Program Director – Data Strategy, Policy & Advocacy

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Iowa.

📋 Description

• Integrate data-driven decision-making throughout ACT’s Government and Public Relations team while acting as a strategic advisor to ACT leadership and its customers.

• Assist leadership in leveraging data for strategic planning and resource distribution.

• Create and uphold data tools, dashboards, presentations, and visualizations that render key metrics accessible and actionable for both internal and external stakeholders.

• Actively seek out research questions and analytical opportunities that align with ACT’s policy goals.

• Establish feedback loops connecting research findings, program design, and partnership strategies.

• Offer capacity-building assistance to colleagues through training on data tools, analytical frameworks, and evidence-based practices.

• Stay informed about external data trends, policy changes, and methodological advancements pertinent to ACT’s work.

• Produce thorough, policy-relevant analyses that guide ACT’s positions and contribute to national discussions regarding education equity, assessment, and readiness for college and careers.

• Provide strategic insights to shape quantitative and mixed-methods research studies addressing high-priority policy issues.

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize research on education policy topics, presenting findings in actionable formats for policy and program staff.

• Examine large-scale education datasets (assessment outcomes, demographic trends, program results) to discern patterns and formulate strategic recommendations.

• Develop and implement metrics and frameworks for assessing policy-relevant outcomes.

• Include equity analysis to comprehend disparities in outcomes among student populations.

• Identify relevant external data sources (federal, state, institutional) and establish efficient workflows for data acquisition and management.

• Convert complex analyses into clear written materials (briefs, memos, reports) for non-technical audiences, including policymakers and funders.

• Design and execute data-sharing partnerships that establish an evidence base for ACT programs, partnerships, and policy initiatives.

• Systematize data-sharing agreements and workflows for data collection with external partners (districts, states, institutions).

• Assist in creating reporting templates that can be scaled across various partner engagements.

• Analyze stakeholder context variations and identify conditions linked to successful outcomes.

• Aid in developing clear metrics that define and operationalize success for ACT programs and partnerships.

• Produce impact reports that convert research findings into actionable insights for internal teams and external stakeholders.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience utilizing data and analysis at the district or state level to inform decision-making in education, government, nonprofit, or social impact settings, including proven experience with education data, advising senior leaders, and influencing organizational strategy.

• Proficient quantitative analysis skills.

• Knowledge of educational research designs and methods.

• Experience in producing external-facing policy reports, case studies, or thought leadership pieces.

• Experience in developing dashboards and other data visualizations, such as Tableau, MS Power BI, or similar software.

• Experience in designing surveys, analyzing assessment data, or evaluating programs or policies.

• Capability to translate complex data and analyses into clear written reports and presentations for non-technical audiences.

• Established project management skills and the ability to independently lead and manage multiple complex workstreams concurrently, with minimal oversight.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and promoting equity.

• Willingness to travel approximately 10-15% of the time.

• Bachelor's degree in education policy, public policy, economics, statistics, data science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

🏝️ Benefits

• Company-paid life insurance.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Flexible health and dependent spending accounts.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Paid holidays.

• Paid time off.