Data Analyst, EdSystems - Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

 

• Position type: Full-Time Employment
• Location: Chicago (Hybrid)
• Salary range: $70,000–$77,000 + Benefits
• Apply by: October 15, 2024

Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated data analyst with expertise in Tableau to join our dynamic team. The data analyst will play a crucial role in supporting EdSystems’ mission of supporting students’ transition from high school to college and careers. The data analyst will work with the senior director of data to help transform complex data into meaningful insights that drive decision-making for communities, school districts, and higher education institutions. The data analyst will also be engaged to help develop a data strategy for the organization. This position requires a candidate who is passionate about data-driven storytelling, has a strong understanding of data systems and analysis, and is proficient in technologies for creating interactive and impactful visualizations (preferably Tableau).

Key Responsibilities

Data Analytics and Visualization

• Uses statistical packages and languages such as R and Python to analyze data and derive trends
• Design, develop, and maintain interactive Tableau dashboards and reports to support understanding of key educational data trends and insights.
• Collaborate with project teams to gather and translate data and functional requirements into effective data visualizations.
• Stay current with industry trends, tools, and best practices in data visualization and analysis, particularly in the education sector.

Data Management and Integration

• Extract, transform, and load data from various sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and cloud-based platforms, to prepare datasets for analysis.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and workflows to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data used in dashboards and reports.
• Work to define and implement processes and standards to ensure data security.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with internal teams to understand project goals and develop data-driven solutions that address key questions and challenges.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops for staff and external partners to build data literacy and empower stakeholders to use data effectively.
• Provide technical support to stakeholders on the use of data tools for interpretation and storytelling.
• Provide guidance and support on the use of Tableau to partners interested in data visualization.

Research and Reporting:

• Assist in the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, and presentations that communicate findings from data analyses and visualizations.
• Support the communications team to create compelling data narratives for external publications, website content, and social media platforms.

Quality Assurance

• Perform quality assurance checks on data, data tools, and visualizations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with data governance standards.
• Continuously assess and improve existing Tableau dashboards and reports to enhance usability, performance, and impact.
• Solicit feedback from users and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to meet evolving needs.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, education, public policy, or a related field. Minimum of two years of experience in data analysis and visualization, with a strong emphasis on Tableau.
• Proficiency in Tableau Desktop, Tableau Server, and Tableau Prep, including advanced features such as calculated fields, parameters, data blending, and dashboard actions.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in working with large and complex datasets.
• Solid understanding of data management principles, including ETL processes, data integration, and database management.
• Proficiency in SQL for querying databases and manipulating data.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to data accuracy and quality.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in data science, statistics, education policy, or a related field.
• Experience working with educational data systems, such as student information systems, state longitudinal data systems, or workforce development data.
• Familiarity with other data visualization tools and programming languages (e.g., Power BI, Python, R) is a plus.
• Experience with data governance, data privacy, and compliance regulations in the education sector.
• Knowledge of education policy and workforce development trends at the local, state, and national levels.

Why Join EdSystems?

EdSystems helps create a world where students have clear, unambiguous paths to college and career opportunities that equip them for meaningful participation in the global economy. We collaborate with state and local education agencies, workforce boards, community colleges, universities, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate policies and practices that ensure successful transitions to and through postsecondary and career opportunities for students, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized populations.

• Impactful Work:  Be part of a team that is dedicated to driving systemic change and improving educational and workforce outcomes for students and communities.
• Collaborative Environment:  Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and innovation is encouraged.
• Professional Development:  Access opportunities for professional growth and development through training, workshops, and conferences.
• Flexible Work Options:  Enjoy a flexible work environment that promotes work-life balance, including a hybrid work schedule.
• Competitive Benefits:  NIU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition waivers, and more.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio of Tableau visualizations to LaTonya Hicks at lhicks@niu.edu. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with data visualization and analysis, interest in education and workforce systems, and ability to communicate complex data insights effectively.

Northern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Administrative Coordinator, Science and Conservation, The Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL

 The Morton Arboretum’s Science and Conservation team is seeking a coordinator to play a key role in supporting the operational needs of a dynamic team dedicated to protecting and preserving the world’s trees. In this role, you will provide essential administrative support, manage logistics, coordinate grants and contracts, and facilitate collaboration across the department and beyond. You will handle a variety of tasks, including scheduling, travel arrangements, and event planning to ensure the smooth operation of our science and conservation efforts. If you’re a detail-oriented, organized professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, and you are passionate about supporting impactful scientific work, this position is for you!

