New Meridian Corporation, located in Austin, TX is a non-profit, assessment design and development organization working to fundamentally change assessments in K-12 education. We provide states with technical expertise and the highest quality, research-validated test content that is uniquely focused on critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills — the capabilities all students will need to thrive in the future.
WHO WE ARE:
New Meridian is a non-profit, assessment design and development organization. We provide states with technical expertise and the highest quality, research-validated test content that is uniquely focused on critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills — the capabilities all students will need to thrive in the future.
Our mission is to advance the quality of public education for all students
by designing assessments that focus on the skills that matter.
Founded with the goal of enabling all states to be able to afford high quality assessments, New Meridian has created new assessment models and products to achieve that goal and continues to innovate to enable states to develop 21st century assessment systems that provide timely and actionable data that can drive improvements in the instructional core.
Our team is marked by our willingness to go the extra mile for our customers, our operational excellence, our deep expertise in assessments, and our enjoyment of and ability to solve complex problems.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
We are actively recruiting for a Data Analyst to join the team. The Data Analyst we seek, may join the team at the level appropriate to their experience and education. We are a nimble, entrepreneurial organization and due to the pace and growth, we need a variety of levels.
Data Analysts, whether they are Analyst, Senior, Lead, or Principal level will report to the Director of Psychometrics and Research Services. Analysts support New Meridian’s assessment design, psychometric, research, and statistical programming activities to further the goals of New Meridian to develop and market a portfolio of innovative customized assessment offerings. Candidates interested in this position will have a strong working knowledge of and interest in K-12 education, a collaborative working style, and experience in data analysis, data management, and programming.
Successful New Meridian employees possess the following traits:
- An ability to get things done: You are results-driven, resourceful, action oriented, and persistent. You consistently look ahead and anticipate needs before they arise.
- Analytical: You have strong analytical skills and are comfortable reviewing quantitative data to inform your understanding of the market and customer needs and issues.
- Creative mindset: You can quickly adapt and develop creative solutions to challenges. You deeply understand product management principles and can apply them to synthesize information and recommend a plan of action.
- Emotional intelligence: You are highly self-aware and perceptive to the dynamics of key relationships. You are positive, empathetic, flexible, and curious. You naturally gain the respect of your colleagues through your authenticity, warmth, and competence.
- Trustworthy: You are highly ethical, principled, and mission-driven. You operate with integrity and garner the trust of others. You exemplify the values of the organization.
EXPECTED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in developing and updating data processing workflows to support operational testing programs.
- Develop and apply quality assurance procedures to support all psychometric and research activities.
- Prepare datasets and update analysis code in support psychometric and assessment design activities including item pool evaluation, item analysis, test analysis, item calibration, item scaling, and technical reporting.
- Create data tables and visualizations for memos, technical reports, and research reports.
- Generate datasets and support empirical analyses on research projects.
- Actively looks for opportunities to automate processes and procedures.
PSYCHOMETRIC, RESEARCH, AND ASSESSMENT DESIGN SUPPORT (PRINCIPAL LEVEL)
- Performs statistical analysis and data processing tasks which may require a basic understanding of applied statistics and measurement such as multiple regression, reliability, validity, and item response theory. This may include the evaluation of results for reasonableness, by using established program-specific procedures.
- Prepares critical information, including schedules and task lists, and performs quality control on critical information from other sources for statistical procedures, equating plans, test analysis reports, and item and DIF analyses.
- Designs, develops, and coordinates the preparation of tables and text for inclusion in program publications, score reports and other relevant documents.
- Serves as consultant or representative for program(s) when complex computer systems are being designed or revised and when data-related problems need to be resolved. Designs, codes, tests, and debugs programs and databases through all levels of complexity.
- Contributes to discussion regarding the potential effects of changes in testing program(s); recommends long-range goals and plans for programs (including staffing, budgeting and technology requirements)
- Responsible for identifying the resolution of data-related problems and evaluates data for reasonableness. Train other staff in the use of psychometric and statistical software necessary to carry out required work assignments.
- Responds to requests for data and data interpretation. Identifies the course of action required to process additional and non-routine requests.
- Advanced programming, data analytic and problem solving skills including:
- The ability to train and instruct staff on the purpose and necessity of assignments using personal experience and knowledge of programs and their processes.
- Troubleshoot for the operating systems and/or software programs.
- Write and/or modify programs with more efficient code, with an eye towards automation, and can train others on how to make their programs more efficient.
- Replicate other system programs results.
- Write programs independently to conduct the non-routine analyses, special studies and requests under a tight deadline.
- Has an automation mindset that leverages strong programming skills to make efficiencies in their testing program.
- Apply advanced Excel techniques to manipulate and present data.
- Proactively works toward shorter cycle time and reduced costs, greater customer satisfaction, and quality maintenance by suggesting and implementing process improvements.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION (ANALYST LEVEL)
- Works collaboratively with internal team and partners and follows established protocols to fulfill tasks accurately and on time.
- Documents internal data analytic procedures.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION (PRINCIPAL LEVEL)
- Develops, plans, coordinates, and conducts the workflow of statistical operations for complex testing program(s) and research projects with complex procedures, including the implementation of complex data processing systems for these operations.
- Plans and oversees the preparation of statistical procedures memoranda and other statistical documents.
- Develops and manages procedures, processes, and work schedules both within Assessment Design & Development and in conjunction with other departments.
- Independently assigns and monitors work of professional and support staff.
- Works collaboratively with internal team and partners and follows established protocols to fulfill tasks accurately and on time.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and successfully manages multiple tasks and projects.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of Bachelor’s degree with 2-3 years of experience in a related field preferred for a Data Analyst level. A Master’s degree and six or more years of experience in managing and coordinating analysis and data processing operations for the Principal Data Analyst.
- Background in Statistics, Mathematics, Psychology, Social Science Research Methodology, or a related field.
- Experience conducting statistical analyses and data processing in SPSS, SAS, R, or Python (certification a plus).
- Experience using Power BI, Tableau, R Shiny or other data visualization tools (certification a plus).
- Travel to meetings and conferences as needed (less than 25%).
New Meridian Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. We are excited to receive applications from persons in occupations or positions where they are under-represented, particularly from individuals connected to underserved communities. We feel we are strengthened by diverse perspectives.