Department of Education

Address:  Accountability and Research Section
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $87,500 - $92,500 

Grade: 26

Closing Date: 06/07/26

• The Director leads a dynamic team of data analysts, oversees statewide accountability measures, and ensures valid data usage in compliance with state and federal mandates.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required for this position.

• Lead and manage a team of early-career data analysts, providing clear guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback
• Oversee project pipelines, set priorities, and ensure timely, high-quality deliverables that align with state and federal guidelines
• Serve as the primary liaison with school leaders, policymakers, and other education stakeholders to gather feedback, address concerns, and facilitate policy discussions
• Develop and deliver engaging training sessions that enhance data literacy and promote a shared understanding of accountability measures
• Maintain rigorous data validation procedures to ensure accuracy, reliability, and security of accountability metrics and reports
• Oversee data integrity for state and federal reporting requirements, including EdFacts, School Report Cards, and other critical mandates
• Research and propose new tools, processes, or analytical methods to enhance the efficiency and impact of accountability initiatives
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and promote best practices for data usage, analysis, and reporting
• Collaborate with ADE leadership and cross-functional teams to shape long-term goals, and inform policy decisions
• Provide high-level guidance to ensure data-informed insights are embedded in broader departmental and statewide educational initiatives

Knowledge in:
• Python for data science, object-oriented programming data validation, data integrity protocols, and best practices for creating accurate accountability reports
• Understanding of adult learning principles and effective training strategies for diverse educator audiences
• A Master’s degree in data science, a related field or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree is required.

Skills in:
• Supervising and mentoring staff, setting priorities, and ensuring project deadlines are met
• Engaging stakeholders, presenting complex data findings, and leading discussions that build consensus.
• Synthesizing feedback, analyzing data, and proposing innovative solutions to novel problems.

Ability to:
• Interpret data, validate findings by asking probing questions, and present insights in a compelling, easy-to-understand format; ensuring the data effectively informs decision-making and sparks further analysis
• Work cross-functionally within ADE and with external stakeholders, incorporating diverse input to shape policies
• Navigate complex policy discussions and build relationships with a range of education leaders and policymakers.
• Manage staff turnover, evolving accountability requirements, and dynamic project scopes
• Distill technical or statistical information into practical insights for non-technical audiences
• Identify improvement opportunities, champion new processes, and maintain a forward-thinking approach to accountability measures

Preference will be given to those applicants with experience with K-12 education.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.