 

Position Summary: 

Provide administrative support to the Science and Conservation division including the Vice President of Science and Conservation and other Science and Conservation leaders. Ensure efficient departmental operations by managing logistics, coordinating grants and contracts, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.

 

Essential Functions: 

• Provide administrative assistance to the Science and Conservation division, including but not limited to, the Vice President of Science and Conservation, Director of the Center for Tree Science, Director of Global Tree Conservation, Director of Scientific and Government Relations, and Director of the Herbarium. Responsibilities include scheduling, expense reporting, travel arrangements, meeting logistics, and staff timecard reviewing.

• Support the preparation, routing, and tracking of contracts, grants, agreements, and other essential documents. Serve as a liaison with the Development and Finance Office teams to facilitate accurate and timely processing of grant applications, funding proposals, and other documents through institutional workflows.

• Support the tracking and reporting of departmental activities,  including coordination of weekly, quarterly, and annual reporting for the institution and the board of trustees.

• Coordinate the scheduling, logistics, and event planning for departmental meetings, symposia, visitor tours, and conferences held at the Arboretum and other locations. Tasks include booking meeting rooms, managing room setups, facilitating hybrid meeting arrangements, placing and tracking catering orders, and coordinating speaker travel arrangements.

• Support administrative needs of ArbNet, with a focus on facilitating the arboretum accreditation program application and renewal process.

• Act as a point person to maintain departmental systems and information and ensure alignment of departmental processes and systems, such as contact management and staff lists, and ensure alignment with other administrative staff across the organization including providing back-up coverage as needed. Assist staff with database contact management, newsletter coordination, and content updates on the Science and Conservation section of the Arboretum’s website

• Coordinate incoming requests for information, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Support the development of a consistent process for collecting and tracking departmental information.

• Oversee general office duties and support functions, including mail processing, package handling, supply and equipment ordering. Ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of office equipment.

• Represent Science and Conservation at appropriate meetings, develop and share meeting agendas (with guidance from S&C leadership), attend and record minutes of selected meetings as assigned, and complete appropriate follow-ups (task management, reports, correspondence) as needed. 

• Support the onboarding and training of new staff in administrative processes. Assist with the creation and maintenance of “How To” documents and institutional training resources.

• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning, and make the Arboretum exceptional.

• Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree preferred. 3+ years of relevant administrative experience required. Executive-level support experience preferred. Excellent administrative and organizational skills required in order to handle a variety of activities simultaneously and effectively. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications required. Ability to use and/or learn software systems related to budgeting, project management, and contact management required (e.g., SalesForce, SmartSheets). Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information securely and professionally required.

 

Success Factors:

Detail-oriented, responsive, flexible, and accurate with strong multi-tasking skills and communication skills as well as the ability to work under pressure and prioritize multiple workstreams. Willingness to jump in and help colleagues on short notice. Ability to work in a team-based working environment both within the department and cross-departmentally. Ability to handle confidential records and information with discretion is essential. Professional deportment in interactions with staff, business executives and contacts, vendors, and visitors.

 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity. May require prolonged periods of sitting.

• Work Environment: Office environment. Work is performed primarily indoors, although travel within building and grounds is required. 

• Equipment: General office equipment.

The expected hiring range for this nonexempt position is annualized at $53,000-$55,500 based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of the final offer. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package 

For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter with application.

APPLY here!

Development Associate (East), Obama Foundation - Remote

 Purpose of Role

As a member of the Development team, the Development Associate, East will play a critical role in the functioning of the East fundraising team. The Associate will serve in a project management capacity, responsible for developing and driving key activities and initiatives for the team so that fundraisers can maximize their time on frontline donor activities. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Development, East.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Events: Liaise between the East fundraising and Development events teams to design and executive bespoke cultivation and stewardship events for the region and ensure effective follow-up with donors and prospects.

• Volunteer/Surrogate Management: Assist in supporting and managing the region’s Board members, Foundation Leadership, Alumni, Regional Leadership Council(s), and other vital surrogates to engage in fundraising for the region effectively.

