Director of Data Research and Strategic Planning

The Institute for Equity in Education is a San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) initiative dedicated to advancing the success of low-income students in post-secondary education. The Institute aims to evaluate and address the gaps in K-12 education that hinder student success, particularly for those from underserved communities, and to create clear pathways for their post-secondary achievement. Led by Edward Alvarez, an experienced education leader and former President of the Latino Education Advancement Foundation, the Institute seeks to be a national leader in equity-driven educational research.

Position Summary:

The Director of Data Research and Strategic Planning will play a critical role in advancing the Institute’s mission by leading data management, statistical analysis, and research efforts to inform evidence-based decision-making. This role requires a strong background in data management and analytics, particularly within the context of education and underserved communities, and a commitment to using data to drive positive change. The ideal candidate will have experience working with low-income communities and communities of color, a passion for educational equity, and the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.

This is an Independent Contractor position, and the successful candidate will be hired through SFBU’s Institute for Equity in Education. As an independent contractor, this role does not include employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contract is expected to last 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs and performance .

• Data Management & Analysis: Collect, manage, and analyze large, complex datasets related to education outcomes, with a focus on K-12 education’s impact on low-income students.
  
  
• Research Communication: Create accessible data summaries, tables, and visualizations to clearly communicate findings to both academic and non-academic stakeholders.
  
  
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with Institute staff, educational partners, and external researchers to advance the Institute’s research agenda.
  
  
• Grant Writing & Fundraising: Develop grant proposals and funding applications to secure financial support for the Institute’s research and strategic initiatives.
  
  
• Innovation & Trends: Stay informed about emerging trends, methodologies, and technologies in data science and education research, including the use of Artificial Intelligence models in educational analysis.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Data Science, Social Sciences, or a related field. Graduate-level coursework or research experience in low-income or underserved communities is a plus.

Experience: At least 3 years of experience in data analysis, research, or strategic planning, preferably in an education or social science context.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in clear, understandable formats.
  
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams and stakeholders.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced coursework or a graduate degree in education research, data analysis, or a related field.
  
  
• Experience working with education data, such as student achievement data or educational outcomes.
  
  
• A track record of contributing to published reports, research papers, or peer-reviewed articles in the field of education.
  
  

Contract Details

• This is an Independent Contractor position, and as such, it does not include benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
  
  
• Payment will be made based on agreed-upon rates, and the contractor will be responsible for their own taxes and other associated responsibilities.
  
  
• The contract is expected to last [insert duration], with the possibility of extension depending on project needs and performance.
  
  

Salary Range

$90,000 - $100,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Compensation will be provided on an independent contractor basis and subject to the agreed-upon terms.

Application information :

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

This independent contractor position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful research and change in the field of education, supporting the advancement of low-income students and helping to create more equitable educational pathways for all.