PLANNING ASSOCIATE 2 STATISTICS/DATA ANALYSIS

Definition

Under direction of a Planning Associate 3, manager, or other supervisory official in the Department of Education, performs education research by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data in order to meet changing education needs; develops educational programming by conducting analyses and evaluation of educational programs, surveys, needs assessment, and related research; establishes, maintains, and evaluates program and fiscal data related to state and federal formula aid and discretionary grant applications and allocations; performs mandated regulatory functions; is knowledgeable in and works with independence in areas of assignment; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Designs and implements evaluation instruments to analyze effectiveness of training, curricula, and related education services in local school districts and intermediate and regional units.
• Assists in the establishment of developmental priorities for curriculum and training services.
• Establishes and maintains effective work communications with county offices and regional units to ensure compliance with education programs.
• Analyzes relevant state and federal laws and regulations and develops policy recommendations for their enforcement.
• Initiates the development of specialized programs for target populations.
• Develops technical documents for all New Jersey education systems to evaluate education services.
• After review, makes recommendations on changes in maintenance of local district education goals, as approved by the Department of Education.
• Establishes and maintains liaison with education and public interest groups to inform them of departmental activities and identify their needs.
• Analyzes complex demographic data, develops plans, and recommends policy and formula for funds distribution.
• As directed, trains other professional or nonprofessional personnel.
• Analyzes and interprets needs assessments by reviewing labor market trends, industrial and technological data in order to design and develop evaluative materials and plans to meet changing educational needs.
• Conducts statistical analysis of data, prepares statistical reports and develops technical documents for the evaluation of educational services and programs.
• Develops standard operation procedures for department data collections and prepares the annual data collection plan for state and federal information requirements.
• Researches and analyzes demographic, labor market, and technological data and makes recommendations on education programs and plans to meet changing needs.
• As required, develops and recommends funding criteria and competitive application procedures and forms for awarding grants and contracts to eligible agencies.
• Provides technical assistance to local programs and coordinates the development of training programs for funded agencies; as needed.
• Coordinates the ongoing statewide implementation and evaluation of instructional programs as required by federal law and regulations to ensure compliance.
• As required, coordinates program maintenance and fiscal reporting comparing results with departmental standards and recommending changes to meet standards as needed.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Public Administration, Educational Statistics and Measurement, Statistics, or a related field.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in program evaluation, statistical analysis, or psychometrics.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the organization and structure of the New Jersey education system.
• Knowledge of public education policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes and administrative codes, as applied to education.
• Knowledge of principles and practices providing adult education programming at the local level.
• Knowledge of state and federal program aid requirements.
• Knowledge of legislation and guidelines related to funded programs.
• Knowledge of the operational processes and practices of state agencies, including the fiscal system.
• Knowledge of the procedures for collecting, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting statistical data.
• Ability to determine the statistical validity of research findings.
• Ability to adapt the theories, methods, and techniques of modern statistics to educational research.
• Ability to establish and maintain working and information networks with education and public interest groups.
• Ability to exercise leadership in program planning and development with department staff, county offices, regional units and local school district staff.
• Ability to coordinate plans and resources and identify problem areas of potential or additional needs.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare accurate reports of findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to prepare accurate documentation of budgetary needs.
• Ability to interpret state and federal rules and regulations and develop a responsive plan for meeting special needs.
• Ability to prepare extensive official correspondence.
• Ability to coordinate program maintenance, and fiscal reporting, and other essential files.
• Ability to develop technical assistance materials.
• Ability to plan and conduct regional and statewide inservice training programs.
• Ability to develop program plans from needs assessment information.
• Ability to analyze state and federal labor projections and identify appropriate education programs to meet these needs.
• Ability to analyze trends and project future education needs based on these trends.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.