Assessment 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 Assessment 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 assessment, business intelligence, accountability, and applied research. The specialist plays a critical role in the implementation, analysis, and continuous improvement of district, state, program, and national assessments, ensuring alignment with instructional goals and compliance with all relevant policies. 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 and program 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.
  
  

Assessment Coordination and Data

• Lead and support the administration, analysis, and interpretation of district, state, program, and national assessments (e.g., AASA, ACT, AZELLA, AzSCI, MSAA, NAEP, SAT, TSA, etc.).
• Provide technical guidance and training to school leaders and staff on proper administration protocols, accommodations, data quality, and reporting for all major assessment programs.
• Ensure compliance and fidelity with all federal, state, and district assessment requirements, accommodations, and timelines through support and collaboration.
• Design and deliver dashboards and reports to monitor assessment fidelity as well as assessment participation and performance trends to identify gaps and opportunities for instructional improvement.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of federal, state, and district-level reporting by providing support and audits related to assessment reporting.
• Integrate assessment data into performance dashboards and tools to support goal-setting, progress monitoring, and intervention planning.
• Stay current with updates to testing policies, platform functionality, and assessment guidance.
  
  

Accountability, Applied Research, and Demography

• Monitor and ensure compliance with state and federal accountability reporting requirements, including data quality checks, audits, and deadlines.
• 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.
• Support school-level research, evaluation, and demographic projects, including the collection, management, and analysis of data from a variety of sources using appropriate methodologies.
• Translate findings into user-friendly formats such as dashboards, executive summaries, data briefs, and slide presentations to inform decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  
  

Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Build capacity among school and district staff to interpret assessment results, 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 assessment, accountability metrics, 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 practices 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 assessment coordination/platforms, state/federal accountability, applied analytics, or education research
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in education, data analytics, statistics, education policy, social sciences, or a related field
• Multiple years of experience in assessment coordination/platforms, state/federal accountability, applied analytics, or education research
• Experience with state and federal assessment policies, procedures, and testing accommodations for specialized populations
• Classroom teaching experience
• Experience serving in a leadership role (e.g., team lead, department head)
  
  

Skills & Competencies:

• Advanced understanding 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.).
• Knowledge 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 for data analysis (e.g., Excel and Google pivot tables, graphing, basic analysis, etc.)
• Knowledge in research design, survey methodology, data analysis, demography, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of documentation and compliance associated with IRB protocols and FERPA regulations.
• Knowledge of computer applications in the use of research and analysis (e.g., Excel, R, QGIS, Qualtrics, SPSS, Stata, 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 and 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 related platforms 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.