priorities.
• Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, data analytics, statistics, education policy, social science, or a related field.
• Experience in state/federal accountability, education research, applied analytics, or assessment coordination/platforms.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in education, data analytics, statistics, education policy, social sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with education policy implementation, research evaluation, or demographic analysis in large school systems.
• Multiple years of experience with state and federal reporting requirements, accountability systems, and related policies and procedures.
• Classroom teaching experience
• Experience serving in a leadership role (e.g., team lead, department head)
  
  

Skills & Competencies:

• Advanced understanding of state and federal education accountability systems, metrics, and reporting (e.g., ADEConnect, AzEDS, and statewide longitudinal data systems).
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of computer applications in the use of research and analysis (e.g., Excel, R, QGIS, Qualtrics, SPSS, Stata, etc.)
• Expertise in research design, survey methodology, data analysis, demography, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of documentation and compliance associated with IRB protocols and FERPA regulations.
• Knowledge of assessment practices and platforms and the use of assessment data in monitoring learning and program effectiveness (e.g., Pearson, ACT, College Board, MSAA, AZELLA, TSA, etc.).
• Experience working with student information systems (SIS), assessment platforms and/or data warehouses.
• Experience with data analytics, data wrangling and/or data blending/integration tools (e.g., SQL, Python)
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, Google Sheets, Google Looker Studio).
• Ability to design and deliver professional learning to various stakeholders to build data literacy and capacity.
• Eagerness to learn, develop skills with a growth mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in translating complex data into clear and actionable insights that drive data-informed decisions and continuous improvement to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring accuracy, compliance, confidentiality, and deadlines are met.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to foster positive relationships and work collaboratively with teachers, administrators and other stakeholders.
• Technologically fluent with Microsoft, Google, and emerging technology tools to support data-informed decision-making.
• Exemplifies the Portrait of a Graduate by modeling the essential skills and attitudes expected of Mesa Public Schools employees.
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Knowing relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Understanding organizational development and strategic planning principles.
• Demonstrating a high level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Applying change management frameworks and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Using data to inform decision-making and drive performance outcomes.
• Leading collaborative processes with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Fostering a people-centered and service-oriented culture focused on supporting successful student outcomes.
• Demonstrating adaptability and openness to innovation and change.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based with frequent district site visits.
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments.
• Fast-paced, high-responsibility work environment requiring adaptability and responsiveness.
• Potential exposure to moderate noise levels typical of office environments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer, and operate office equipment.
• Frequent use of hands for typing and handling documents.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Visual acuity for reading and computer work.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.