The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Organizational Relationship This position reports to Manager, Research and Assessment and is responsible for delivery of services to enhance, promote and support research and lead continuous improvement in analytic and modelling capacities for planning, decision-making and monitoring strategic goals/priorities. .

Job Purpose The Research Analyst provides delivery of services to enhance, promote and support research and lead continuous improvement in analytic and modelling capacities for planning, decision-making and monitoring strategic goals/priorities. This position consults, designs and conducts research and evaluation, builds capacity of staff at all levels of the organization to use a broad range of quantitative and qualitative data, and communicates/reports findings for use of stakeholders across the DDSB. This position is responsible for:

Accountabilities

• CONSULTATION AND DESIGN: Consult with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to identify data requirements. Frame questions/area of focus for research, design a methodology for each question/focus, develop data collection tools with stakeholders where appropriate. Provide advice and guidance to stakeholders regarding ethics, privacy, and the impact of methodological considerations.
• DATA PROCESSING: Use appropriate techniques to translate qualitative and quantitative data into an understandable/usable format. Ensures data integrity throughout the identification and acquisition of relevant data, cleaning and aligning of data sets, coding qualitative data based on emergent themes and recurring topics/issues, surfacing representative narratives. Uses a reproducible research approach that is accountable for methods used through the authoring and revision of scripts (e.g. R, Python, SPSS etc.)
• ANALYTICS: Conducts qualitative and quantitative data analysis to help stakeholders determine actionable insights and support decisions by using the appropriate techniques and software to develop descriptive and inferential statistics, complete thematic content analysis and case studies, conduct data mining, modeling and analyze spatial trends related to student outcomes, community demographics or program implementation as appropriate.
• GENERATE SYSTEM REPORTS: Consult with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to create summaries and data visualizations that are intuitive and accessible to stakeholders and readers using a variety of applications, create interactive dashboards for monitoring system data and meet reporting requirements, write and generate annual, monthly and ad hoc reports for key stakeholders, and identify reporting tools and applications that improve the efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of analysis and reporting.

Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledge of education policy and practice in Ontario to represent the DDSB on provincial networks (e.g. AERO, DUG) and committees (e.g. ad hoc Ministry research working groups).
• Knowledge of research design (e.g., observational, case-study, quasi-experimental design, literature/system review). Knowledge of ethics (e.g., consent, conflict of interest, principles of respect for persons, concern for welfare and justice) and privacy (e.g., data retention, access, suppress rules, analytic scope and triangulation) and their applications.
• Experience with designing qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, practices (e.g. interviews, focus groups, consultations etc.) and analysis.
• Information Seeking/Intellectual Curiosity and Determination: Ability to ask insightful and reflective questions, explore new territories, uncover hidden information in the data and find new and innovative solutions to help the organization achieve its objectives. A willingness to learn new practices and processes.
• Conceptual Thinking: Ability to synthesizes facts, theories, trends, inferences, and key issues and/or themes.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to approach challenges with a clear eye on what is important and employing the right approach.
• Communication: Ability to present complex information in a clear and precise manner and in a way that can be understood by both technical and non-technical audiences both verbally and in writing
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate with others and work with key stakeholders to identify requirements and needs, and address inquiries and concerns.

Education And Experience Education

Completion of Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Social Science, Data Science) or a combination of education, training and experience deemed to be equivalent. Doctorate in Social Science or Education is considered an asset.

Participation in professional networks such as AERO, AERA, CES, DUG.

Experience Board Research 5-10 years

Data Analysis/Science 3-5 years.

Please Note: This is a permanent position. We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Ignite Your Career The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those to be interviewed will be contacted