• Principal Gift Support: Support the Senior Director of Development to assist in managing a portfolio of principal gift-level prospects. Opportunity to shadow frontline fundraisers during donor engagements and develop experience working directly with prospects.

• Project Management: Design projects, track next steps, and ensure completion.

• Team Coordination: Coordinate the activities of the Development Analyst, East, and provide guidance, support, and quality control as needed.

• Strategic Planning: Drive the development and execution of subteam-wide strategic plans in collaboration with the Senior Director, outlining clear objectives, donor touchpoints, milestones, and key performance indicators to guide the team toward success.

• Other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Quality materials and persuasive decks.

• Administrative systems for team operating effectiveness.

• Project tracking reports.

• Strategic and impactful events.

• High-functioning and activated volunteer/surrogate network.

Required Qualifications

• Exceptional project manager – effectively plans and executes short- and long-term projects.

• Communicates proactively and collaborates effectively with others to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.

• Exceptional communication – written and verbal.

• Previous Salesforce or other fundraising database experience is a plus.

The salary range for this role is between $59,755 and $74,670. 

 

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Learn more/APPLY here!

Communications Associate, Obama Foundation - Chicago, IL

 

We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Communications Associate will support the Foundation’s efforts to leverage media engagement and communications strategies that advance our work to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders. The Communications Associate will be responsible for writing press materials, managing incoming press requests, monitoring news clips, and offering additional support towards communications priorities. The Communications Associate will work closely with internal teams to advance the priorities of the organization and shape a narrative in service of the Obamas’ legacy and the Foundation’s mission. 

As the Communications Associate, you’ll be reporting directly to the Communications Director.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Writing: Write press releases and media materials for the web; develop talking points for Foundation staff on key programs and initiatives. Support message development for interviews and speaking appearances.

• Media Relations: Manage the Foundation’s press inbox by reviewing, responding to, and escalating incoming on a timely-basis. Support the communications team in building and maintaining relationships with regional and national media outlets to advance goals. Leverage Salesforce to build and distribute press releases to various lists. 

• Media Monitoring: Lead media monitoring, including the distribution of press clip reports, to ensure internal teams are tracking relevant news, related breaking news, and have visibility into coverage of the Foundation, leaders, and initiatives. 

• Communications Support: Assist the communications team in the development and execution of proactive outreach, messaging strategy, and talking points for specific projects.

• Internal Communications: Support the communications team in the development of materials for internal communications, including writing talking points for the Executive Leadership team, all staff email correspondence, and presentations. 

• Reporting and Analytics: Develop systems for tracking the impact of communications strategies and execute internal reporting to communicate advancement towards goals, including the reach and engagement of press and social media coverage.

• Administrative Support: Support the communications team with administrative tasks, scheduling cross-department meetings, and ensuring team members have what they need to effectively execute communications strategies.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Design and execute a media management strategy that is accurate, up-to-date, and expanded to include Chicago, national, US regional, global, and non-traditional/digital media lists.

• Design and execute media monitoring to ensure internal teams are up to date and coverage is shared to key internal stakeholders, including daily clips, breaking news, and relevant conversations on social media.

• Lead internal reporting and metrics of media coverage, developed in coordination with MarCom and Product and Tech, to ensure it is distributed rapidly, consistently, and offers insights into the efficacy of communications strategies (press clips, social coverage, reach, audience, sentiment, etc.)

• Effective and timely management of the press inbox, including managing  Salesforce, to ensure timely responses, escalation to key internal stakeholders (as necessary), and responding to inquiries. Additionally, all press releases are accurate, correctly set up, and sent on schedule.

• The Communications Team leaders are supported with administrative needs, including the scheduling of cross-department meetings, and have what they need to effectively execute communications strategies.

• Effective and timely development of internal communications that effectively engage staff. 

Required Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience working on a communications team for a similar organization or government official

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills

• Highly organized and detail oriented with a track record of meeting short- and long-term responsibilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high volume organization

• Collaborative team player who is able to work effectively on a cross-functional team

• Ability to work flexible hours, including long hours, nights, and weekends, as needed

The salary range for this role is between $59,755  and $74,670. 

This is a hybrid position based at our Chicago office in Hyde Park. #LI-hybrid

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Learn more/APPLY here!