GIS Data Strategy Support (Part-time/Temporary)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 40,000 people, most of them teachers.

CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans : academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.

Six core values are embedded within these commitments student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Planning and Data Management (PDM) enables and supports district and network managers, school principals, city agencies, and community-based organizations by offering a variety of geographically-based school and student data management services.

Job Summary :

Reporting to the Director of Demographics & Planning, the Senior Data Strategy Support role will support the Department of Planning and Data Management by conducting sophisticated enrollment analyses and creating high-quality, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based map documents and other data visualizations.

The part-time / temporary Senior Data Strategy Support employee will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Support PDM by conducting sophisticated analysis of the district’s public and confidential data, and providing strategic analysis, data management, and accurate demographic and geospatial data to inform decisions regarding CPS schools and facilities :
• Co-oversee the district’s demographic and enrollment data to ensure effective organizational decision-making and improve CPS's ability to communicate with the public
• Oversee the development, management and expansion of geospatial technology to facilitate student assignment and enrollment analysis
• Deliver professional-quality map documents and data visualizations to inform district-wide planning and decision-making
• Develop and maintain standards for GIS and other databases to ensure the integrity and consistency across datasets
• Oversee the creation of various studies, reports, and materials to provide project updates and / or convey other information required for district-wide planning and decision-making
• Oversee the development of annual and multi-year enrollment projections to help guide OPM’s planning efforts
• Produce grade-by-grade enrollment projections using a combination of internal historical data and external demographic / census data
• Provide static and dynamic data visualizations using business intelligence software.
• Collaborate with network chiefs and school administrators on enrollment projections and seat management to ensure effective utilization of facility staff and space
• Work with various departments across CPS to support important strategic district initiatives through geospatial mapping and data analysis
• Provide updated geospatial data, live public support, and UX design recommendations for the CPS School Locator app
• Respond to public inquiries regarding attendance area assignments
• Other Duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the part-time / temporary Senior Data Strategy Support employee must possess the following qualifications :

Education Required :

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required
• Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Technology, Geography, Urban Planning or a related field of study preferred

Experience Required :

• Minimum of (five) 5 years of years of professional experience writing code with data analytic tools (SAS, R, SPSS, STATA, etc.) is required.
• Work accomplished as a part of an advanced degree program will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Expert knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) software and programming in SAS Enterprise Guide
• Knowledge of web-based mapping technologies, specifically ArcGIS Online Web AppBuilder and Google Maps is preferred
• Demonstrated eagerness to learn with a track record of proactively responding to and solving complex challenges
• Ability to communicate data and methodological details clearly and accurately to non-technical audiences
• Strong analytical, data management, and data visualization skills
• Strategic thinker able to generate actionable insights from data and make recommendations to district leadership
• Knowledge of critical issues in education and school planning
• Excellent report writing, analytical and project management skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to build trusting relationships and function effectively with internal departments and external partners
• Ability to work creatively and efficiently under deadline; should be able to self-direct and balance competing priorities and deadlines
• Strong communication skills : speaking, listening, and writing
• Demonstrated professional achievement

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to :

Establish / Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.

The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary / part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire.

Up-to-date on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.