Data Scientist (LTE)

THE ROLE

TRAILS is seeking a Data Scientist to support reporting efforts on TRAILS’ multi-tiered mental health interventions in K-12 schools. The Data Scientist will help build TRAILS’ evaluation reporting capacity by developing scalable processing and reporting pipelines for implementation and expansion partners (e.g. legislators, philanthropic funders, district partners). The Data Scientist will be responsible for developing and maintaining parameterized reports using the R programming language. 

TRAILS evaluation data includes survey data from students and staff, mental health data from students, administrative data, and publicly available data. TRAILS analysis and reporting ranges from descriptive work for stakeholders to advanced evaluation and statistical methods (e.g., RCTs, measurement analysis) published in peer-reviewed journals, all of which must be performed at a high level of data reproducibility and rigor across reporting formats. The Data Scientist will also support maintaining data integrity and good data stewardship through their data collection, processing, and analysis, while ensuring that methods are culturally responsible, equitable, replicable, and rigorous.  

The Data Scientist role will be a Limited Term Employment opportunity. Currently, these roles are backed by specific time limited legislative funding. As such, the role is considered to be limited term employment that will not go beyond December 2026. The position is considered a TRAILS team member and will receive full benefits during employment. If a regular, long-term role of interest to the team member becomes available at any point, the team member will be encouraged to apply.  

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Reporting (65%)

• Lead the development of automated data processing and reporting
• Develop scalable processing and reporting pipelines to generate parameterized reports
• Clean and analyze TRAILS program evaluation data using R
• Data includes survey data from students and staff, mental health data from students, administrative data, and publicly available data
• Create and maintain datasets, including merging files, restructuring, recoding variables, and checking for errors.
• High level of data reproducibility, rigor, and efficiency is required that can be easily updated and reused for future reporting work
• Design data visualizations and graphics to communicate data with a range of audiences
• Prepare technical documentation in support of reporting efforts

Data Interpretation and Dissemination (25%)

• Collaborate with TRAILS staff, including the Evaluation team, Implementation Team, and National Expansion team to identify and prioritize reporting opportunities
• Provide technical assistance and trainings to TRAILS staff regarding the interpretation of reports
• Prepare written (e.g., reports, manuscripts) and oral (presentations to internal and external decision maker) communications on TRAILS implementation and outcomes
• Support report dissemination, including preparation of materials and attending meetings with key decision makers as needed

Team Responsibilities (10%)

• Attend all staff meetings and retreats, workgroups, and other relevant TRAILS meetings as necessary
• Support TRAILS team with all hands-on deck events and other initiatives as needed 

THE PERSON 

Our experience suggests that the following types of professional experiences lend themselves to this work:

• At least 4 years of full-time professional work experience including:
• 4+ years experience preparing data reports
• 4+ years experience using a programming language to conduct data analysis in R
• 2+ years experience automating reporting
• 2+ years experience with data visualization and graphics
• 2+ years experience leading the design and development of data reports for a variety of audiences
• Strong programming skills, including experience crafting parameterized reporting
• Demonstrated track record of independently analyzing, interpreting, and communicating diverse data sets 
• Experience working with survey data, especially Qualtrics data
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly as it relates to data practices
• Strong commitment to TRAILS mission
• Experience working at a human services program or agency, school district, child welfare agency, state or federal government, or foundations is desirable

Our experience suggests that the following types of skills lend themselves well to this work:

• High degree of proficiency independently conducting parameterized report generation in R
• Comfortable working with a high level of independence
• Experience with Qualtrics and administrative records
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex research findings to diverse decision makers
• Experience managing databases (including merging data files, identifying and correcting problems, and producing files for final analysis)
• Experience automating data processing, management, and reporting processes
• Experience documenting technical processes for technical and non-technical colleagues 
• Experience providing technical assistance to non-technical colleagues
• Experience with other data science tools (e.g. Python, SQL, etc.) desirable
• Experience in developing reporting for decision makers with varying levels of data fluency
• Expertise in academic, social, and emotional disparities observed in school-aged youth preferred

EDUCATION

Our experience suggests the following certifications and degree(s) lend themselves well to this work:

• Advanced degree (e.g., Masters) in public policy, public health, data science, or a social science field (e.g., education, survey methodology, psychology) 
• Advanced statistics, survey methods, and database management training
• Applicable experience and competencies may be considered in lieu of formal education

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $103,554 to $109,307 annually.

TRAILS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision as well as a 403B with a safe harbor match and short and long-term disability. We offer a generous holiday and paid time off package.  

APPLICATION NOTES 

• We are only considering applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Our job descriptions reflect TRAILS’ assignment of essential functions and qualifications of the role. Nothing herein restricts management's right to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities to this role at any time.