Educator Preparation Data Scientist

Position InformationThe California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an Educator Preparation Data Scientist to be responsible for managing, developing, and maintaining the Center’s educator preparation data systems and dashboards. The Data Scientist performs strategic data analyses to inform continuous improvement efforts in CSU’s educator preparation programs and supports campus data needs in ways that enhance the system’s ability to recruit, prepare, develop, and retain outstanding teachers for California schools. The data initiatives overseen in this role directly advance the Chancellor’s Office strategic plan, "CSU Forward: Thriving Students, Thriving University, Thriving California” by providing actionable evidence about CSU educator preparation programs. These initiatives support: -Public transparency and informed strategic planning and policy development; -Campus accreditation and compliance with state and federal requirements; -Evaluation of state, federal, and privately funded grants and initiatives; -Systemwide accountability, including the establishment of improvement goals and priorities; -Effective communication of the impact and value of university-based educator preparation programs; and -Statewide policy discussions related to educator preparation reform. THIS POSITION IS LOCATED AT THE CSU SACRAMENTO CAMPUS. This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Sacramento, California. Responsibilities Under the general direction of the Director, Educator Quality Center, the Educator Preparation Data Scientist will perform duties as outlined below: Data Systems Project Management -Design, develop, and manage systems and processes for collecting, extracting, loading, and integrating high-priority credential program and student data into the EdQ operational data store. -Lead the development of dashboards and reporting tools that support CSU educator preparation programs. -Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders—including campus and Chancellor’s Office staff, internal IT and IR&A teams, and external partners such as state and national education agencies, funding organizations, consultants, and vendors—to ensure data systems meet strategic and operational needs. Strategic Data Analysis -Conduct strategic data analyses to generate valid and reliable evidence that supports continuous improvement in CSU educator preparation programs and addresses California’s educator workforce needs. -Translate analytical findings into actionable insights and communicate them clearly through data visualizations, storytelling, and presentations tailored to non-technical audiences. -Evaluate the impact of key initiatives using quantitative evidence and support data-informed decision-making across the CSU system. Support Effective Use of Data -Develop and refine systems and processes that improve the quality, consistency, and usability of existing educator preparation metrics administered by EdQ. -Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) in collaboration with educator preparation faculty and practitioners to reflect their goals and values. -Promote the standardization and adoption of shared data tools, software platforms, and protocols across CSU educator preparation programs. Qualifications This position requires: -Demonstrated interest in improving educational outcomes, particularly in educator preparation. -Master’s degree or higher in a technical, computational, or quantitative field (e.g., Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Educational Measurement, or related discipline). -A minimum of four years of professional experience, including at least one year of hands-on experience in data science, analytics, or applied research. -Proven ability to deliver data products, tools, or original research—preferably in an educational or public-sector context, using large or complex datasets. -Strong quantitative skills, including experience with statistical methods used in education research. -Proficiency with one or more statistical software tools or programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Stata). -Working knowledge of SQL, relational databases, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). -Experience with data mining, exploration, and visualization techniques. -Familiarity with data systems design, development, and management. -Strong project management skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. -Experience administering surveys using platforms such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or QuestionPro. -Experience working with sensitive or confidential data in a secure computing environment. Preferred Qualifications -Experience with ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and data warehousing solutions. -Proficiency with version control systems such as Git. -Familiarity with data governance practices, especially in educational or public-sector environments. -Experience using AI or machine learning tools (e.g., OpenAI) to enhance data analysis, automation, or reporting workflows. -Knowledge of educator preparation policy, accreditation processes, or workforce analytics.